The decade of the 1990s marked a turning point in the development of social work research in India. Economic liberalization, globalization, decentralization, technological advancement, and changing social realities significantly influenced the direction, scope, and methodology of social work research. Earlier, research was largely focused on welfare-oriented issues, descriptive studies, and evaluation of social welfare programmes. After the 1990s, the emphasis shifted toward evidence-based practice, policy-oriented research, rights-based approaches, and multidisciplinary collaboration. These changes reflected the evolving needs of society and the increasing demand for scientifically informed social interventions. One of the most significant changes was the shift from a welfare approach to a rights-based perspective. Research increasingly focused on the rights of marginalized groups such as women, children, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, minorities, persons with disabilities, and the elderly. Studies began to examine issues of social justice, empowerment, human rights, gender equality, and inclusion rather than merely documenting social problems. The process of economic liberalization introduced new social and economic challenges such as unemployment, migration, urban poverty, privatization, and widening inequalities. Social work researchers started exploring the impact of market-driven policies on vulnerable populations. Research expanded to include issues related to labour, informal employment, displacement due to development projects,