Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR)

1. Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR)

Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) was established in the year of 1969 by the Government of India to promote research in Social Sciences in the country. The primary objective of the ICSSR is to promote and fund research in the social sciences. Regional Centres were set up in the early days for the promotion of the objectives and activities of the ICSSR.
The Council aims to:

• Review the progress of social science research and give advice to its users
• Sponsor social science research programmes and projects and administer grants to institutions and individuals for research in social sciences
• Institute and administer scholarships and fellowships for research in social sciences
• Indicate areas in which social science research is to be promoted and adopt special measures for the development of research in neglected or new areas
• Give financial support to institutions, associations, and journals engaged in social science research
• Arrange for technical training in research methodology and provide guidance for research
• Co-ordinate research activities and encourage programmes for interdisciplinary research
• Develop and support centres for documentation services and supply of data
• Organise, sponsor, and finance seminars, workshops, and study groups
• Undertake publication and assist in the publication of journals and books in social sciences.

Advise the Government of India on all matters pertaining to social science research as may be referred to it from time to time, and take such measures generally as may be necessary from time to time to promote social science research and its utilisation.

2. Important Features of ICSSR

• Autonomous Body: ICSSR operates as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Education, Government of India. This independence allows it to make research-related decisions without direct government interference.
• Research Funding: ICSSR provides financial assistance for various social science research projects, conferences, seminars, and publications. Researchers and institutions can apply for grants to conduct research in their respective fields.
• Pan-India Network: ICSSR has a vast network of research institutes, universities, and scholars across the country, facilitating collaborative research endeavours.
• Interdisciplinary Approach: The council promotes research that encompasses a wide range of social science disciplines, including sociology, political science, economics, anthropology, and more.
• Publication Support: ICSSR assists in publishing research findings and scholarly work, encouraging dissemination of knowledge.

3. Important Functions of ICSSR

• Research Funding: ICSSR provides financial support to individual scholars, research institutions, and universities for carrying out social science research projects. For example, it may fund a research project on the impact of rural development schemes on Indian farmers.
• Scholarship Programs: ICSSR offers scholarships to researchers, both junior and senior, to encourage research in social sciences. This support helps in the professional growth of scholars.
• Research Methodology Workshops: ICSSR conducts workshops and training programs on research methodologies, data analysis, and fieldwork techniques, enhancing the research capabilities of scholars.
• Publication Grants: The council offers grants to publish research findings and scholarly books, fostering the dissemination of knowledge in the social sciences.
• Conferences and Seminars: ICSSR organises and sponsors national and international conferences and seminars, facilitating intellectual exchange among researchers. For instance, ICSSR might sponsor an international conference on climate change and its social implications.

4. Major Services offered by ICSSR

• Research Grants: ICSSR provides financial assistance to scholars and institutions for research projects. This support can cover fieldwork, data collection, and analysis.
• Scholarships: Scholarships are offered to support the academic pursuits of students and researchers in social sciences.
• Research Dissemination: ICSSR helps researchers publish their findings, either through financial grants or by connecting them with publishers.
• Research Collaboration: The council promotes collaborative research by facilitating partnerships among researchers and institutions. For example, it might encourage two universities to collaborate on a comparative study of education policies.
• Capacity Building: ICSSR conducts workshops, seminars, and training programs to enhance the research skills of scholars and researchers.

ICSSR's autonomy, interdisciplinary approach, extensive network, focus on research dissemination, and support for research methodology training, along with its commitment to research collaboration, scholarships, conferences, and publication grants, make it a unique and influential institution in the field of social science research in India.