Organisation Name:

Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI)

Application Deadline:

3 August 2026

About Organisation

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is the Government of India’s central agency responsible for developing and maintaining the country’s statistical system. The Ministry collects, analyses, and disseminates official statistics that support evidence-based policymaking and national development. It also monitors major government programmes and promotes improvements in statistical methodologies, data quality, and information systems. Through various initiatives, including its Capacity Development Scheme, MoSPI strengthens institutional capabilities, encourages research, and supports innovations in data collection, statistical analysis, and policy-oriented studies that contribute to an efficient and reliable national statistical framework.

About the Grant

Eligible applicants include academic institutions, universities, research institutions, and eligible government or autonomous organisations capable of conducting high-quality research in statistics and related fields. Applicants should have the necessary expertise, infrastructure, and research experience to undertake studies aligned with the Ministry’s identified themes. Research proposals must address areas related to official statistics, data systems, statistical methodologies, policy research, or government statistical frameworks. Institutions should submit complete proposals in the prescribed format and comply with all requirements specified by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation for funding consideration under the Capacity Development Scheme.

Who can Apply?

The Bridging Narratives Grant is open to applicants from around the world, including India. This opportunity is available to journalists and researchers from all career stages, including academic staff, independent researchers, PhD students, and early-career scholars. The project encourages applications from those engaged with critical issues related to migration, political economy, ecology, and culture, though other relevant themes are also welcome. Both individual and joint applications are accepted. Individual applicants will be paired with a researcher after pitch submission, while journalist-researcher teams can submit joint proposals. Applicants must be committed to collaborative work that merges academic research with investigative journalism to produce impactful, people-centered stories.

How to Apply?

Eligible institutions should prepare a research proposal aligned with the themes identified by MoSPI and submit it in the prescribed format with all required documents. Applicants must ensure that the proposal meets the eligibility criteria and complies with the Ministry’s guidelines under the Capacity Development Scheme before submission within the specified timeline.