The information environment within which scholars work is undergoing a paradigmatic change. Over the last decade a number of new digital journals have been launched internationally. There are estimatedly, more than 1000 peer-reviewed digital journals published only online. This development has been prompted by two developments: one, the rising cost of publishing academic output and two, the availability of alternative medium for such publication.

In India, the rising cost of printing, paper and publishing in print has to a large extent stalled the growth and development of a vibrant academic press. While many print journals are today available online, there has been little attempt to explore and utilise the possibilities of internet fully. There is also a wide information gap between academics and policy makers that needs to be bridged urgently and seamlessly.

In India and South Asia information technology and internet connectivity are on a rising curve. However, this by itself will not lead to better dissemination of scholarly output. Key decisions taken by important intermediaries in this process of knowledge production and dissemination, for example the universities and the academic press, will determine the shape of public access to scholarly production. Equally the availability of research to policy makers will help in decision making and will in turn energise research.

We envisage creating a model of this new publishing paradigm in India and serving the rest of Asia, particularly South Asia. We are envisaging an online portal at the core of which will be a peer-reviewed academic journal on the one hand, and a specialised publication for policy makers, The Indian Legislator as its other leg. The eSocialSciences portal is however more than the journal. It will have other features designed essentially to expand the space for social science research.

• Our primary focus is to be a promoter of rigorous research in the social sciences and humanities on (and largely in) India and South Asia.
  The objective, however, is to be inclusive rather than exclusive in terms of perspectives and topics. The peer reviewed eSS the Journal, the core of the eSS portal will feature research papers and other sections.
• Our second interest is in promoting younger researchers and new research ideas.
  This we hope to do through a section that will feature working papers.
• Our third interest is to encourage policy discussion through a section that provides information, commentary and resources and encourages discourse.
• Our fourth interest is to keep scholars posted on current developments in the field.