About the Indian Council of Social Science Research
The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) is an autonomous body established in 1969 by the Government of India. Operating under the Ministry of Human Resource Development, ICSSR plays a pivotal role in encouraging, promoting, and funding social science research across India. Its mandate includes reviewing research progress, advising the government on policy issues, and fostering a robust research culture.
Key Initiatives and Achievements in 2019-20
During the 2019-20 period, ICSSR continued its extensive work in supporting social science scholarship. The report highlights various programmes and initiatives, including:
- Research Promotion: Funding numerous research projects, awarding doctoral, post-doctoral, senior, and national fellowships to scholars and faculties.
- Capacity Building: Supporting training and capacity building programmes for young researchers.
- Seminars and Conferences: Providing financial assistance for organizing national and international seminars and conferences to disseminate research findings.
- International Collaboration: Engaging in bilateral collaborative agreements with 12 countries and participating in international social science organizations like the International Science Council (ISC) and UNESCO's MOST programme.
- Publications and Documentation: Funding publication grants for journals and books, and maintaining the National Social Science Documentation Centre (NASSDOC) for library and online services.
- IMPRESS Scheme: Progress under the Impactful Policy Research in Social Science (IMPRESS) Scheme, aimed at promoting policy-relevant research.
The report also details the activities of ICSSR's 24 Research Institutes, five Recognised Research Institutes, and six Regional Centres located across the country, which contribute significantly to national and regional research issues.
Financial Overview
The document includes a comprehensive statement of accounts, providing transparency on the financial assistance provided for various research projects, fellowships, seminars, and institutional support during the reporting period.
Future Outlook
ICSSR continues to address challenges in enhancing the quality of social science research in India, striving to improve the global rankings of Indian institutes and universities, and building a robust research culture. The Council's efforts are aligned with its long-standing commitment to advancing knowledge and informing public policy.