The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) was established on 14th August 1969. It was formed as an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Education, Government of India. Its establishment was a significant step toward promoting and supporting social science research in India. It was created with the objective of promoting and funding research in the social sciences and fostering interdisciplinary studies. It aimed to enhance the quality of social science research, contribute to evidence-based policymaking, and address the social, economic, and political challenges facing the country. Since its foundation, ICSSR has played a crucial role in funding research projects, providing fellowships, organizing seminars and conferences, publishing research findings, and offering policy advice.
It has actively supported social science researchers, institutions, and scholars in their pursuit of knowledge and has contributed to the development of the social sciences in India. It has been instrumental in creating a conducive research environment and fostering collaboration among social scientists, leading to advancements in understanding Indian society and addressing its complexities. From the beginning, the ICSSR has been instrumental in supporting research projects, providing fellowships, organizing conferences and workshops, and promoting interdisciplinary research. It has been actively involved in capacity-building initiatives for social science researchers, disseminating research findings, and providing policy advice to the government and policymakers.
Purpose of its foundation
ICSSR is an autonomous body, established in 1969 with the goal of providing support to scholars and researchers engaged in social science research and promoting interdisciplinary studies. The primary objectives of ICSSR are as follows: a. Promote fund research: ICSSR provides financial assistance to scholars and institutions involved in social science research in India. It funds various research projects, conferences, seminars, workshops, and fellowships to promote high-quality research in the social sciences. b. Capacity building: ICSSR aims to enhance the research capabilities of social scientists in India by providing training programs, workshops, and research methodology courses. It also supports the publication of research findings and promotes the dissemination of knowledge. c. Interdisciplinary research: ICSSR encourages interdisciplinary research by promoting collaboration among different social science disciplines. It aims to foster an integrated approach to social science research and address complex societal issues. d. Policy advice: ICSSR provides expert advice and inputs to the government and policymakers on various social science-related matters. It contributes to evidence-based policy formulation and implementation by conducting research studies and providing recommendations. e. International collaborations: ICSSR actively engages with international organizations and institutions to promote cooperation and collaboration in social science research. It encourages scholars to participate in international conferences, exchange programs, and research collaborations. Researchers, scholars, and institutions in the field of social sciences can apply for funding and support from ICSSR by submitting research proposals, fellowship applications, or conference/seminar/workshop proposals. The council evaluates these applications based on their relevance, academic merit, and potential impact.
Functions of ICSSR
The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) supports and funds a wide range of research projects, studies, fellowships, and other initiatives in the field of social sciences which include: a. Research Grants: ICSSR provides research grants to scholars and institutions for conducting research in various areas of social sciences. These grants support research projects that address social, economic, and political issues and contribute to the understanding of Indian society. b. Fellowships: ICSSR offers fellowships to support individual scholars and researchers in pursuing their research work.
These fellowships include senior fellowships, post-doctoral fellowships, and doctoral fellowships, which provide financial assistance and research support to scholars at different stages of their careers. c. Seminars, Conferences, and Workshops: ICSSR organizes and sponsors national and international seminars, conferences, and workshops on diverse social science topics.
These events bring together scholars, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to discuss and exchange ideas on contemporary issues and research findings. d. Publications: ICSSR supports the publication of research papers, books, journals, and other scholarly works in the field of social sciences. It encourages scholars to disseminate their research findings and contributes to the growth of knowledge in the social sciences. e. Capacity Building: ICSSR conducts research methodology courses, training programs, and workshops to enhance the research skills and capabilities of social science researchers.
These capacity-building initiatives aim to improve the quality of social science research in India. f. Policy Research and Advice: ICSSR undertakes research studies and provides policy advice to the government and policymakers on social science-related matters. It contributes to evidence- based policy formulation and helps in addressing societal challenges. g. International Collaborations: ICSSR promotes international collaborations and partnerships with other countries, research institutions, and organizations. It facilitates research exchange programs, joint projects, and conferences to foster global cooperation in social science research.
Significance of Research in Social Sciences
Research in social sciences is of utmost importance for several reasons: a. Understanding human behaviour: Social sciences research provides valuable insights into human behaviour, attitudes, beliefs, and motivations. By studying individuals and societies, researchers can identify patterns, trends, and factors that influence human actions. This understanding is crucial for addressing social issues, improving public policies, and enhancing social well- being. b. Informing evidence-based policies: Social sciences research helps policymakers make informed decisions by providing evidence-based insights. By studying social phenomena, researchers can evaluate the impact of existing policies, propose alternative solutions, and assess potential outcomes. This knowledge is vital for designing effective policies that address societal challenges and promote positive change. c. Addressing social problems: Social sciences research plays a critical role in identifying and addressing social problems such as poverty, inequality, discrimination, crime, and health disparities.
By conducting research, social scientists can analyze the root causes, consequences, and potential solutions to these issues. Their findings contribute to the development of strategies and interventions aimed at improving social conditions and enhancing quality of life. d. Enhancing societal well-being: Research in social sciences contributes to the overall well-being of society by providing insights into various aspects of human life, including education, healthcare, social relationships, and economic systems. This knowledge helps improve the effectiveness of public services, promote social cohesion, and foster individual and collective well-being. e. Advancing knowledge and theory: Social sciences research contributes to the development and refinement of theories, concepts, and methodologies within the field.
Through empirical investigations, researchers build upon existing knowledge, challenge assumptions, and generate new theories to explain social phenomena. This continuous process of inquiry and knowledge advancement is vital for the growth and progress of the social sciences discipline. f. Promoting critical thinking and informed citizenship: Research in social sciences fosters critical thinking skills, encouraging individuals to question assumptions, challenge biases, and examine evidence.
Author is Professor Political Science. He can be mailed at rajkumarsinghpg@gmail.com
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