The National Commission for Women (NCW) has launched ‘SHAKTI Scholars: NCW’s Young Research Fellowship’, a new initiative aimed at encouraging young students and researchers to undertake policy-oriented research on issues affecting women across India.
The fellowship seeks to promote multidisciplinary research on a broad spectrum of themes, including women’s safety and dignity, gender-based violence, legal rights and access to justice, cyber safety, and the implementation of the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) framework. Other focus areas include women’s leadership and political participation, health and nutrition, education and skill development, economic empowerment, labour force participation, socio-cultural practices, and work-life balance.
According to the Commission, the fellowship is open to Indian citizens aged between 21 and 30 years who hold at least a graduation degree from a recognised institution. Preference will be given to candidates pursuing or having completed post-graduation or higher research, though independent researchers with proven research capacity are also eligible to apply.
Selected fellows will receive a research grant of Rs 1 lakh to carry out a six-month research study. The NCW said the grant amount will be disbursed in phases, linked to the progress of the research work during the fellowship period.
Applications for the fellowship can be submitted via email to the NCW until December 31, up to 5.30 pm. Applications will be evaluated by an Expert Committee constituted by the Commission, following which shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online interaction as part of the selection process.
The announcement comes close on the heels of the NCW launching a new 24×7 short-code helpline, 14490, aimed at providing quicker assistance to women in distress. The Commission has urged citizens, community organisations, and educational institutions to widely publicise the helpline to ensure greater awareness and access to support services.
