NCW Launches SHAKTI Scholars Fellowship for Women-Centric Research

Why in the News?

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has launched the SHAKTI Scholars Young Research Fellowship to promote policy-oriented, multidisciplinary research on women-centric issues such as safety, justice, health, and economic empowerment, encouraging youth participation in evidence-based policymaking and environmental jurisprudence.

SHAKTI Scholars Fellowship: Key Features and Objectives

• The SHAKTI Scholars programme is a Young Research Fellowship initiative by the NCW aimed at strengthening women-centric public policy research in India, including areas related to environmental jurisprudence and its impact on women.
• It encourages multidisciplinary studies covering areas like women’s safety and dignity, gender-based violence, legal rights, cyber safety, health and nutrition, and economic empowerment, as well as environmental democracy and the application of laws similar to the forest conservation act in urban planning.
• The fellowship seeks to bridge the gap between academic research and policy formulation, ensuring research outcomes are relevant for governance and social reform, including aspects of environmental clearance processes.
• It is open to Indian citizens aged 21–30 years with a minimum qualification of graduation from a recognised institution.
• Selected fellows will receive a research grant of ₹1 lakh to conduct a six-month research study, promoting independent and rigorous inquiry into various aspects of women’s issues and environmental policies.

Policy Significance and Expected Impact

• The fellowship strengthens evidence-based policymaking by generating grassroots-informed insights on women’s issues and environmental jurisprudence, potentially influencing future EIA notifications.
• It supports the government’s broader goals of gender equality, women’s empowerment, and inclusive development, while also addressing environmental concerns.
• By focusing on areas like access to justice and labour force participation, the programme aligns with national priorities such as social justice and economic growth, incorporating principles similar to the precautionary principle in policy research.
• Encouraging young researchers enhances capacity building and nurtures a pipeline of policy professionals sensitive to gender concerns and environmental democracy, including understanding of coastal regulation zones and their impact on communities.
• The initiative also promotes research-driven advocacy, enabling informed interventions to address persistent structural challenges faced by women, including those related to environmental policies and their implementation.