(a) whether the Government is promoting the research in social science in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the quality of research in social science is very low in Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) and if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and
(d) whether the Government is taking any steps to ensure good quality research in social science in ICSSR and if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
(SMT. SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI)
(a): Yes, Madam.
(b): Government of India has instituted Institutes and Councils, viz. the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS), Shimla, Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR), and Indian Council of Philosophical Research (ICPR), which are fully funded by the Government of India, for promotion of research in social sciences in the country, in the manner inscripted in their respective Memorandum of Association (MoA).
(c) & (d): The ICSSR is an apex Social Science body which finances and promotes social science research in the country. The ICSSR funds Universities, Colleges and Research Institutes for social science research, and also provides funding to all faculty in colleges, Universities and Research Institutes. The ICSSR also undertakes survey of Social Science Research and identifies the fields where research is lagging. These surveys on social science research have helped in the generation of knowledge and policy formulation of Government. ICSSR, at present, provides maintenance grants to 25 Regional Institutes and 6 Regional Centres in different regions in India including funding for research projects and research fellowships. The details of the Research activities of the ICSSR are available on the ICSSR website at www.icssr.org.
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