Launch of “Impactful Policy Research in Social Sciences (IMPRESS)” Scheme

The Government has approved “Revitalizing Infrastructure and Systems in Education by 2022”, accordingly the scope of institutions to be funded through Higher Education Financing Agency (HEFA) has been enlarged to encompass School Education and Medical Education institutions, apart from Higher Education.

The Government of India, in August 2018, had sanctioned the scheme “Impactful Policy Research in Social Sciences (IMPRESS)” at a total cost of Rs. 414 Cr for implementation up to 31.03.2021.

Features of the Scheme:

1500 research projects will be awarded for 2 years to support the social science research in the higher educational and to enable research to guide policy making.

Implementing Agency:

Indian Council of Social Science and Research (ICSSR)

Objectives of the Scheme:

• To identify and fund research proposals in social sciences with maximum impact on the governance and society.
• To ensure selection of projects through a transparent, competitive process on online mode.
• To provide opportunity for social science researchers in any institution in the country, including all Universities (Centre and State), private institutions with 12(B) status conferred by UGC.
• ICSSR funded/recognized research institutes will also be eligible to submit research proposals on the given themes and sub-themes.

About 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.

About HEFA –

Higher Education Financing Agency (HEFA) is a joint venture of MHRD Government of India and Canara Bank with an agreed equity participation in the ratio of 91% and 9% respectively. It is for financing creation of capital assets in premier educational institutions in India as part of rising 2022. HEFA’s scope is greatly expanded to cover school education, educational institutes under Ministry of Health, etc.

HEFA is registered under Section 8 [Not-for-Profit] under the Companies Act 2013 as a Union Govt company and as Non-deposit taking NBFC (NBFC-ND-Type II) with RBI.

Source: PIB