The National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru invites applications for two Research Associate positions to work on Project Ability Empowerment – Regional Monitoring of Disability Rights and Care Institutions. These are full-time contractual positions for a period of six months (from the date of appointment), based in Bengaluru, with extensive field engagement across multiple States and Union Territories.

About the Project

Project Ability Empowerment – Regional Monitoring of Disability Rights and Care Institutions is a nationwide monitoring initiative mandated by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India through its judgment dated September 12, 2025, in Reena Banerjee & Anr. v. Government of NCT of Delhi & Ors. The project seeks to:

• Monitor State-run and private care institutions housing persons with cognitive and psychosocial disabilities; and
• Assess the implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, and related constitutional and international obligations.

The Supreme Court has entrusted NLSIU, Bengaluru with regional monitoring responsibilities for the following jurisdictions:

• States: Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh
• Union Territories: Puducherry, Lakshadweep

The project is sponsored by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, in coordination with the Social Justice Departments of the concerned States and Union Territories.

Role Description

The Research Associates will work closely with the faculty supervisors at NLSIU and will be responsible for the following tasks in the target states:

• Assisting in the planning and execution of field visits to State-run and private care institutions across assigned jurisdictions.
• Conducting on-site data collection, including institutional mapping, interviews, and documentation reviews.
• Analysing compliance with statutory and regulatory frameworks under the RPwD Act, Mental Healthcare Act, and allied rules and guidelines.
• Preparing field reports, monitoring notes, and jurisdiction-specific briefs.
• Assisting in the preparation of the consolidated regional report to be submitted to the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India.
• Coordinating with State and Union Territory authorities, civil society organisations, and institutional administrators.
• Supporting project-related documentation, presentations, and internal reviews.
• Handling administrative and logistical responsibilities related to the project.

Qualifications

Essential

• LL.B degree OR Master’s degree in Sociology, Social Work, Psychology, Public Policy, Development Studies, Disability Studies, or an allied discipline.
• Demonstrated interest in disability rights, social justice, constitutional law, or institutional research.

Desirable

• Demonstrable training/prior experience in field-based or empirical research.
• Familiarity with disability law, mental health law, or social welfare legislation.
• Experience working with government institutions, care facilities, or civil society organisations.
• Ability to undertake intensive fieldwork across multiple locations.

Experience

Essential

• 0–5 years of work experience in academic research, policy and legal research , or social sector organisations, with demonstrable research and writing skills.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply through the Google Form here and upload the following documents:

• An up-to-date CV
• A statement of purpose (not exceeding 500 words) explaining motivation, suitability, and career relevance
• Contact details and designation of two referees
• A solo-authored writing sample (published or unpublished)

Compensation

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience and will be in the range of ₹ 50,000 – ₹ 80,000 per month.

Queries

For any queries, please write to:

Deadline

The last date for submission of applications is February 5, 2026 by 5 pm (IST).