ICSSR’s Study on Socio-Economic Impact of Centre’s Schemes

Subject :Polity

Section: National Body

Context

The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) is set to announce research award results for the study of the Union government’s schemes and policies.
Approximately 500 researchers will receive funding for fieldwork focused on specific geographical regions.
ICSSR aims to develop “Indianised research methodology tools” to analyze social and economic changes in the country.

Project Details:

ICSSR conducts primary data-driven empirical research on the social and economic impact of government policies.
31 schemes and initiatives were chosen for study, with nearly 4,000 proposals received.
- Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
- Make-in-India
- PM Gati Shakti
- New Education Policy 2020 etc.
Two types of studies:
- Collaborative studies (₹30 lakh for six months) and
- individual studies (₹6 lakh for six months).
Expert committee to select around 500 proposals.
Involvement of 24 research institutes and six regional centers in the research process.
ICSSR leaves methodology decisions to researchers but provides a basic framework.
The pool of senior social scientists to develop general guidelines for research studies.

Indianising Social Science Methodology:

Paradigms originated from the U.S. or Europe not applicable to diverse Indian regions.
Intellectual and philosophical traditions in India have relevant social concepts and analytical frameworks.
Aim to develop and use Indian methodologies to study social realities.
Comparisons with Africa’s approach to using African methodologies for societal study.
Emphasis on decolonizing social science methodology.
Need to study tribal communities and different castes using appropriate frameworks.

Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR)

Establishment: Founded in 1969 by the Indian Government to promote social science research. (under Societies Registration Act, 1860)
Functions: Provides grants for projects, fellowships, collaborations, surveys, and more to support social science research in India.
NASSDOC: Operates the National Social Science Documentation Centre, offering library resources and information services to social science researchers.
ICSSR Data Service: Facilitates data sharing and reuse among Indian social science researchers, fostering a robust research environment.