About the Opportunity
The Chair Professor, Panchayati Raj at CNLU is committed to promoting rigorous academic inquiry into the theory and practice of local self-governance in India. It serves as a dedicated platform for teaching, research, and intellectual engagement on Panchayati Raj Institutions, with a particular focus on democratic decentralisation, grassroots justice, institutional strengthening, and evidence-based policymaking.
In furtherance of these objectives, original and unpublished research papers are invited on the broad theme of Local Governance and Panchayati Raj Institutions.
Call for Papers
Submissions may engage with, inter alia, the following suggestive sub-themes:
- Assessing the implementation, achievements, and structural gaps of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment
- Evaluating the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments in strengthening local self-governance
- Technological interventions, democratic access, emerging challenges, and the digital divide
- Transforming rural administration through technology: opportunities and risks
- Inclusion, representation, and empowerment of marginalised communities
- Assessing the impact of women’s reservation in local self-government institutions
- Role of State Finance Commissions and devolution of funds
- Design, implementation, and accountability of welfare and development schemes
- Local self-governments in environmental protection, climate action, and sustainable development
- Advancing Sustainable Development Goals through local institutions and technological innovation
- Legal framework, implementation challenges, and protection of indigenous rights
- Strengthening Gram Sabha consent and community participation under PESA
- Any other issue related to Panchayati Raj Institutions
Selected high-quality papers may be invited for presentation at a conference organised by the Chair Professor, Panchayati Raj, Bihar, in collaboration with CNLU, Patna.
Eligibility
Submissions are invited from:
- Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students
- Academicians
- Research Scholars
- Professionals and Practitioners
Submission Guidelines
- Manuscripts must be original, unpublished, and not under consideration elsewhere
- Word limit: 6,000–8,000 words (excluding footnotes)
- An abstract of 300–400 words must accompany the submission
- Co-authorship is permitted for up to two authors
- Professionals and practitioners must include a brief biographical note
Formatting Requirements
- Font: Times New Roman
- Font size: 12 pt (main text), 10 pt (footnotes)
- Spacing: Double-spaced (main text), single-spaced (footnotes)
- Citation format: Bluebook (21st Edition)
- Use only footnotes (no endnotes)
- Similarity index must be below 10%
How to Submit?
Interested candidates can submit papers via the link given at the end of the post.
Important dates
- Release of Brochure & Commencement of Registration: 8th February, 2026
- Last Date for Abstract Submission: 28th February, 2026
- Last Date for Full Paper Submission: 25th March, 2026
- Declaration of Result: 30th March, 2026
Awards
Outstanding papers will be recognised with the following awards:
- Best Paper: ₹7,500, Internship Opportunity, and Certificate of Merit
- Second Best Paper: ₹5,000, Internship Opportunity, and Certificate of Merit
- Third Best Paper ( 2 papers): ₹2,500 each, Internship Opportunity, and Certificate of Merit.
Contact
For queries, contact: cppr.office@cnlu.ac.in
