Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR)

A high-level review meeting was convened by Hon'ble Union Minister of Education, Shri @dpradhanbjp, along with Dr. K Radhakrishnan, former Chairman ISRO to assess the preparedness for the forthcoming NEET-UG re-examination. Dr. K. Radhakrishnan is also the Chairman of the High Powered Steering Committee constituted to monitor implementation of recommendations on National Testing Agency (NTA). Read more: pib.gov.in/PressReleasePa…

The CAG–ICSSR Colloquium Uttar Pradesh Chapter was organized on 25 May 2026 at Lucknow University, Lucknow, by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) in collaboration with the Indian Council of Social Science Research, with the valuable support and cooperation of the Giri Institute of Development Studies (GIDS), Lucknow and Lucknow University. The Colloquium was conducted as part of the CAG’s initiative to promote the use of authentic, reliable, and high-quality public audit and governance data among researchers, academicians, policy analysts, and students, thereby strengthening evidence-based research and informed public policy discourse across Bharat. The discussion primarily focused on two themes “State of Finances of Uttar Pradesh” and “Public Health Infrastructure and Management of Health Services.” The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from faculty members, research scholars, students, and professionals from diverse disciplines, creating a vibrant platform for meaningful dialogue exchange between academia and public institutions. The programme was graced by Prof. Dhananjay Singh, Member Secretary, ICSSR, New Delhi; Dr. Surendra Kumar, IA&AS, Accountant General (A&E), Uttar Pradesh, Prayagraj; Shri Rajiv Kumar Pandey, IA&AS, Principal Accountant General (Audit-I), Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow; Dr. Lokesh Choudhary, IA&AS, Deputy Accountant General, Principal Accountant General (Audit-I), Uttar Pradesh, Prayagraj; Prof. Harsh Sharma, Director, Giri Institute of Development Studies (GIDS), Lucknow; Dr. Nomita P. Kumar, GIDS, Lucknow; and Dr. Nagendra Kumar Maurya, Lucknow University. Through their insightful deliberations, the speakers highlighted key issues relating to fiscal governance, public accountability, healthcare infrastructure, and the role of research in strengthening public policy and service delivery. A major highlight of the event was the announcement of the nationwide CAG Research Article Competition for Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and PhD students to transform public audit findings into accessible and policy-relevant research outputs. The colloquium reaffirmed the importance of stronger collaboration between public institutions and academia while encouraging researchers and students to make greater use of CAG’s rich repository of data for impactful and evidence-based research. #CAG#ICSSR#GIDS#Governance#PublicFinance

The CAG-ICSSR Colloquium:   From Haryana, the CAG-ICSSR Colloquium reaches Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, its eighth chapter. The CAG-ICSSR Colloquium, Uttar Pradesh Chapter, will bring into focus the critical themes of State of Finances of Uttar Pradesh and Public Health Infrastructure & Management of Health Services bringing into focus evidence-based dialogue on fiscal sustainability, healthcare governance, and public accountability. The colloquium will engage distinguished academicians and experts led by Dr. Lokesh Choudhary, IA&AS, Deputy Accountant General, Dr. Nagendra Kumar Maurya, Lucknow University, Dr. Surendra Kumar, IA&AS, Accountant General, Shri Rajiv K Pandey, Principal Accountant General (Audit II), Prof. Dhananjay Singh, Member Secretary, ICSSR, Dr. Nomita P. Kumar, Giri Institute of Developmental Studies, Lucknow. As India’s most populous state and a key driver of the nation’s growth trajectory, Uttar Pradesh’s fiscal resilience and healthcare preparedness are central to the vision of ViksitBharat@2047. The colloquium seeks to examine how prudent financial management, robust healthcare delivery systems, and effective implementation of welfare schemes can accelerate equitable socio-economic transformation across the state, further highlighting the growing importance of data-driven policymaking, institutional efficiency, and outcome-oriented governance in strengthening public trust and improving quality of life for millions. By drawing upon CAG audit findings and scholarly perspectives, this initiative shall strengthen transparency, informed policymaking, and cooperative federalism, paving way for inclusive and sustainable development. The deliberations are expected to generate meaningful recommendations for enhancing accountability, optimizing public expenditure, and improving healthcare accessibility in both urban and rural regions.   #CAGICSSR #PublicHealth #Governance #HealthcareInfrastructure #FiscalManagement

Implementation of Third Language (R3) under NCFSE 2023 In alignment with NEP 2020 and NCFSE 2023, R3 (Third Language) shall be introduced starting with class IX in the Academic Session 2026–27. The initiative aims to strengthen multilingual learning and ensure that every learner studies at least two native Indian languages, in line with the aim of promoting India’s rich linguistic diversity. Key highlights include: * Phased implementation * Structured R1, R2 and R3 framework * Internal school-based assessment for R3 * No separate Board Examination for R3 at Class X level * Special provisions for CwSN, foreign/transient students and CBSE Schools abroad * Scheme of Studies/Curriculum is available at: cbseacademic.nic.in/web_material/C… #CBSE #NCFSE2023 #NEP2020

Press Release ICSSR announces #YuvaShodhPratibha, a special research initiative for students enrolled in Four-Year Undergraduate Programmes under #NEP2020. Through this initiative, ICSSR aims to empower the next generation of researchers and promote a culture of inquiry and innovation. Key highlights of the initiative include: • Support for at least 600 research projects • Grants up to ₹3 lakh per project • Total research assistance of ₹18 crore • Opportunity for original, interdisciplinary and Indian-centric research Read the Press Release here:icssr.org/pressrelease/i… #ICSSR #Research #UGResearch #HigherEducation #IndianKnowledgeSystems @EduMinOfIndia @dpradhanbjp @PIB_Edu @DhananjayaJnu

Launched by the Hon’ble Union Minister of Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan Ji, on the 58th Foundation Day of ICSSR, the “ ICSSR Yuva Shodha Pratibha Scheme” shall provide the fourth year students of the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme under the NEP 2020 support for doing guided research projects in Social & Human Sciences. ICSSR has selected “Youth & Decolonisation” as the broad theme for the inaugural call for projects under this scheme. For connected themes and sub-themes, and other details as well as guidelines, please visit the website. @narendramodi @PMOIndia @dpradhanbjp @mansukhmandviya @OfficeOf_MM @DrSukantaBJP @jayantrld @EduMinOfIndia @YASMinistry @ugc_india @PIB_Edu @PIB_India

ICSSR invites students of the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme under NEP 2020 to apply for research projects on the theme Youth and Decolonisation under Yuva Shodh Pratibha Scheme icssr.org/yuva-shodh-pra… #Decolonisation #youth #Undergraduate #research #projects

The CAG–ICSSR Colloquium Haryana Chapter, organised today by the Office of the Principal Accountant General (Audit), Haryana in association with ICSSR, New Delhi, and hosted by the Centre for Research in Rural and Industrial Development (CRRID), Chandigarh, brought together senior audit officials, economists, academicians, researchers, policymakers, scholars and students for evidence-based deliberations on governance, fiscal sustainability, and public service delivery. The colloquium centred around two major themes--the “State of Finances of Haryana” and “Public Health Infrastructure & Management of Health Services”. In his welcome address, Dr. Ashutosh Sharma, Principal Accountant General (Audit), Haryana, highlighted the importance of transforming audit reports into living public resources capable of informing governance reforms, accountability, and academic research. Prof. Dhananjay Singh, Member Secretary, ICSSR, emphasised the role of social science research in bridging the gap between evidence and policymaking to strengthen governance and contribute towards the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. Shri Davinder Sandhu, Chairman, CRRID, reflected on Haryana’s rapid economic transformation and the need for sustained interdisciplinary dialogue to address emerging developmental challenges. The colloquium also featured engaging Q&A sessions where participants deliberated upon fiscal consolidation, healthcare accessibility, user-charge reforms, MSME productivity, quality accreditation in public health systems, and the importance of strengthening administrative data systems. The event also witnessed the announcement of the nationwide CAG–ICSSR Research Article Competition aimed at encouraging undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students to transform public audit findings into accessible and policy-relevant research outputs. #CAG #ICSSR #CRRID #Governance #PublicFinance

The Indian Council of Social Science Research organised the inaugural talk as a part of its new ICSSR Research Talk Series initiative. Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Hon’ble Union Minister of Labour & Employment, and Youth & Sports, Government of India, delivered the talk on “Public Healthcare in India: Moving Towards Viksit Bharat@2047", emphasising the importance of research for scholars, academics, and other stakeholders in government and academia who aspire to make India a Viksit Bharat. The management of the COVID-19 pandemic by the Government of India, by integrating modern scientific advancements with the traditional medicinal knowledge, which is also a subject of research by him, was the highlight of the talk. Hon’ble Minister referred to the country’s rapid development and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, as well as India’s support to over 100 nations, as rooted in India’s civilisational ethos of Seva and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. Hon’ble Minister underlined the need for a decolonised multidisciplinary research vision and data-centric approach, beyond academic publications, to build a robust and holistic public healthcare system for #ViksitBharat@2047. He highlighted the relevance of Malam Ni Pothi, a pre-modern manual handwritten and compiled by Malams (sailor communities) in the Kutch region of Gujarat, recording the concepts and techniques of navigation, daily sailing, voyages and other sea-faring details as a tangible resource of Bharat’s traditional knowledge in shipping and navigation. He also referred to Charaka Samhita as a holistic example of India’s understanding of medicine, healthcare and well-being. Hon’ble Minister called for research rooted in national priorities, cultural values, and interdisciplinarity towards the realisation of Vision Viksit Bharat 2047. 🔴 Full lecture: ICSSR YouTube Channel youtube.com/watch?v=zxtOCi… #ViksitBharat2047 #ICSSRResearchTalkSeries #PublicHealthPolicy

Addressed the ICSSR Research Talk Series in New Delhi today on 'Public Healthcare in India', highlighting our exemplary COVID-19 management and historic vaccine drive. Under the leadership of PM Shri @narendramodi ji, we are using those strong foundations to build modern, world-class health infrastructure for a Viksit Bharat.

The CAG-ICSSR Colloquium From the North-East India, the CAG-ICSSR Colloquium reaches Chandigarh, Haryana, its seventh chapter. The CAG and ICSSR will be engaging in critical deliberations at the CAG–ICSSR Colloquium on the State of Finances of Haryana and Public Health Infrastructure and Management of Health Services bringing into focus two pillars central to Bharat’s journey towards #ViksitBharat2047-- fiscal resilience and robust public healthcare systems. This colloquium will engage distinguished academicians and experts led by Prof. Narendra K. Bishnoi, University of Science and Technology, Hisar, Shri Davinder Sandhu, Chairman, CRRID, Dr. Ashutosh Sharma, IA&AS, Principal Accountant General (Audit), Prof. Dhananjay Singh, Member Secretary, ICSSR, Dr. Rajesh Kumar Aggarwal, Former Director, CRRID, Shri Naveed Ahsan Bhat, Audit Management Group-I, Haryana, and Shri Aditya Pant, Sr. Deputy Accountant General (AMG-III) Haryana. As Haryana continues to emerge as a major driver of India’s economic and social progress, strengthening healthcare delivery, fiscal sustainability, and inclusive governance remains imperative for ensuring equitable development and human capital advancement. The colloquium serves as an important platform for academicians, experts, scholars, policymakers, administrators, and auditors to engage in meaningful dialogue on building responsive governance frameworks and resilient public institutions for a healthier and stronger India. Deliberations will underscore the critical need for evidence-based policymaking, efficient resource allocation, and strengthened institutional capacities. #CAGICSSR #Haryana #PublicHealth #Governance #HealthcareInfrastructure #FiscalManagement

🔴 LIVE NOW The inaugural talk under the ICSSR Research Talk Series by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya on the topic: “Public Healthcare in India: Moving Towards Viksit Bharat@2047” is now live from the ICSSR Conference Hall, New Delhi. Watch the live stream here: Watch Live on YouTube: youtube.com/watch?v=zxtOCi… #ICSSR #ResearchTalkSeries #PublicHealthcare #HealthcareIndia #ViksitBharat2047

How can India emerge as a global producer of social science knowledge rather than merely a site of observation? #GlobalColloquium2026 #TISS #AcademicDialogue #ViksitBharat2047 #SocialSciences

The Council is organising the inaugural talk under the ICSSR Research Talk Series to be delivered by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Hon’ble Union Minister of Labour and Employment; Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, on the topic “Public Healthcare in India: Moving Towards Viksit Bharat@2047” on 19 May 2026 at 4:00 PM at the ICSSR Conference Hall, New Delhi. The talk will be live streamed on the official ICSSR YouTube Channel. youtube.com/watch?v=zxtOCi… #ICSSR #ResearchTalkSeries #PublicHealthcare #HealthcareIndia #HealthPolicy #GovernmentOfIndia #AcademicDialogue #NewDelhi

Watch the complete video of the 58th Foundation Day Celebration of Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), including the Foundation Day Address by Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Hon’ble Union Minister for Education, Government of India, along with important new announcements for strengthening social science research in the country. 📺 Full Video: youtu.be/EpL_ZSgVzKY #ICSSR #ICSSRFoundationDay #DharmendraPradhan #Education #SocialScienceResearch #India @PMOIndia @dpradhanbjp @EduMinOfIndia @DhananjayaJnu @IndiaCAG

On behalf of the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, Deputy Comptroller and Auditor General (HR, IR, Coordination & Legal), Shri K. S. Subramanian attended the 58th Foundation Day celebrations of @icssr . He highlighted the growing partnership between the Office of the CAG of India and ICSSR through initiatives such as the CAG–ICSSR Colloquium Series and Research Article Competition, aimed at deepening public engagement with governance, audit and policy discourse.

Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) celebrated its 58th Foundation Day today. On this occasion, the Chief Guest, Hon’ble Education Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, planted a tree in the ICSSR campus and congratulated the ICSSR family. In his Foundation Day Address on “Decolonising Social Science Research: Reclaiming Bharat’s Intellectual Heritage”, Hon’ble Education Minister highlighted the critical role that ICSSR plays in shaping the direction of social science research in the country. He posited that, in the age of AI and rapid technological advancements, social science research foregrounds the human-centric understanding. He asserted that creating a Bharat-centric knowledge system, promoting intellectual self-reliance, and nation-building through multidisciplinary evidence-based research shall provide the right impetus to the efforts of decolonisation in the education system. Shri K.S. Subramanian, Deputy CAG of India, the Guest of Honour, highlighted the significance of the collaboration between the Comptroller and Auditor General of India and the Indian Council of Social Science Research in promoting research-based policy engagements. Prof. Madhukarbhai S. Padvi, Chairman, ICSSR, welcomed the dignitaries to the ICSSR campus and shared the institution’s vision of promoting social science research that deals with contemporary social realities. Prof. Dhananjay Singh, Member Secretary, ICSSR, highlighted that ICSSR, in alignment with the vision of NEP 2020, is promoting multidisciplinary and socially relevant research. He noted that multilingualism and multidisciplinarity have been inherent parts of Bharatiya thought, culture and civilisation. The Foundation Day celebration was attended by respected academicians and researchers from various institutions.