Jamia Millia Islamia Department of Management Studies Awarded Prestigious ICSSR Research Project
The Department of Management Studies at Jamia Millia Islamia has achieved a significant academic milestone by securing a major multidisciplinary research project from the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR). This project falls under the council's second call for multi-disciplinary studies focusing on India's Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) for the 2025–26 period.
Competitive Selection and Project Details
The project received approval after a rigorous national evaluation process that involved competitive proposals from institutions across India. With an approved budget of ₹16 lakh, the research initiative represents a substantial investment in tribal studies and sustainable development research.
The project is formally titled “Integrating Indigenous Knowledge, Forest Rights, and Digital Innovation for Sustainable Tribal Development: A Study of the Asur Community of Jharkhand.” It will be anchored at the Department of Management Studies, marking a notable expansion of management research into social development domains.
Research Focus and Objectives
This comprehensive study aims to examine sustainable development pathways for the Asur tribe, which is classified as one of India's Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups. The research will employ a multidisciplinary framework to investigate several critical areas:
- How indigenous knowledge systems can contribute to sustainable development
- The implementation and impact of forest rights legislation
- Digital inclusion initiatives and their effectiveness in tribal communities
- Strategies for strengthening livelihood resilience among vulnerable populations
- Community entrepreneurship development approaches
- Socio-economic empowerment mechanisms for marginalized groups
Research Team and Leadership
The project is led by Dr. Taufeeque Ahmad Siddiqui, Associate Professor in the Department of Management Studies. The research team includes Dr. Md. Obaidul Ola, Assistant Professor, and Prof. Ravindra Ramesh Patil, Head of the Department of Social Work. This collaborative team brings together expertise from management studies and social work disciplines.
Significance for Management Research
The allocation of this project to the Department of Management Studies represents a significant evolution in the scope of management education and research. Traditionally focused on conventional business domains, management studies are increasingly engaging with broader societal challenges through several key areas:
- Inclusive development strategies that address the needs of marginalized communities
- Social innovation approaches that combine traditional knowledge with modern solutions
- Public policy engagement that bridges academic research and practical implementation
- Governance mechanisms for effective community development
- Institutional effectiveness in delivering development programs
- Technology-enabled development strategies tailored for vulnerable populations
By situating this tribal development project within a management studies context, the research will emphasize practical governance frameworks, institutional design, entrepreneurial approaches, and technology integration strategies specifically relevant to India's most vulnerable tribal communities.
The project represents a forward-looking approach to management education that recognizes the discipline's potential to contribute meaningfully to social development challenges while maintaining academic rigor and practical relevance.
