The Department of Educational Studies (DES), Faculty of Education, Jamia Millia Islamia, has secured a prestigious longitudinal research project worth Rs 1.38 crores, funded by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), India, under the 2nd call for ICSSR Longitudinal Studies in Social and Human Sciences. The project titled “Empowerment of Tea Tribes of Assam through Digital and Non-digital Skill Development Programmes,” aims to investigate the impact of skill development initiatives on the socio-economic empowerment of tea garden workers in Assam.
Jamia Vice Chancellor Prof. Mazhar Asif, and Registrar Prof. Md. Mahtab Alam Rizvi, congratulated the team for the laudable achievement in securing this highly competitive research grant, acknowledging the potential of the project to make a significant impact on the lives of tea garden workers in Assam. Both the VC and the Registrar said it will provide a big boost to Jamia’s deep interest in pursuing and advancing research studies on the Northeast.
Dr. Quazi Ferdoushi Islam has been designated to lead the project as its coordinator, while Prof. Kaushal Kishore, Head of the Department of Educational Studies; Prof. Ahrar Hussain, Former Head & Dean, Faculty of Education, Jamia, and Advisor of SGT University; Prof. Nivedita Goswami from Gauhati University; Dr. Sameer Babu M, Associate Professor of the Department of Educational Studies; and Dr. Zeba Tabassum, Assistant Professor of the Department of Educational Studies, will serve as project directors.
The project involving research, data collection, and analysis will utilize the team’s research and analytical skills to apply the theoretical concepts of qualitative and quantitative research in practical situations to further solidify the understanding of mixed-methods research. The aim of this longitudinal study is to develop a research mindset of lifelong learning and continuous improvement to address real-world problems faced in tea-garden areas of Assam, thereby contributing to the betterment of society. The project shall also facilitate the development of time management, organisation, and goal-setting through a process of planning and timely execution of the same.
Furthermore, this research grant is expected to foster a more rigorous research culture within the Department of Educational Studies, enhancing its research capabilities and contributing to the university’s national and global reputation in terms of undertaking and delivering high-quality and impactful research.
Only last week, on July 8, 2025, Prof. Asif and Prof. Rizvi had a very fruitful meeting with Union Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region and Education Dr. Sukanta Majumdar to discuss the construction of a 400-bedded hostel for North East students in JMI. The Minister had promised his full support and backing for the project.
Prof. Asif said: “With this study focused on the tea tribes of Assam, JMI will be able to further increase its research engagement in the Northeast region of the country.” Prof. Asif added: “I am sure that the findings emerging from the first-hand data collected from the tea tribes of Assam would contribute significantly to enhancing the quality of their lives, improving livelihood opportunities, and providing deeper insights into their work practices, while emphasizing the rich, distinct, and valuable socio-cultural dimensions of the lives, traditions, and lived experiences of these communities.”
Prof. Rizvi, wishing the team every success in the implementation of this seminal research project, said: “Such a research project is important not only because it is an understudied subject but also because its findings have the potential to shape future policy and developmental projects in the region.” Prof. Rizvi added: “JMI is committed to undertaking teaching and research on the lives of culturally, socially, geographically, and linguistically marginalised communities with the aim to empower them. This longitudinal study on the tea tribes of Assam is a major step in that direction.”
