New Delhi: The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) is set to considerably increase funding for social science research in India, allocating Rs 235 crore this year, excluding support for undergraduate and postgraduate research projects, according to a Times of India report.
Key focus areas include studies on Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), women-led research, and student-driven initiatives in colleges and universities.
Highlighting the importance of PVTG research, ICSSR member secretary Prof. Dhananjay Singh stated, Research will prioritize understanding cultural practices, sustainable living techniques, and climate adaptation strategies of these communities, which hold insights relevant to modern challenges of equity, social harmony, and environmental sustainability.
Beginning February 2025, the ICSSR will fund up to 500 undergraduate and postgraduate students to conduct independent research in fields such as development, health, agriculture, technology, and culture.
To encourage womens participation in research, the ICSSR plans to fund 150200 women-led projects.
The council will also continue its longitudinal studies program, focusing on critical areas like disaster management, climate change, agricultural technology, and social health, the report said.
The ICSSR intends to announce the selected projects by January 2025.
