Representative photo NEW DELHI: Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) is set to significantly bolster social science research in India through expanded funding and inclusivity. With a projected budget of Rs 235 crore for the current financial year (excluding UG and PG research projects), ICSSR plans to support studies focused on vulnerable indigenous tribes, women-led research initiatives , and college and university student-led projects. The selected projects are expected to be announced by Jan next year.
Under Centre’s new directive, ICSSR will take a multi-pronged approach, including research on particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTGs) in India, longitudinal studies, and projects specifically for women scholars. PVTG studies, scheduled to begin early next year, aim to create a detailed database to inform research and policy and to document social, cultural, and environmental practices unique to these communities. This initiative will also investigate economic and social vulnerabilities faced by PVTGs.
ICSSR member secretary Prof Dhananjay Singh said, research will prioritise understanding cultural practices, sustainable living techniques, & climate adaptation strategies of these communities, which hold insights relevant to modern challenges of equity, social harmony, & environmental sustainability. ICSSR’s focus on PVTGs reflects a growing governmental interest in data collection on marginalised groups. The research, open to faculty and researchers acr.