Considering the challenges posed by the COVID-19, pushing academic research into almost standstill, CSES initiated an online internship programme for young researchers. Researchers at the CSES mentored the Interns through online meeting platforms. Apart from regular interaction with Research Mentors allotted by CSES for each intern, there were group sessions to present research proposals, provide orientation on conducting research and feedback on research findings.
Interns shortlisted after a rigorous selection process examined how COVID-19 has impacted different segments of society. Topics chosen for internship research varied from how COVID-19 have affected economically and socially vulnerable groups of society like informal workers, those in traditional occupations, people with disability, challenges of online education to children of fisherfolks, tribal communities, among others.
Internship Reports submitted in 2020
| Title of the Study | Name of the Intern | University | Report/Abstract |
| Performance of ASHA Worker during the Time of COVID-19: A Case Study of Rajakkad Grama Panchayath | Akhil Salim MA Economics (Integrated) | Loyola College (Autonomous), Chennai | Report |
| International Migration of Kerala Students for Medicine Course | Paul Thomas, MA Economics (Integrated) | University of Hyderabad | Report |
| COVID-19 and the Community: Kerala’s Response to the Pandemic with reference to the Kumaramputhur Grampanchayat | Arjun P, MA in Social Work | Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai | Report |
| Problems Faced by the Small and Marginal Cardamom Cultivators during COVID19 related Lockdown: A Case Study of Rajakkad Panchayat, Kerala | Delitta Mathew, MA Economics | Central University of Tamil Nadu | Abstract |
| Counteracting Covid-19 through Decentralization: A Case with Special Reference to Enadimangalam Grama Panchayat | Sandra S, MA Economics | Central University of Tamil Nadu | Abstract |
| Creation of a Model GIS Platform for Monitoring Utility Services of Local self-government – Focused in Sangareddy Municipality | J. Himaja Haveelah, Mplan Urban Planning | National Institute of Technology, Calicut | Abstract |
| Analysis of Gender Participation In Different Sectors During the Time of COVID-19: Local Level Understanding | Meera Manoharan, MA Sociology | Pondicherry University | Abstract |
| Role of Kudumbashree in Combating COVID19: A Case Study Of Edakkara Panchayat | Rintu K S, MA Economics | Central University of Tamil Nadu | Abstract |