Experts Applaud NCW’s Shakti Scholars Fellowship for Women’s Research

In a significant development for women’s research in India, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has launched the *Shakti Scholars* fellowship initiative, garnering widespread support from experts. Announced on December 5, 2023, this fellowship aims to inspire young scholars to delve into the legal, socio-cultural, economic, and technological aspects of women’s lives, with a focus on critical issues such as women’s safety, gender-based violence, and access to justice.

The Shakti Scholars fellowship, established under the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development, seeks to promote interdisciplinary research that can lead to informed policy-making and social transformation. Applications for the fellowship will be accepted until December 31, 2023.

Expert Support for the Initiative

Advocate Vivek Garg expressed his approval of the fellowship, stating, “This is a good initiative taken by the NCW. It will benefit the researchers.” He urged law students and young academics to seize this opportunity, highlighting its potential to enhance understanding of women’s rights.

Echoing these sentiments, Dr. Santosh Kumar, an Assistant Professor at a private university, emphasized the importance of such research initiatives. He noted that the Shakti Scholars fellowship expands the role of knowledge beyond traditional academic boundaries. “Research enables informed policymaking, institutional reform, and evidence-based interventions in areas like women’s health, education, and digital safety,” Dr. Kumar said. He underscored that the fellowship nurtures a generation of researchers capable of translating lived experiences into structured knowledge.

Dr. Kumar further explained that research acts as a bridge between society and the state, amplifying unheard voices and equipping institutions with credible data for decision-making. He described fellowships like the Shakti Scholars as investments in intellectual leadership, empowering young researchers to contribute meaningfully to public discourse and policy formulation.

Another supporter, Miguel Das, founder of Utsah Child Rights Organisation, hailed the initiative as a “very positive development.” He called on scholars from the Northeast region of India to participate, emphasizing the significance of promoting women’s rights and safety.

Student Perspectives on the Fellowship

Student feedback has also been positive. Ashutosh Singh, a PhD scholar at Delhi University, welcomed the fellowship, stating that it aligns with recent efforts in India to enhance research and innovation. “I believe that this fellowship by the NCW will promote quality research,” he asserted.

The Shakti Scholars Young Research Fellowship is designed to support and promote research on various issues affecting women in India. According to the NCW, it provides a platform for emerging scholars to investigate significant challenges women face in diverse social, economic, and cultural contexts. The fellowship aims to influence policy development, foster academic engagement, and contribute to meaningful discussions surrounding women’s rights and empowerment.

The NCW envisions creating a robust network of young researchers dedicated to advancing women’s empowerment and shaping policies for a more equitable society.

Fellowship Details and Requirements

The Shakti Scholars fellowship encourages research from a multidisciplinary perspective and promotes studies that advocate for gender equality, safety, and empowerment. It is open to Indian citizens aged between 21 and 30 years who possess at least a graduate degree from an accredited institution. Preference will be given to candidates pursuing or having completed post-graduate studies or advanced research. Independent researchers with proven capabilities may also apply.

Successful candidates will receive a research grant of INR 100,000 to conduct a six-month research project. Funds will be disbursed in stages based on the progress of their work. Recipients must submit a copy of their publications to the NCW during or after the project. The NCW will hold the Intellectual Property Rights and require prior permission for any publication, reproduction, or presentation of the research findings.

As the NCW embarks on this initiative, it aims to empower young researchers to contribute to the ongoing discourse on women’s rights and develop sustainable solutions that can enhance governance and social welfare systems. Through the Shakti Scholars fellowship, the commission is taking a proactive step towards fostering a more just and inclusive society.