In a remarkable achievement, the Department of Economics has been awarded two significant research grants from the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), totaling ₹32 lakh. This prestigious funding underscores the department’s dedication to pioneering research that addresses critical societal issues.
Dr. Irfan Ahmad Sofi has been granted ₹15 lakh to lead his research project, “Community-Based Homestay Tourism in Kashmir: Exploring its Potential, Vulnerabilities, and Challenges.” The project aims to deliver an in-depth examination of homestay tourism in Kashmir, analyzing its impacts on local communities, economic benefits, and vulnerabilities. The findings are expected to provide key insights into sustainable tourism and community involvement.
Additionally, Dr. Mehak Majeed has secured ₹17 lakh for her role as Co-Principal Investigator in a collaborative study titled, “Evaluating the Cyber-Security Preparedness of Indian Organizations and its Influence on their Performance: A Case Study of MSMEs in Jammu & Kashmir UT.” This study, in partnership with NIT-Srinagar, IUST, and the Observer Research Foundation, New Delhi, seeks to evaluate how small and medium-sized enterprises in Jammu & Kashmir are prepared for cyber threats and the consequent impact on their performance. The research highlights the increasing importance of cybersecurity in today’s digital landscape.
Both Dr. Irfan Ahmad Sofi and Dr. Mehak Majeed are commended for their groundbreaking research initiatives, which are set to deliver valuable insights and advancements in their respective fields.