JMI Faculty Member Secures ICSSR Major Research Project on Digital Grievance Redress and Nyaya Theory
New Delhi, April 20, 2026
The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), Ministry of Education, Government of India, has awarded a Major Research Project to Dr. Pooja Paswan, Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) for her project titled “Evaluating and Improving India’s Digital Grievance Redress Architecture: A Nyaya-Theory-Driven Mixed-Methods Policy Experimentation Study.”
The project seeks to critically examine India’s evolving digital grievance redress systems and assess their effectiveness in ensuring accountability, transparency, and citizen-centric governance. With the increasing reliance on digital platforms such as CPGRAMS, grievance redress mechanisms have become central to administrative responsiveness. However, challenges persist in terms of inclusivity, efficiency, and outcome-oriented resolution, particularly for marginalized and vulnerable populations.
The research project is significant in the contemporary governance landscape as it integrates classical Indian philosophical thought—specifically Nyaya theory—with modern policy design and evaluation frameworks. By combining normative insights with empirical analysis, the study aims to develop a contextually grounded and theoretically informed model for improving grievance redress mechanisms in India.
The primary objective of the project is to evaluate existing systems using a mixed-methods approach, including quantitative data analysis and field-based qualitative research, while also undertaking policy experimentation to identify scalable and evidence-based reforms. The study aims to contribute to strengthening democratic accountability and enhancing public trust in governance institutions.
Further, the project aligns with national priorities of good governance, digital transformation, and inclusive public service delivery, contributing to broader policy goals of administrative reform and citizen empowerment.
Dr. Pooja Paswan is an Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science at Jamia Millia Islamia and serves as Assistant Dean, Students’ Welfare, and is part of the team of the Dean, Students’ Welfare, in addition to being the Chair of the Public Administration Theory Network (PATNET). Her research focuses on public administration theory, public policy, and governance, with a particular emphasis on integrating Indian Knowledge Systems into contemporary administrative frameworks. She has over a decade of teaching and research experience and has actively contributed to advancing critical and plural perspectives in public administration.
The award of this Major Research Project reflects Jamia Millia Islamia’s continued commitment to promoting impactful research that contributes to policy innovation and strengthens democratic governance.
Public Administration Theory Network (PATNET) Annual Conference 2026 Held for the First Time in India at Jamia Millia Islamia
Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, proudly hosted the Public Administration Theory Network (PATNET) Annual Conference 2026 from 26 February to 1 March 2026, marking a historic milestone as the conference was held in India for the first time. Organized in a hybrid format, the conference brought together over 50 participants across time zones, including scholars, practitioners, and thought leaders from across the globe under the theme “Multiplicity in Motion: Governance, Theory, and the Many Worlds of Public Administration.”
The conference commenced with the PATNET Fellows Workshop, which provided an engaging platform for emerging scholars to present their work, receive mentorship, and participate in intensive academic discussions. The workshop highlighted PATNET’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of public administration scholars.
The inaugural session featured distinguished speakers and global leaders in the field of public administration. Opening remarks were delivered by Professor John Bartle, President of the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA). The keynote address was delivered by Shri V. Srinivas, Hon’ble Chief Secretary of Rajasthan and President of the International Institute of Administrative Sciences (IIAS). The conference was formally declared open by Professor Zubair Meenai, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia.
The conference witnessed participation from eminent scholars and practitioners including Professor Vivek Kumar (Dean, School of Social Sciences, JNU), Dr. Vishnu Ramdeo (Founder, Cultural Bridge e.V.), Anil K. Antony (National Secretary & Spokesperson, BJP), Professor Sriparna Pathak (O.P. Jindal Global University), Professor Vadym Pyrozhenko (University of Michigan-Dearborn, USA), Professor Michal Plaček (Charles University, Prague), Dr. Michele Tantardini (Penn State University, USA), Dr. Triparna Vasavada (Penn State University, USA), Dr. Christopher Tyler Burks (University of Arkansas, Little Rock, USA), Professor Jyotirmayee Tudu (JNU), Dr. Sanhita Joshi (University of Mumbai), Meytal Masuri (University of Haifa, Israel), and Professor Hillary Knepper (Pace University, USA), among others.
The Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia, Professor Mazhar Asif, personally interacted with international participants and engaged in meaningful conversations, reflecting the University’s commitment to global academic exchange and collaboration.
A key highlight of the conference was a visit to the Parliament of India, where international participants engaged in an interactive session with students and faculty of the Master of Public Administration programme at Jamia Millia Islamia. This experience provided a valuable opportunity to connect theoretical discussions with institutional practice and democratic processes.
The conference successfully fostered rich academic dialogue, global collaboration, and engagement with diverse epistemological perspectives in public administration. Scholars presented research papers, participated in plenaries, and contributed to discussions advancing theory and practice in governance.
The event concluded with a valedictory session where the conference was formally declared closed by Professor Mohammad Mehtab Alam Rizvi, Hon’ble Registrar of Jamia Millia Islamia. In his address, he warmly welcomed delegates from multiple countries and appreciated the collective efforts that brought this historic conference to India. He particularly acknowledged the leadership and dedication of Dr. Pooja Paswan, Chair, PATNET, whose efforts made the successful in-person convening of the conference possible. The next PATNET Conference will be held at Kent University, Ohio, U.S.A.
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