The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) was established in 1969 by the Government of India to promote research in social sciences in the country. 24 research institutes and centres are affiliated with the ICSSR most of which are focused on development studies.
The ICSSR has a mandate
- to sponsor social science research programmes and projects and administer grants to institutions and individuals for research in social sciences;
- to institute and administer scholarships and fellowships for research in social sciences;
- to co-ordinate research activities and encourage programmes for interdisciplinary research;
- to advise the Government of India on all matters pertaining to social science research as may be referred to it from time to time.
