Profiles of Indian Think Tanks

Profiles of Indian Think Tanks
The following profiles were compiled using information publicly available on think tanks websites
and from think tank publications. A survey was also sent out that asked think tanks to provide the
following information:
1. The number of staff at your institution (#research, #administration, #other)
2. The total budget for the organization or an annual budget range
The profiles are based on the format below:
Think Tank Name
Logo
Website
City
Director, Etc.
Title
Year Founded
Type of Institution
Staff Size
Director Email
Director Phone
Annual Budget
Profile
47!
!
Type of Research
A. N. Sinha Institute of Social Studies

(ANSISS)
http://www.ansiss.in/
Patna
1958
University
Affiliated
Professor D. M. Diwakar
Director
Ansiss1964
@gmail.com
N/A
18 Faculty
30 Support
45 Doctoral Fellows
Rs. 2,47,00,000
$400,000
Agriculture and Rural

Development
Economics
Social Science and Social
Welfare Research
The A. N Sinha Institute of Social Studies is an interdisciplinary research institute funded by the
Government of Bihar. It is currently one of the research institutions supported by the Indian Council
of Social Science Research. The Institute focuses on agricultural research, child labor, well being of
Dalits, and drought in Bihar. Also as required by the Indian government, the institute also provides
journals, books, pamphlets, and other research materials.
Aga Khan Foundation, India

http://www.akdn.org/india.asp
New Delhi
N/A
N/A
N/A
Autonomous and
Independent
N/A
N/A
N/A
Agricultural And Rural Development

Social Sciences and Social Welfare Research
Founded and guided by His Highness the Aga Khan, the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN)
brings together a number of development agencies, institutions, and programs that work primarily in
the poorest parts of Asia and Africa. AKDN is a contemporary endeavor of the Ismaili Imamat to
realize the social conscience of Islam through institutional action. AKDN agencies conduct their
programs without regard to the faith, origin or gender. AKDN works to improve the welfare and
prospects of people in the developing world, particularly in Asia and Africa, without regard to faith,
origin or gender. Its programs are designed to bring a critical mass of economic, social and cultural
activities to bear on a given area. Its projects encompass many of the determinants of the quality of
life, including the natural and built environments in both urban and rural areas, food security, health,
education, access to financial services and economic opportunity, as well as the cultural areas of
traditional music, architecture and art. Some programs, such as specific research, education and
cultural programs, span both the developed and developing worlds.
48!
!
All India Institute of Local SelfGovernment (AIILSG)

http://www.aiilsg.org/
Mumbai
Dr. Jatin V. Modi
Director
1926
University Affiliated
N/A
dg@aiilsg.org
022-2628 4431
N/A
Social Sciences and Social Welfare

Research
The beginning of the Institute goes back as far as 1917, when the need for training in Municipal
Administration was acute. The All India Institute of Local Self-Government, designed to promote
and support activities in the area of research and training in municipal administration, was launched
in 1926. Since its inception, the institute covered various states through its regional offices and
peripatetic as well as permanent centers. The main emphasis of the Institutes work is to see that the
local bodies can contribute more effectively to the development process and provide the citizens
with better living conditions by meeting their aspirations in terms of civic amenities, infrastructure
and better environmental conditions thus contributing to social and economic development of the
society as a whole by better management of the human settlements.
Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI)

http://www.ansi.gov.in/
Kolkata
G.S. Rautela
Director
1945
Government Affiliated
N/A
director@ansi.gov.in
(033) 2286 1796
N/A

Research
Anthropological Survey of India is the one and the only one of its kind anywhere in the world to
pursue anthropological research in a Governmental setup. The Anthropological Survey of India's
genesis was from the Zoological and Anthropological section of the Indian Museum, which became
the Zoological Survey of India in 1916. In 1945, Anthropology section of the Zoological Survey was
carved out to become the Anthropological Survey of India (An.S.I). Much prior to the establishment
of the An.S.I, almost since the beginning of the last century, the unparalleled diversity of the people
of India has come to the notice for a study of every cognoscenti interested in the Indian people, their
culture, social institutions and above all their ethnic affinities. Efforts were made to understand the
people, in a scientific way, not only for the furtherance of scientific knowledge per se but for its
application towards the country's needs and also to its national well-being. The An.S.I has a mandate
of pursuing research in socio-cultural and biological aspects of the Peoples of India in a holistic
perspective, with an emphasis on the matters of contemporary relevance and National significance.
49!
!
Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology

(ATREE)
www.atree.org
Bangalore
1996
Autonomous
and
Independent
Dr. Ganesan
Balachander
Director
gbalachander
@atree.org
N/A
94 Research
23 Management
50 Maintenance and
Support
Rs. 6,937.85 lakhs
$11.1 million
Agriculture and Rural Development

Science and Technology
Research
Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment is a research institution in the areas of
biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. ATREE's mission is to promote socially just
environmental conservation and sustainable development by generating rigorous interdisciplinary
knowledge that engages actively with academia, policy makers, practitioners, activists, students and
wider public audiences. ATREE focuses on applied science through research, education and action
that influence policy and practice on conservation of nature, management of natural resources, and
sustainable development. ATREE envisions a society committed to environmental conservation and
sustainable and socially just development, in which ATREE plays the role of a model knowledgegenerating organization for catalyzing the transition to such a society. ATREE's is composed of the
Suri Sehgal Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation and the Centre for Environment and
Development as well as an Academy which houses a Ph.D. program in conservation and
development. Though headquartered in Bangalore, ATREE has offices, field offices, and
community-based conservation centers throughout India.
Asian Centre for Organisation Research and

Development Society (ACORDASIA)
http://www.acordasia.com/
New Delhi
1981
Quasi- Independent
N/A
Ms. Jyotsna Majumdar

Director
acord@acordasia
.com
91-11-40574103
Rs. 1,00,00,000
5,00,00,000
$160,000 - $800,000
Agricultural And Rural

Development
Governance
Social Sciences and Social
Welfare Research
The Asian Centre for Organization Research and Development Society provides its services to a wide
range of organizations: Central and State Governments, Social Development sectors, Urban and
Rural organizations/communities, and Bilateral/International Development Organizations and to the
CSR of companies. Presently, ACORDASIA focuses on result improvement, city-wide change
management participatory change-management, Public Participation awareness on issues like
environment, organization development, good governance, human resource development, and
urban/rural development with a Head office in Delhi, and a Field office in Bharatpur, Rajasthan.
50!
!
Asian Development Research Institute

(ADRI)
www.adriindia.org
Patna
1991
Quasi
Governmental
N/A
Professor Muchkund Dubey

Chair of ADRI Society
csdnd@del2.vs
nl.net.in
N/A
N/A
Economics
Research
ADRI is an ICSSR-recognized institute that was established as a non-profit civil society

organization, dedicated to social science research by a group of social scientists in 1991. ADRI was
founded not just to expand social science research, but also to emphasize some dimensions of it
which were thought to be critical but had received limited attention. ADRIs research objectives are:
to undertake academic research of direct relevance to development efforts made by an individual or
a group or the community itself; to broaden the database of research and its end use by involving as
many classes of people and institutions as possible; to offer research results in a more innovative,
demystified and use worthy form; and to restore woman/man to her/his central position in social
research in totality and with full dignity. At present, ADRI has six units dedicated separately and
together to research and developing resources for literacy and education, vocational training, and
broadening inter-disciplinary social science research with a special focus on economic policy and
public finance.
Asiatic Society
http://asiaticsocietycal.com/
Kolkata
1784
Independent and Autonomous
N/A
Ramakanta Chakrabarty
President
theasiaticsociety@
gmail.com
033-2554-7783
N/A

Social Sciences and
Social Welfare Research
When the Asiatic Society was established on January 15, 1784, its founder Sir William Jones began
his work with a dream that visualized a center for Asia studies including everything concerning man
and nature within the geographical limits of the continent. Both in the humanities and in science, the
Asiatic Society took the leadership in initiating genuine researches on western lines. There is no
field, which was not touched by the Society, and transactions and journals of the Society were the
mirror of these researches. The pages of these publications speak to the range and depth of these
studies covering Mathematical and Physical Sciences including Meteorology, tidal observations,
laws of storms, Geology both Stratigraphical and Dynamical, Mineralogy, Zoology, Botany
including Palaeo-Botany, Geography, Ethnology, Chemistry, etc. The Society remained the chief
advisory body to the Government of India in matters relating to all kinds of scientific subjects. It
was the initial activities of The Asiatic Society in different branches of Science the led to the
foundation of the Trigonometrical Survey of India in 1818, the Geological Survey of India in 1851
the Indian Metrological Department in 1875, the Zoological Survey of India in 1911, the Botanical
Survey of India in 1912 and so on. Many other distinguished scientific institutions and organizations
were possible because of the help of the Society at their inception.
51!
!
Asiatic Society of Mumbai

http://asiaticsociety.org.in/
Mumbai
1804
Quasi
Governmental
N/A
Shard G. Kale
President
info@asiaticsociety.org.in
9122-2660956
N/A

Welfare Research
The Asiatic Society of Mumbai was founded by Sir James Mackintosh, a distinguished lawyer, jurist
and public figure in England who became the Recorder or the Kings Judge for Bombay. Known
then as the Literary Society of Bombay, it met for the first time on Nov 26, 1804 and aimed at
promoting useful knowledge, particularly such as its now immediately connected with India. The
Asiatic Society of Mumbai forms part of the network of institutions created by the British to
generate, systematize and disseminate knowledge of India and Orient: a vast and cumulative body of
information, learning and knowledge which became constituted into the field of Indology. It was
encyclopaedic in its scope, embracing diverse areas like numismatics, epigraphy, anthropology,
history, archaeology, linguistics, philology, natural history, geology, philosophy, literature and
theology.
Association for Democratic Reform (ADR)

http://adrindia.org/
Mumbai
1999
Independent and
Autonomous
N/A
Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Anil Verma

Head
anilverma@
adrindia.org
91-93160-84953
N/A
Governance
The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) was established in 1999 by a group of professors
from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad. ADRs goal is to improve governance
and strengthen democracy by continuous work in the area of Electoral and Political Reforms. The
ambit and scope of work in this field is enormous, Hence, ADR has chosen to concentrate its efforts
in the following areas pertaining to the political system of the country: corruption and
criminalization in the political process; empowerment of the electorate through greater
dissemination of information relating to the candidates and the parties, for a better and informed
choice; need for greater accountability of political parties; need for inner-party democracy and
transparency in party-functioning.
52!
!
Azim Premji Foundation

http://www.azimpremjifoundation.org/
Bangalore
N/A
2001
N/A
Quasi Independent
N/A
N/A
N/A

Welfare Research
Azim Premji Foundation is a not-for profit organization that has been working for more than a
decade now towards making deep, large scale and institutionalized impact on the quality and equity
of education in India, along with related development areas. Any large scale educational change
requires significant and sustained effort over many decades and can only be achieved through
working at multiple levels as well as on several areas simultaneously. The Foundation today works
in 8 states which together have more than 3,50,000 schools. Aziz Premji Foundation has State
Institutes in the capitals of select Indian states and several District Institutes within these states, each
having dedicated teams. The work of the State and District Institute is institutional in nature,
recognizing that long term and consistent engagement is necessary for educational change. These
Institutes work at the grass root level, closely engaging with the government education system. The
foundation also works in collaboration with State Governments and engages with teachers, teacher
educators, head teachers, block and cluster level education officials, senior government functionaries
and policy makers at the state and national level.
Bangalore Political Action Committee

(BPAC)
http://www.bpac.in/
Bangalore
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw
President
2013
Autonomous and Independent
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Governance
The Bangalore Political Action Committee was established to promote a good quality of life for all
citizens of Bangalore City. Specifically, its goals are to; promote and sustain good governance
practices and policies for the economic competitiveness, social well-being and inclusive growth of
the city; promote integrity and transparency in all arms of the government and to enhance the image
of Bangalore; improve the quality of infrastructure in the city, based on global high standards;
identify and support strong candidates for public offices at all levels of governance from Bangalore
city city council, legislature, and parliament; create a safer city where the rule of law is ensured for
all. BPAC is agnostic to the political affiliation of candidates, and will focus only on their alignment
to the specific agenda of BPAC itself.
53!
!
Bankers Institute of Rural Development (BIRD)

http://birdlucknow.in/
Lucknow
Dr. D.V. Deshpande
Director
1983
Quasi Independent
N/A
bird@nabard.org
91-522-2421954
N/A
Agricultural and Rural

Development
The Bankers Institute of Rural Development (BIRD) was established in 1983 by National Bank for
Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), the apex development bank supporting agriculture
and rural development in India. BIRD, Lucknow is a premier institute for providing training,
research and consultancy services in the field of agriculture and rural development banking in India.
BIRDs mission encompasses: commitment and competence building of people in Rural Financial
Institutions (RFIs) and other partners in Rural Development through training; help building
appropriate systems for delivery of financial systems; promote policy debate on Rural Development
Strategies.
Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)

http://www.barc.gov.in/
Mumbai
Sekhar Basu
Director
1944
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha was the visionary who conceptulized the Indian Nuclear Programme and
along with a handful of scientists initiated nuclear science research in India in March, 1944. He
envisaged the vast potential of nuclear energy and its possible successful utilization in the field of
power generation and allied areas. BARC believes that India is poised to realize, over the next few
decades, the full potential of nuclear power to substantially contribute to meet the country's growing
energy requirements. The academia and students have an important role in informed debates on
policy-making on the sustainability of future growth.
54!
!
Brookings Institution India Center

http://www.brookings.edu/about/centers/india
New Delhi
2013
Autonomous and
Independent
5 Research
Vikram Singh Mehta

Chairman
N/A
+91 11 41628248/9
N/A
Economics
Foreign Policy
Governance
Military and Security Studies
Regional Studies
Social Science and Social Welfare Research
Brookings India serves as a platform for cutting-edge, policy-relevant research and analysis on the
opportunities and challenges facing India and the world. The research priorities of Brookings
Indiaincluding domestic and global economics, foreign policy, energy policy and infrastructure
policywill be aligned with India's policy agenda. Brookings India will seek to collaborate with
existing Indian think tanks across the country. Its work will be based on the Brookings motto of
"Quality, Independence, Impact," promoting in India its brand of independent, in-depth research and
engagement in the policy debate. Brookings India is one of two components of the Brookings India
Initiative. The other component is The India Project at Brookings in Washington, DC. The Initiative
has the twin goals of providing policymaking communities in the U.S. and India with independent
policy research and raising the profile and understanding of Indian policy issues in the United States.
Center for Asia Studies (CAS)

http://www.asiastudies.org/
Chennai
2008
Dr.S.Narayan,
President
contact@asiastudies.org
Autonomous and
Independent
+91 44
42327112/13
N/A
N/A
Economics
Foreign Policy
Regional Studies
The Center for Asia Studies (CAS) was founded to encourage the generation of ideas and concrete
proposals hat will result in enabling and facilitating increased economic opportunities in South and
Southeast Asia. The Center also addresses the skill gap in researcher and analysts by providing
methodological training for young researchers in the fields of economics, international relations and
strategic matters. The Centres also works toward encouraging information exchange on Asian
issues through creation of an information network amongst researchers. In order to help foster
deeper policy debates scale, the Centre promotes national participation in institutional networks for
the use of such networks for collaborations and partnerships and trade links within the region.
55!
!
Center for Study of Science,

Technology and Policy (CSTEP)
www.cstep.in
Bangalore
2005
Autonomous and
Independent
Dr. V.S. Arunachalam

Chairman and Founder
N/A
N/A
47 Research
20 Support
Rs. 13,00,00,000
$2 million
Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP) is a not-for-profit research
organization. As one of the largest think tanks in South-East Asia, its vision is to enrich the nation
with technology-enabled policy options for equitable growth. CSTEP has grown to become a multidisciplinary policy research organization in the areas of Energy, Infrastructure, Materials, Climate
Adaptation and Security Studies. CSTEP is recognized as a Scientific and Industrial Research
Organization by the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. The Center is
supported by grants from domestic and international foundations, industry trusts and governments.
CSTEPs board members represent sectors of government, corporate, academics, philanthropy and
administrative services. In addition to this, CSTEP has built a multi-disciplinary research capacity to
include economists, policy specialists and social scientists, IT experts, etc. to ensure that the research
conducted has a long-term impact and has meaningful outcomes by incorporating social and
economic perspectives to a scientific solution. CSTEP constantly aims at science and technology
enabled policy options for an inclusive and equitable economic growth.
Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI)

http://www.cdriindia.org/home.asp
Lucknow
Ram Vishwakarma
Director
1951
N/A
Director@cdri.res.in
091-(522)-2771940
N/A
The Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), a premier drug research institute of India was
inaugurated on 17th Feb 1951 by the then Prime Minister of India Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru with a vision
to strengthen and advance the field of drug research and development in the country. The Institute has
made significant accomplishments in the pursuit of its mission to New Drugs & Technologies for
affordable healthcare for all, generation of knowledge base and nurturing future leaders for healthcare
sector. The Institute has the following charter of activities: development of new drugs and
diagnostics; cellular and molecular studies to understand disease processes and reproductive
physiology; development of contraceptive agents and devices; systematic evaluation of medicinal
properties of natural products; development of technology for drugs, intermediates and biological;
dissemination of information in the field of drug research, development and production; consultancy
and development of technical manpower
56!
!
Central Food Technological Research Institute

(CFTRI)
http://www.cftri.com/
Mysore
Ram Rajasekharan
Director
1950
N/A
director@cftri.com
91-821-2517760
N/A
Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysore came into existence during 1950
with the great vision of its founders, and a network of inspiring as well as dedicated scientists who
had a fascination to pursue in-depth research and development in the areas of food science and
technology. The mission of CFTRI is to promote a: model organization for scientific industrial
research and a pathsetter in the new paradigm of self-financed R&D in the country; global platform
providing competitive R&D and high-quality science-based technical services across the world; vital
source of science and technology for national societal missions which provide a human face to the
organization's endeavors.
Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering

(CIAE)
http://www.ciae.nic.in/Content/index.aspx
Bhopal
Dr. K. K. Singh
Director
1976
Quasi Governmental
N/A
director@ciae.res.in
91-755-2521000
N/A

Development
Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering was established on Feb. 15, 1976 during the Fifth Five
Year Plan to address research issues related to Agricultural Engineering. CIAE takes the ground
realities, emerging challenges and recent development in science and engineering into account so as
to carve out its strategy and programs. The institute seeks to develop and demonstrate appropriate
technology for various farming situations incorporating modern tools and methods. Precision
framing, conservation agriculture, mechanization of manufacturing and food processing are proposed
to be taken up. CIAE aims to address the issue of farm power availability, and its priorities are
harnessing the potential of agro-residue and renewable sources of energy.
57!
!
Central Institute of Education (CIE)

http://www.cie.du.ac.in/
New Delhi
Sharad Kumar Sant
Assistant Registrar of Education
1947
N/A
N/A
011-279667509
N/A

Welfare Research
Central Institute of Education (CIE) was perhaps the first major institute of professional learning and
research in education that was established since independence. The first Prime Minister of
India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and his first Education Minister, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad took
considerable interest in CIEs establishment in 1947 and its activities and progress in those early
years. Maulana Azad visualized the function of CIE not merely to "turn out teachers who will be
'model teachers', but to evolve into a research center for solving new educational problems of the
country". Maulana prophesized that CIE would grow into "a beacon light for training institutions of
the country". Over these past decades, CIE has indeed grown into a pace-setting institution in
Teacher Education and Educational Research.
Central University of Tibetan Studies (CUTS)

http://www.cuts.ac.in/GuestSection/index.html
Sarnath
Lobsang Norbu Shastri
Director and Vice-Chancellor
1967
N/A
vcoffice.cuts@gmail.com
542-2585242
N/A
Social Sciences and

Social Welfare
Research
The Central University of Tibetan Studies (CUTS) at Sarnath is one of a kind in the India. The idea
of the university was mooted in course of a dialogue between Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first
Prime Minister of India, and His Holiness the Dalai Lama with a view to educating the young Tibetan
Diaspora and those from the Himalayan border regions of India, who have religion, culture and
language in common with Tibet. The University combines traditional wisdom with modern
educational pedagogy, and courses are offered in a graded fashion leading up to M.Phil and Ph.D.
levels.
58!
!
Centre for Air Power Studies (CAPS)

http://capsindia.org/
New Delhi
2001
Autonomous and
Independent
33 Research
Air Marshal Vinod Patney

Director General
capsnetdroff
@gmail.com
91 11 25699131
N/A
Centre for Air Power Studies (CAPS) was established as an autonomous defense research and
analysis body for studies, research and focused analyses of issues related to national security,
defense, and aerospace issues in the evolving strategic and international security environment. CAPS
has a multidisciplinary faculty with rich expertise in security and defense fields, who undertake
quality research work in analyzing the complex multi dimensional trends in warfare, with special
focus on air and space power, deployment of airpower for civil and military purposes, doctrines and
strategies, and non-traditional security issues of environment, energy security and military history.
CAPS objective is to facilitate greater understanding of these issues amongst the Armed Forces, the
public and also improve policy generation and decision-making through research in such vital fields.
Centre for Budget and Governance

Accountability (CBGA)
http://www.cbgaindia.org/
New Delhi
Amitabh Behar
Director
2005
Autonomous
and
Independent
info@cbgaindia
.org
(11) 4920
0400, 4050
4846
12 Research
5 Communications and
Advocacy
7 Administration and Finance
Governance
Rs 3,50,00,000 - 4,00,00,000
$560,000 - 640,000
Centre for Budget and Governance Accountability (CBGA) is a policy research and advocacy
organization based in New Delhi. It analyses public policies and government finances in India, and
advocates for greater transparency, accountability and public participation in budget processes.
CBGA is a proactive, enabling and learning organization, which promotes: transparent and
accountable governance; people's participation in the discourse and processes of governance; and a
pro-people and rights based policy environment, equity and social justice.
59!
!
Centre for Budget and Policy Studies

(CBPS)
http://cbps.in/
Bangalore
N.V. Krishna
President
1998
N/A
N/A
91 80 2656 0735
N/A
Governance
Centre for Budget and Policy Studies (CBPS) is a research-based institution that was established in
Bangalore, India, in January 1998, as an independent, non-partisan, not-for-profit society, registered
under the Societies Registration Act. It was formed as an off-shoot from a research program in the
Development Research Foundation (DRF), a part of Technology Informatics Design Endeavour
(TIDE), also a non-profit society in Bangalore. CBPS vision is creation and sharing of knowledge
for an empowered, equitable, just and democratic society. Social sectors such as education, health
and water are CBPS special focus areas. They specialize in public policy and finance issues
especially in the context of a federal framework.
Centre for Civil Society (CSS)

http://ccs.in/
New Delhi
Luis Miranda
Chairman
1997
29 Research
N/A
N/A
N/A
Governance
Welfare Research
Centre for Civil Society advances social change through public policy. Their work in education,
livelihood, and policy training promotes choice and accountability across private and public sectors.
The Centre is Indias leading liberal think tank, ranked 50 worldwide by the annual study conducted
by the Think Tanks and Civil Society Program at the University of Pennsylvania. The Centre
previously has successfully campaigned for livelihood freedom for street entrepreneurs, resulting in
the passing of the Street Vendors (Regulation and Protection of Livelihood Act in March 2014). The
Centres School Choice Campaign popularized the instrument of school vouchers in education,
increasing choice and access to quality education for all. The CCS envisions a world where each
individual leads a life of choice in personal, economic and political spheres and every institution is
accountable.
60!
!
Centre for Development Alternatives (CFDA)

http://www.cfda.ac.in/
Ahmedabad
1999
Autonomous and
Independent
Prof Indira Hirway

Director
indira.hirway@cfda.ac.in
indira_hirway@yahoo.com
079-26850160
10-12 Research
4 Administration
Rs. 40 - 50 lakhs
$64,000 - $80,000
Economics
Social Sciences and
The mission of CFDA is to work for promoting human centered development by exploring and
communicating alternatives through research, dialogues, seminars and publications, and by
undertaking policy advocacy as well as supporting efforts of like minded institutions. The CFDA
seeks to foster alternative development paradigms and strategies. The Centre works to promote
debates and dialogues as well as systematic research in critical areas related to multifarious issues in
development. The CFDAS research interest span a broad range of topics including labor and
employment, urban development, sanitation and basic services among various other topics. The
CFDA is also closely associated with several global and national networks as a founder member, as
an office bearer or active member.
Centre for Development Economics (CDE)
N/A
http://www.cdedse.org/
New Delhi
1992
Quasi-Government
N/A
Sunil Kanwar
Director
office@econdse.org
91-11-2766 7159
N/A
Economics
The Centre for Development Economics (CDE) was set up with a grant from the Ministry of Finance,
Government of India as a research adjunct of the Delhi School of Economics (Department of
Economics). It is a non-profit organization that supports research in all areas of economics. It came
into existence in August 1992 and began effectively functioning from early 1993, with the full range
of activities picking up only in late 1993 after it received its grants from the Government of India and
the Ford Foundation The Aims of the CDE are: to promote and disseminate research; to sponsor
economists from outside Delhi and outside India to visit the Delhi School of Economics; to conduct
regular conferences and workshops; to upgrade research infrastructure, including communication and
computing facilities.
61!
!
Centre for Development Studies (CDS)

http://www.cds.edu/
Thiruvananthapuram
1971
21 Faculty
Amit Shovon Ray

Director
asray@cds.ac.in
N/A
N/A

Economics
Research
The Centre for Development Studies (CDS) is an internationally renowned, self-governing institution
known for its cutting edge research in applied economics and topics germane to socio-economic
development, impeccable pedagogy, and extensive and exhaustive training programmers. The stateof-the-art CDS library is one of the houses one of the largest collection in South India with over
1,50,000 titles in economics and related disciplines and subscribing to about 400 professional
journals. Research at CDS is organized into six distinct themes: 1. Agriculture and natural resource;
2.Gender, Migration, Population; 3.Health and education; 4. Poverty, vulnerability and social
security; 5. Industry; 6. Trade and technology. There is a seventh cross-cutting theme, analyzing the
impact of globalization on each of the six themes.
Centre for Development Studies and Activities

(CDSA)
http://www.cdsaindia.org/
Pune
1976
University
Affiliated
Staff Size
Director, Etc.
Title
office@cdsaindia.org
Director Phone
Annual Budget

Development
Welfare Research
The Centre for Development Studies and Activities (CDSA) was and remains the pioneer institution
that proposes that learning must be field based, in micro contexts and using local institutions which
are self-organized and self-managed. The Aims and Objectives of CDSA are: to conduct research on
development problems and processes, to experiment with planning methods, to develop techniques of
evaluation which give accurate feedback on the nature and type of changes taking place in the
society; to teach and train participants about the problems and processes of development, to impart
skills to them on the methods and techniques of planning, implementation, administration and
evaluation; to help the governments, its agencies and other public bodies by training their personnel,
carrying out pilot projects for them, conducting research in the areas of public policy and decisionmaking, and giving them correct and accurate feedback; to enter into contracts with individuals,
firms, companies, societies, institutions, agencies, government and non-government organizations in
India and abroad, which further the objectives of CDSA.
62!
!
Centre for Economic and Social Studies (CESS)

http://www.cess.ac.in/cesshome/cessmain.asp
Hyderabad
1980
Quasi Independent
13 Research
20 Staff
Prof. S. Galab
Chairman
sgalab@cess.ac.in
N/A
N/A
Economics
Social Sciences and
The Centre for Economic and Social Studies (CESS) was established as an autonomous research
Centre in 1980. The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) (Ministry of Human
Resource Development, Government of India) then later recognized it as a national institute in the
year 1986 and included the Centre in its network of institutions. Conducting interdisciplinary
research in analytical and applied areas of social sciences, encompassing socio-economic and other
aspects of development, constitute the predominant activities of the Centre. Its sphere of research
activity has expanded beyond the state of A.P., covering other areas of the country as well. The
Centre has been receiving maintenance grants from the State Government and the ICSSR and project
specific grants/consultancies from the state government, central government, Planning Commission,
Asian Development Bank, World Bank, IRC, Netherlands, TATA Trust, UNICEF, Ford Foundation,
European Union and other International Organizations.
Centre for Equity Studies (CES)

http://centreforequitystudies.org/
New Delhi
2000
Autonomous and
Independent
N/A
Harsh Mander
Director
centreforequitystudies@gmail.com
N/A
N/A

Welfare Research
The CES was founded as an independent organization engaged in research and advocacy on a range
of social and economic justice issues in India. The Centre examines the nature and causes of social
injustice and inequity that befall the poorest sections of India to find ways to move towards a more
equitable, humane and peaceful society. They therefore seek to influence and shape public policy and
law in favor of the most disadvantaged communities in this country through a range of work, which
includes: law and social policy design and advocacy, research into the interface of disadvantaged
people with government, law, policy and programs, and finally grassroots engagement to help
develop alternatives to existing policy, programs and law. Based on field-level research amongst
various marginalized communities in India, we propose policy changes and engage people across the
development spectrum in meaningful debates, including academics, civil servants activists and the
communities with whom we work closely. The Centre also plays an implementation role in certain
related areas such as homes for street children and health clinics for the homeless.
63!
!
Centre for Feminist Legal Research

(CFLR)
http://www.cflr.org/
New Delhi
1995
N/A
N/A
Autonomous and
Independent
N/A
N/A
N/A

Research
CFLR is dedicated to Feminist Legal Research from all over the world, basing their work on
fundamental human rights like the right to freedom of speech, the right to freedom of religion, the
right to equality and sexual autonomy, which are examined from the feminist perspective. The
primary objectives of CFLR are: the development of critical understanding of the law in the lives of
women through research; development of multidisciplinary approach to legal works and research; the
development of feminist critique and approach towards the state of rights of the women and
disadvantaged people; promotion of the research by publishing studies
Centre for Gender Studies in Agriculture and

Farm Entrepreneurship Development
(CGSAFED)
http://kau.edu/genderstudies/
Thrissur
1999
N/A
N/A
genderkau@yahoo.com
0487-2375611
N/A

Development
Social Sciences and
Social Welfare
Research
Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) took the bold initiative in institutionalizing the promotion of
gender perspective in agriculture and gender sensitivity in the University environment and functions
by establishing the Centre for Studies on Gender Concerns in Agriculture (CSGCA) as a new
initiative plan project of KAU in 1999. The overarching aim of the CGSAFED is to bring about
gender sensitivity and gender perspective in research, extension and educational efforts in agriculture
and allied fields in the larger context of natural resource management, and thereby increasing and
facilitating womens role and participation in agricultural development along with men for attaining
gender justice in the context of the planned efforts in socio-economic development in Kerala.
64!
!
Centre for Global Health Research

(CGHR)
http://www.cghr.org/researchers/cghr-bangalore/
Bangalore
2002
Prabhat Jha
jhap@smh.
Founding Director
ca
Quasi Independent
N/A
1 416-864-6042
N/A

The Centre for Global Health Research (CGHR) is an independent, not-for-profit organization cosponsored by St. Michaels Hospital (Toronto) and the University of Toronto. Founded in 2002 on
the principle that effective health initiatives must be supported by reliable, evidence-based research,
CGHR was created to conduct large-scale epidemiological studies in developing countries. CGHRs
mission is to lead high-quality public health research that advances global health for all, with
particular attention to the worlds poorest populations. Current projects at CGHR are designed to
generate and disseminate evidence of the major causes of premature mortality among the global poor.
Research areas include maternal and child health, tobacco control, health policy and economics, and
gender inequalities.
Centre of Good Governance (CGG)

!
http://cgg.gov.in/
Hyderabad
K Rama Krishna Rao

Director General
2001
dg@cgg.
gov.in
Government
Affiliated
N/A
34 Research
12 Administration
140 Others
(eDevelopment
Programmers and
Managers)
Rs. 14,00,00,000
$2.29 million
Governance
The Centre for Good Governance (CGG) was established by the Government of Andhra Pradesh in
collaboration with the Department for International Development (DFID) and the World Bank to help
it achieve the State's goal of Transforming Governance. The CGG undertakes action research,
provides professional advice, and conducts change management programs for government
departments and agencies to enable successful implementation of their reform agenda. The CGG
works closely with policy-makers like Ministers, senior officials, management experts, institutions
and other stakeholders, especially citizens towards building people centric governance practices. The
Centre for Good Governance is governed by a Board chaired by the Honorable Chief Minister of
Telangana. The Board also has distinguished personalities drawn from the private sector and civil
society with expertise and interest in governance reforms who bring in diverse and broader
perspectives to decision making.
65!
!
Centre for Health and Social Justice (CHSJ)

http://www.chsj.org/
New Delhi
Abhijit Das
Professor
2006
N/A
abhijitdas@chsj.org
91-11-26535203
N/A

Welfare Research
The Centre for Health and Social Justice (CHSJ) is a civil society institution working on issues
related to health and social justice. CHSJ seeks to strengthen accountability of public health systems
and health governance through research, resource support and advocacy. CHSJ also seeks to develop
ways through which men can engage in interventions aimed at gender equality and social justice. It is
a registered Charitable Trust and has its headquarters in New Delhi.
Centre for Healthcare Management,

Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI)
http://knowledgecommission.gov.in/
Hyderabad
Subodh Kandamuthan
Director
1956
N/A
subodh@asci.org.in
N/A
N/A
Ever since it was established in 1956, ASCI fuelled the process of professionalizing management, by
synergizing a symbiotic blend of management development [training], consultancy and research. This
unique blend coupled with information technology pursuit is structured to develop strategic thinking,
reformist leadership, and state-of-the-art skills among practicing managers in India and the
developing world. It thus envisages to achieve competitive dominance by confronting existing and
emerging challenges and effectively managing regulatory, government, commercial and noncommercial organizations. Over 75,000 participants from industry, government and non-government
organizations in India and the developing world have taken advantage of nearly 200 management
development programs offered by ASCI every year and over 300 organizations have reaped benefits
from its research and consultancy services.
66!
!
Centre for Indian Knowledge System

(CIKS)
http://spsindia.in/
Chennai
1993
Quasi Governmental
N/A
A.V. Balasubramanian
Director
ciksorg@gmail.
com
(044) 2447 1087
N/A
CIKS came into existence in August 1993, when it was formed as an autonomous center under the
Academy of Development Sciences, Maharashtra. The activities of the center are supported through
grants from government agencies, private agencies, donations from individuals and the sale of
educational and training material. CIKS believes that in order to evolve into a strong and a self-reliant
nation India needs to identify and build upon its inherent strengths and potential in varied areas.
CIKS approach is based on the premise that these are not merely serving a decorative role and are
not to remain as appendages to modernity or merely as reminders of a past glory. On the contrary,
CIKS believes they should become the basis on which today's needs and requirements can be met.
Towards this end it is necessary to evolve a program for the strengthening and revitalization of varied
aspects of Indian knowledge systems. This is the long term goal to which the organization. The CIKS
methodology involves looking deep into the heart of these ancient knowledge systems to gain a
strong understanding of their workings and rationale. The understanding and knowledge so gained is
then leveraged to develop solutions that are practical and feasible in today's context.
Centre for Internet and Society (CIS)

http://cis-india.org/
Bangalore
2008
Autonomous and
Independent
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
The Centre for Internet and Society (CIS) is a Bangalore-based organization looking at
multidisciplinary research and advocacy. CIS works on digital pluralism, public accountability and
pedagogic practices, in the field of Internet and Society. CIS focuses on the research areas of
accessibility, access to knowledge, openness, internet governance, telecoms, and RAW.
67!
!
Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS)

http://www.claws.in/
New Delhi
Col Vivek
Verma
Deputy
Director
2004
21 Faculty
landwarfare@gmail.com
N/A
N/A
The Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS) is an autonomous think tank on strategic studies and
land warfare in the Indian context. CLAWS is registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860
and is a membership-based organization. It is governed by a Board of Governors and an Executive
Council. The mandate of CLAWS covers national security issues, conventional military operations
and sub-conventional warfare. The Centre also focuses on conflicts in the region and military
developments in countries within India's strategic frontiers, particularly those in the Southern Asian
region. CLAWS disseminates the products of its research to its members, members of the armed
forces, decision makers, members of the strategic community and interested civilians. It also seeks to
contribute to developing a pro-active strategic culture for India. CLAWS organises seminars and
conferences, round-table discussions, workshops and guest lectures and undertakes research projects
on national security related issues, especially those pertaining to land warfare.
Centre for Latin American and International

Studies, Goa University
https://www.unigoa.ac.in/department.php?adepid=25
Taleigo
1988
N/A
Gangopadhaya Aparajita
Department Head
agt2170@rediffmail
.com
08326519300
N/A
Foreign Policy
Regional Studies
The Centre conducts a university-based program devoted to the study of Latin America and the
Caribbean area, combining research, teaching, publishing and public extension activities. The
academic emphasis is interdisciplinary with emphasis on social science (Economics, History,
Sociology, Political Science and International Relations). In addition, the Centre also conducts a
Masters Program in International Studies.
68!
!
Centre for Media Studies (CMS)

http://www.cmsindia.org/
New Delhi
1991
Autonomous and
Independent
N/A
Dr N Bhaskara Rao
Founder Chairman
N/A
N/A
N/A
Governance
Established in 1991, CMS is a not-for-profit, multi-disciplinary development research and facilitative

think-tank. It endeavors to work towards responsive governance and equitable development through
research, advocacy and capacity building in social development, environment, communication,
media, transparency and governance issues at local and national policy levels. CMS is recognized for
its rigorous study methodologies, innovative approaches to research and for the credibility of its
findings. It has completed over 500 projects in collaboration with 162 public and private partners
across the globe.
Centre for Multi-Disciplinary Development

Research (CMDR)
http://www.cmdr.ac.in/
Dharwad
1976
N/A
P R Panchamukhi
Chairman
N/A
N/A
N/A

Development
Welfare Research
Centre for Multi-disciplinary Development Research (CMDR) is an autonomous social science

research institute recognized and financially supported by the Indian Council of Social Science
Research (ICSSR), Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), Government of India as
well as Government of Karnataka. The aims and objectives of the Centre include, among others,
conducting research on issues of socio-economic development, and decentralized planning at the subregional, regional and national levels in a multi-disciplinary framework, covering economic, social,
political and cultural dimensions of human behavior. The Centre aims to examine the relevance of the
received theories in social sciences which have alien origins and form new theories and conceptual
frames of greater relevance to Indian conditions. Being located in Dharwad, which combines both
urban and semi-rural features, the Centre has the unique advantage of providing a suitable
environment for the analysis of the socio-economic problems of the rural people and regional
economy at the grass root level.
69!
!
Centre for North East Studies and Policy

Research (C-NES)
N/A
http://www.c-nes.org/
Guwahati
2000
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Regional Studies
Research
The Centre for North East Studies and Policy Research (C-NES) was established in 2000 to conduct
research on issues relating to the North East of India in a broad range of areas. It seeks to disseminate
information, develop alternate policy structures which reflect peoples perceptions, and mobilize
public opinion. C-NES interests include governance, environment, information, gender, human
resources, strengthening civil society, culture and heritage, communications and connectivity as well
as regional cooperation. It is envisioned that its primary role will be in the fields of concept
development and field research, as initiator, disseminator and articulator of information and policies
in and for the area while creating a bridge between field and policy as well as between the North-East
and the rest of India.
Centre for Objective Research and

Development (CORD)
http://www.cordstudies.com/
Lucknow
2008
N/A
Athar Husain
Director
atharhusain.athar@gmail.com
9415062653
N/A

Welfare Research
Centre for Objective Research and Development (CORD), Lucknow was established by group of
scholars, academicians, civil right activists and prominent professionals of different fields. CORD has
envisaged a blue print for comprehensive development of civil society, where there is no
discrimination in the name of religion, gender and caste. Since its inception in September 2008,
CORD has been actively involved in improving the primary education infrastructure in U. P.
specially in the minority areas. Mr. Siraj Iqbal (F. I. Group and F. I. Educational and Welfare
Society), Mr. Kamal Faruqui (Confederation of Minority Educational Institutions of India) and Mr.
Athar Husain (Lucknow First Society) took the lead in its formation where at consensus it was
conceived that the socio-economic condition of the minorities, especially Muslims, in U. P. can only
be improved by developing the solid infrastructure for primary education.
70!
!
Centre for Policy Research

(CPR)
http://www.cprindia.org/
New Delhi
1973
Government
Affiliated
N/A
Mr K.C.
Sivaramakrishnan
Chairman
N/A
N/A
N/A
Economics
Foreign Policy
Governance
The Centre for Policy Research (CPR) is a think tank focused on public policy, it is one of 27
national social science research institutes recognized by the Indian Council of Social Science
Research (ICSSR), the apex advisory body of the Government of India for the promotion of research
in the social sciences. The objectives of CPR are to develop substantive policy options on matters
relevant to the Indian polity, economy and society; to provide advisory services to governments,
public bodies and other institutions; and to disseminate information on policy issues through various
channels. The governing board of CPR consists of various public figures from Indian government,
academia, and industry. CPRs community of distinguished academics and practitioners represents
views from many disciplines and across the political spectrum. Senior faculty collaborate with more
than 50 young professionals and academics at CPR and with partners around the globe to investigate
topics critical to Indias future.
Centre for Public Affairs and Critical Theory

(C-PACT), Shiv Nadar University
http://snu.edu.in/centers/c-pact-overview.aspx
Dadri
N/A
2011
N/A
N/A
7 Faculty
N/A

Welfare Research
Centre for Public Affairs and Critical Theory (C- PACT) was established under the governance of the
School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Shiv Nadar University (SNU) to pursue inter-disciplinary
research on social policies. C-Pact believes that it is important to examine social reality from diverse
perspectives so that the outcomes of such exercises are accessible across academic specialties and to
the members of the general public as well. By converting research into viable solutions C-PACT aims
to address the pressing problems of the day without being partisan or biased towards any political or
academic persuasion. Ultimately scholars and fellows of C-PACT hope to advance citizenship in
practice through their research activities.
71!
!
Centre for Public Policy Research

(CPPR)
http://www.cppr.in/
Kochi
2004
N/A
Madhu.S.
Director
N/A
N/A
N/A
Econmics
Governance
Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR) is a think tank dedicated to extensive and in-depth
research on current economic, social, and political issues. CPPR studies public policies with a
dedicated, objective, and an unbiased approach. They strive to initiate policy changes by publishing
research and by framing policy debates and discussions on various subjects. Their research areas
include Governance, Education, Health, Law, Livelihood, Strategy & Security and Urban Reforms.
CPPR have carried out research projects and worked on policy papers for government bodies, private
institutions, and academia; many of which have had a profound impact at the governance level. CPPR
has a diverse research team comprised of professionals from different fields of expertise and resource
persons from across the world.
Centre for Research in Rural and

Industrial Development (CRRID)
http://www.c-nes.org/
Chandigarh
1978
Quasi Governmental
N/A
Kuldip Kaur
Director General
N/A
N/A
N/A

Development
The Centre for Research in Rural and Industrial Development (CRRID was collectively conceived by
a group of like-minded friends drawn from different disciplines and backgrounds to promote
research, publication, development, training and similar creative activities in the northwest region. It
is among the 27 research institutes in the country supported by the Indian Council of Social Science
Research (ICSSR), New Delhi, and enjoys the distinction of being the only one of its kind in the
northwestern states of Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and the UT of
Chandigarh. CRRID was accorded the "national status" in 1984 by the Ministry of Human Resource
Development (MHRD), Government of India, in recognition of its contribution to the cause of social
science research in the broader national perspective. Since 1984 both the Government of India and
the Government of Punjab have been supporting CRRID in its endeavors by providing regular
financial grants on a matching basis through the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR),
New Delhi, and the Department of Planning, Government of Punjab, Chandigarh. In 1986, the
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, approved the setting up of a Population
Research Centre at CRRID with 100 per cent grant from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare,
Government of India. In addition to the above, CRRID has been granted recognition by the
Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government
of India as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (SIRD).
72!
!
Centre for Science and Environment (CSE)

http://www.cseindia.org/
New Delhi
1981
N/A
Sunita Narain
Director General
sunita@cseindia.org
+ 91-11-29955778
N/A

Welfare Research
The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) is a public interest research and advocacy
organization that researches, lobbies for, and communicates the urgency of development that is both
sustainable and equitable. Research at CSE often consists of in-depth learning about an
environmental problem and then finding answers in accordance with CSEs core values. The CSE has
also been developing programs in the area on non-formal environmental education programs. The
CSE also has a Pollution Monitoring Laboratory that is an independent, analytical laboratory that
monitors toxic contamination of the environment and uses the results of this monitoring to advocate
for improved regulation of the use of toxins in the country. The CSEs main goal is to raise awareness
about environmental concerns, participate in seeking answers and more importantly push for
answers and transform these into policy and practice.
Centre for Social Development (CSD)

http://csocid.org/
Imphal
N/A
Autonomous and
Independent
N/A
K.H. Norendro Meitei

President
N/A
N/A
N/A

Development
Research
Centre for Social Development (CSD) is a secular non-profit making development agency with its
headquarter in Imphal. CSD has been facilitating development activities managed by organizations
including women society, church and village development committees. For the last decade, CSD has
been focusing on the challenges of development, HIV/AIDS in Manipur. For the last two-years CSD
has been reaching out in different states of North East India and supporting NGOs to build the
capacity of People Organizations. Initially CSD was formed by a group of trained and professional
young individuals with the commitment to contribute to the development process. CSD believes that
people can build a viable future state through sustained democratic and non-violent processes. CSD
raises funds from state and national governments and provides support to needy communities through
community-based partners called the People Organizations. At present CSD is working with over 250
People Organizations. CSD also acts as volunteers to facilitate NGO networking in the state and the
Northeast states of India.
73!
!
Centre for Social Research (CSR)

http://www.csrindia.org/
New Delhi
1983
N/A
Dr. Ranjana Kumari

Director
N/A
N/A
N/A

Welfare Research
Founded in 1983, Centre for Social Research is a non-profit, non-governmental organization based in
New Delhi. Its mission is to empower the women and girls of India, guarantee their fundamental
rights, and increase understanding of social issues from a gender perspective. CSR operate on local,
national and regional levels in an effort to enhance the capacities of individuals, communities and
institutions for creating a humane, equitable and gender-just society. For nearly three decades, Centre
for Social Research has been a leader in the Indian womens movement due to its unique, tri-fold
position as an experienced facilitator of grassroots programs and trainings; an esteemed research
institute; and a lobbyist, advocate and advisor to government institutions. Some of CSRs key issue
areas include but are not limited to: violence against women, pre-natal sex selection, engendered
governance, women and economy, and gender sensitization for and mainstreaming within all sectors
of society.
74!
!
Centre for Social Studies (CSS)

http://www.css.ac.in/
Udhana
1969
Quasi Governmental
N/A
Satyakam Joshi
Director
satyakamjoshi@rediffmail.com
N/A
N/A

Research
The Centre for Social Studies (CSS) is an autonomous social science research institute financially
supported by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), Ministry of Human Resource
Development (MHRD), Government of India (GoI) as well as Department of Education, Government
of Gujarat (GoG). The Centre's faculty members are drawn from a number of social science
disciplines including those from Sociology, Human Geography, Economics, Anthropology, History,
Statistics, and Social Work. CSS faculty includes scholars with a wide range of interests, whose
writings continue to appear in Indian and foreign journals and books. The research interests of the
faculty address scientific methods of enquiry, studies on tribals, dalits and minority groups,
ethnographic enquiries, sects and religion, rural transformation, social conflicts, movements and riots,
urbanization and development, urban and regional planning, literature and social consciousness,
human resource development (education and health), coastal studies, environment and social impact
assessment of projects etc. In recognition of their contributions to the respective fields, members of
the faculty are represented on various governmental and non governmental panels and advisory
committees at local, state and national levels. Apart from teamwork at the Centre, faculty members
also collaborate with scholars from other academic institutions in India and abroad. Besides multidisciplinary research, the Centre has also been actively involved in guiding doctoral students,
teaching, consultancy, training, as well as evaluation and monitoring of various development
programs.
75!
!
Centre for Studies in Social

Sciences, Calcutta (CSSSC)
http://www.cssscal.org/
Kolkata
Dr. Balkrishna
Kurvey
President
1973
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Regional Studies
Financed primarily by matching grants from the ICSSR and the Government of West Bengal, the
Centre has full academic autonomy, is designed to function democratically and is proud of its
impeccable record of public accountability. The Centres Professors and Fellows are academics of
high merit from the fields of economics, history, political science, sociology, social anthropology,
geography and cultural studies. Their unique interdisciplinary culture allows for collaboration
between people from different fields for research that might not find support in traditional
department-based institutions. The CSSSC also works to collaborate with other institutions and
organizations, including universities, colleges, management institutes, and other institutions in India
and abroad to promote common research goals.
Centre for the Study of Developing Societies

(CSDS)
http://www.csds.in/
New Delhi
Sanjay Kumar
Director
1963
Quasi Governmental
N/A
directo@csds.in
N/A
N/A
Social Sciences and

Since its inception in 1963, the Centre has been known for its critical outlook on received models of
development and progress; it is animated by a vision of equality and democratic transformation. The
Centres scholarship has challenged tendencies in academic and policy regimes to seek and prescribe
standardized pathways to social and political change. The Centre has done this by attending to the
patterns of difference, diversity, and creativity that emerge from the ways people survive in and
reinvent the contemporary world and generate alternative practices and imaginations. In contrast to
the development economics profile of most social science research institutions, the Centre is singular
in its multi-disciplinary approach. Scholars of political studies and political philosophy, sociology,
anthropology, psychology, history, and legal and media studies have populated the Centre over the
years, giving it a live interdisciplinary context. Over the years, the Centre has also been distinctive in
generating and utilizing a productive tension between rigorous scholarly work and social
movements, between academic commitment and political practices, and in the shaping of public
policy. CSDS is largely funded by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) under the
Ministry of Human Resource Development.
76!
!
Centre for Women's Development Studies

(CWDS)
http://www.cwds.ac.in/
New Delhi
1980
Dr. Kumud Sharma

Chairperson
N/A
N/A
24 Research
28 Support
Rs. 6-8 crores
$950,000 - $1.3 million
Social Science and Social Welfare

Research
The Centre for Womens Development Studies (CWDS) was established in the middle of the
International Womens Decade, by a group of men and women, who were involved in the preparation
of the first ever comprehensive government report on the Status of Women in India entitled
Towards Equality. The Advisory Committee on Women's Studies of the ICSSR recommended the
need for an autonomous institute to build on the knowledge already generated, but with a wider
mandate and resources to expand its activities in research and action. The recommendation was
accepted by the ICSSR, and communicated to the Womens Bureau of the Ministry of Social
Welfare, Government of India. In 1984-85, on the recommendation of a visiting committee appointed
by the Indian Council of Social Science Research, CWDS began to receive an annual maintenance
grant from the ICSSR and became recognized as one of the Research Institutes supported by ICSSR.
CEPT University
http://www.cept.ac.in/
Ahmedabad
1962
Quasi Governmental
N/A
Dr. Bimal Patel

President and Acting Director
N/A
N/A
N/A

Research
CEPT University focuses on understanding, designing, planning, constructing and managing human
habitats. Its teaching programs build thoughtful professionals and its research programs deepen
understanding of human settlements. CEPT University also undertakes advisory projects to further
the goal of making habitats more livable. The University comprises five faculties. The Faculty of
Architecture was established as the School of Architecture in 1962. It focuses on design in the
private realm. The Faculty of Planning, focused on planning in the public realm, was established in
1972 as the School of Planning. The Faculty of Technology, which concentrates on engineering and
construction, was established in 1982 as the School of Building Science and Technology. The
Faculty of Design was established in 1992 as the School of Interior Design. It deals with habitat
related interiors, crafts, systems, and products. Faculty of Management is a newly established faculty
from the Faculty of Technology Management and it focuses on Habitat and Project Management.
CEPT University takes its name from the Center for Environmental Planning and Technology
(CEPT). CEPT and the various schools that it comprised were established by the Ahmedabad
Education Society with the support of the Government of Gujarat and the Government of India.
77!
!
Chennai Centre for China Studies (CCCS)

http://www.c3sindia.org/
Chennai
2008
Autonomous and
Independent
N/A
Prof. V. Suryanarayan
President
N/A
N/A
N/A
Foreign Policy
Regional Studies
The Chennai Centre for China Studies (CCCS) is a non-profit public policy think-tank, with the
following areas of focus: carry out in-depth study of developments relating to China with priority to
issues of concern to India like the Sino-Indian border problem; China-Pakistan nexus; prospects of
Sino-Indian economic and trade relations; future evolution of Chinas politics and its impact on India
and the world; China-India-ASEAN relations; scenarios on Chinas new found role in SAARC;
growing importance of Southern India for Chinese interactions, investments etc.; India-ChinaSoutheast Asia cultural links; offer workable solutions/ policy alternatives on the basis of studies, to
the strategic planners and decision makers in India, on questions of bilateral, regional and global
importance; create public opinion, particularly in South India, on the implications arising out of
Chinas rise; provide a forum for dialogue with China scholars in India and give space for expression
of alternate opinions in India on China-related topics; provide a sound database for research on China
with special attention to tapping information available in Chinese language material, published in
China, so as to benefit scholars, media and think-tanks in India as well as rest of the world; address
the requirements of the business community in India, particularly informing them about the nature of
emerging business opportunities in or problems while dealing with China, like the still undeveloped
judicial system/ questions concerning intellectual property rights in China; liaise with think-tanks
specializing on China, both in India and abroad, with an aim to conduct exchanges of views on
China.
Child Relief and You (CRY)

http://www.cry.org/
Mumbai
1979
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A

Research
Child Rights and You is a non-profit organization in India that aims to restore children's rights in
India. The organization partners with grass-roots Non-governmental organizations to uplift thousands
of Indian children denied basic children's rights. It works towards restoring basic rights to children,
especially from India and works across levels from direct action to advocacy, mobilizing public
opinion and policy change. It was started by Rippan Kapur in 1979 with Rs 50. By the time of his
death in 1994, the organization had grown considerably in 1993 the organization had spent Rs.1.75
crore on 58 projects in rural, urban and tribal areas. CRY focuses mainly on the 4 basic rights of
survival, development, protection and participation which were defined by the United Nations
Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), an international human rights treaty which has been
ratified by 192 countries.
78!
!
Cluster Pulse
http://www.clusterpulse.org/
Ahmedabad
1996
N/A
Jagat Shah
Founder and Mentor
N/A
N/A
N/A
Economics
Cluster Pulse, an ISO certified economic development agency, is a professionally managed, selfsustaining, autonomous institution with excellence in implementation of Cluster Development
initiatives as its main objective through the twin approach of market intervention and technology
upgradation in SME's. Cluster Pulse has worked in 80 industry vertical like Textiles, agro,
engineering, pharma, consumer goods, ICT etc. Cluster Pulses core activity is implementation of
cluster development program by way of both backward linkage & forward linkage. The work of
Cluster Pulse is defined by rigorous analytical and strategy formulation expertise combined with
practical, hands-on implementation experience. Cluster Pulse has intimate knowledge of India 's
SMEs and their business challenges, combined with international best practices on SME development
and cluster growth strategies.
79!
!
Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)

http://www.cii.in/
New Delhi
1895
N/A
Sumit Mazumder
President
N/A
N/A
N/A
Economics
The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) works to create and sustain an environment conducive to
the development of India, partnering industry, Government, and civil society, through advisory and
consultative processes. CII is a non-government, not-for-profit, industry-led and industry-managed
organization, playing a proactive role in India's development process. Founded in 1895, India's
premier business association has over 7400 members, from the private as well as public sectors,
including SMEs and MNCs, and an indirect membership of over 100,000 enterprises from around
250 national and regional sectoral industry bodies. CII charts change by working closely with
Government on policy issues, interfacing with thought leaders, and enhancing efficiency,
competitiveness and business opportunities for industry through a range of specialized services and
strategic global linkages. It also provides a platform for consensus-building and networking on key
issues. Extending its agenda beyond business, CII assists industry to identify and execute corporate
citizenship programs. Partnerships with civil society organizations carry forward corporate initiatives
for integrated and inclusive development across diverse domains including affirmative action,
healthcare, education, livelihood, diversity management, skill development, empowerment of women,
and water, to name a few. With 64 offices, including 9 Centres of Excellence, in India, and 7 overseas
offices in Australia, China, Egypt, France, Singapore, UK, and USA, as well as institutional
partnerships with 300 counterpart organizations in 106 countries, CII serves as a reference point for
Indian industry and the international business community.
80!
!
Consumer Education and Resource Centre

(CERC)
http://www.cercindia.org/
Ahmedabad
1978
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A

Welfare Research
CERC is a non profit, non government body, dedicated to the protection and promotion of consumer
interests through active use of research, media, law, advocacy and information dissemination. CERC
does not belong to any political party, nor does it subscribe to any political ideology. CERC is
recognized as a research institute by the Government of India and as a consumer organization by the
Government of Gujarat. and the United Nations has recognized CERC as one of the approved non
government organizations. CERCs goals are to; ensure total consumer safety against unsafe products
and services through education, research, awareness campaign and dissemination of the findings of
the comparative testing of consumer products and product information; establish transparency and
accountability of business and industry, including utility services and the public sector; resolve
individual complaints; and protect the environment
Consumer Unity and Trust Society

(CUTS)
http://www.cuts-international.org/
Jaipur
1983
Autonomous
and
Independent
Pradeep S Mehta
Secretary General
psm@cuts.org
N/A
75 Research
12 Administration
24 Others
Rs. 1,56,00,00,000
$2.5 million
Economics
Governance
CUTS grew from a rural development communication initiative, a wall-newspaper Gram Gadar
(Village Revolution) with a group of concerned citizens to do research and advocacy on basic
economic and development issues, including: consumer protection; international trade and
development; competition investment and economic regulation; good governance with a focus on
accountability and access to information; human development; consumer safety. CUTS conducts
policy research and evidence-based advocacy for policy and practices changes to bridge gaps
between the core and periphery, between state and non-state actors.
81!
!
Consumer Unity and Trust Society,

Centre for International Trade,
Economics and Environment (CUTS
CITEE)
Jaipur
http://www.cuts-citee.org/
Autonomous and
1996
Independent
Bipul Chatterjee
Deputy Executive
Director
bc@cuts.org
N/A
N/A
N/A
Economics
Governance
CUTS Centre for International Trade, Economics & Environment (CUTS CITEE) is a program center
of CUTS International, a civil society organization working on public interest issues of Trade,
Economic Regulations, Governance and Human Development, with its headquarters in Jaipur, India
and presence in Nairobi (Kenya), Lusaka (Zambia), Accra (Ghana), Hanoi (Vietnam) and Geneva
(Switzerland). CUTS CITEEs mission is to pursue economic equity and social justice within and
across borders by persuading governments and empowering people.
Consumer Unity and Trust Society, Institute for

Regulation and Competition (CIRC)
http://circ.in/
New Delhi
1996
Autonomous and
Independent
N/A
C. Rangarajan
President
N/A
N/A
N/A
Economics
Governance
CIRC was established by the Consumer Unity and Trust Society (CUTS) to fill in the prevailing gaps
and enhance knowledge on regulatory issues. Regulatory reforms are gaining pace in the developing
world, with an increasing number of countries enacting competition and sectoral regulatory laws. For
example, the Indian Competition Act, 2002 and miscellaneous sector regulatory laws covering
electricity, fuel, ports, airports, telecom & broadcasting, established a completely new set of rules
unfamiliar to most companies doing business in India and to the regulatory staff themselves and
stakeholders. CIRC believes that there is a severe shortage of institutional capacity to both implement
the reforms and facilitate the spread of knowledge on regulatory matters in developing countries.
CIRC seeks to address this shortage by offering educational and training programs.
82!
!
Council for Social Development (CSD)

http://www.csdindia.org/
New Delhi
1962
N/A
Professor Muchkund Dubey

President
N/A
N/A
N/A

Development
Research
The Council for Social Development came into existence in the year 1962 as an informal study group
of social workers and social scientists having a common interest in working towards a just social
order in India. CSD is today one of the leading institutions working in the area of development
research in India. Apart from carrying out pioneering research on developmental issues and concerns,
CSD has played an influential role in voicing social concerns among planners and policy-makers
throughout the fifty years of its existence. The main objectives of the Council are to undertake and
promote the study of social development through studies on the national and regional policies of
development, on the process of planning, and on the interaction of social and economic development
with various stages of national growth in developing countries. CSD's long-term goal is to assist in
integrating the needs of social development with those of economic development especially with
respect to the needs of the underprivileged sections of society. CSD works collaboratively with a
wide range of non-governmental agencies, universities, research institutions, governmental
departments and international aid agencies, to this end. CSD researchers work on a wide range of
subjects including gender issues, child welfare, forests and biodiversity conservation, sustainable
development, poverty alleviation, urban planning, agricultural and sustainable rural development,
tribal welfare, health, governance, caste-based discrimination and education.
83!
!
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research

(CSIR)
http://www.csir.res.in/
New Delhi
1942
N/A
Narendra Modi
President
N/A
N/A
N/A
The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), known for its cutting edge R&D
knowledgebase in diverse S&T areas, is a contemporary R&D organization. Having pan-India
presence, CSIR has a dynamic network of 38 national laboratories, 39 outreach centers, 3 Innovation
Complexes and 5 units. CSIRs R&D expertise and experience is embodied in about 4600 active
scientists supported by about 8000 scientific and technical personnel. CSIR covers a wide spectrum
of science and technology from radio and space physics, oceanography, geophysics, chemicals,
drugs, genomics, biotechnology and nanotechnology to mining, aeronautics, instrumentation,
environmental engineering and information technology. It provides significant technological
intervention in many areas with regard to societal efforts, which include environment, health,
drinking water, food, housing, energy, farm and non-farm sectors. Further, CSIRs role in S&T
human resource development is noteworthy. CSIR has pursued cutting edge science and advanced
knowledge frontiers. The scientific staff of CSIR only constitute about 3-4% of Indias scientific
manpower but they contribute to 10% of Indias scientific outputs.
84!
!
Council on Energy, Environment and Water

(CEEW)
http://ceew.in/
New Delhi
2010
Autonomous and
Independent
19 Employees
Arunabha Ghosh
Chief Executive Officer
arunabha.ghosh
@ceew.in
+91 11 4073 3300
N/A

Development
Welfare Research
The Council on Energy, Environment and Water is an independent, not-for-profit policy research
institution. CEEW addresses pressing global challenges through an integrated and internationally
focused approach. It does so through high quality research, partnerships with public and private
institutions, and engagement with and outreach to the wider public. In four years of operations,
CEEW has engaged in more than 70 research projects, published more than 40 peer-reviewed policy
reports and papers, advised governments around the world over 80 times, engaged with industry to
encourage investments in clean technologies and improve efficiency in resource use, promoted
bilateral and multilateral initiatives between governments on more than 30 occasions, helped state
governments with water and irrigation reforms, and organized more than 80 seminars and
conferences. The Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) envisions a path of
sustainable growth and development through the holistic management of energy, environment and
water resources. CEEWs mission is to promote dialogue and common understanding on energy,
environment and water issues in India, its region and the wider world, through high quality research,
partnerships with public and private institutions, and engagement with and outreach to the wider
public.
Delhi Policy Group (DPG)

http://www.delhipolicygroup.com/
New Delhi
1994
N/A
Dr. Radha Kumar

Director General
N/A
+91-11-24649571
N/A
Foreign Policy
Governance
Military and Security
Studies
The Delhi Policy Group is an independent think tank founded in 1994, which seeks to build a nonpartisan consensus on issues of critical national interest. The Delhi Policy Group focuses on three
research areas: National Security, Peace and Conflict, and Governance. Within this framework, the
Delhi Policy Group holds conferences, Round Tables, Working Groups and Task Forces. The Delhi
Policy Group also publishes books, reports and issue/policy briefs.
85!
!
Democracy Connect
sites.google.com/site/democracyconnect7/
New Delhi
2007
Autonomous and
Independent
N/A
Nidhi Prabha Tewari

CEO and Managing Trustee
npt@democracy
connect.org
N/A
N/A
Governance
Democracy Connect is a non-profit engaged in investigating the ways and means by which the
highest potential of the Indian democratic system can be realized. In the past, Democracy Connect
has undertaken capacity building with parliamentarians through customized research briefs and
individualized sessions, done analyses of Parliament and State Assemblies, and organized dialogues
between panchayats and MPs across the political spectrum. Now Democracy Connect is more sharply
focused on institutions of democratic representation and their linkages with each other and most
importantly with citizens. Democracy Connect operates in the belief that without democratic
deliberation at the grassroots level, there cannot be democracy at the parliamentary level.
Development Alternatives (DA)

http://www.devalt.org
New Delhi
1982
Autonomous
and
Independent
Dr. Ashok Kumar

Chairman
N/A
N/A
63 Regular Staff
157 Consultants
51 Project
Appointees
Rs. 52,01,13,240
$8.35 million

Development Alternatives (DA) is a research and action organization that is focused on creating
systems of sustainable development. The main activities the center undertakes are the design and
implementation of greener technologies, creation of schemes to manage natural resources, and
creation of strong institutions to foster continued development. DA believes in demonstrating
sustainable development through empowering communities, creating green jobs and promoting low
carbon pathways for development. DAs mission is to help eliminate poverty and regenerate the
environmental resource base through methods that are highly scalable. The DA Group innovates ecosolutions to help meet the basic needs of all and works with partners, including government bodies,
local entrepreneurs and civil society to market these in a commercially viable and an environmentally
friendly manner to an ever-growing body of consumers.
86!
!
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar National

Institute of Social Sciences (BANISS)
http://www.csir.res.in/
Dongargaon
1988
N/A
Governor of Madhya Pradesh

Chairperson
N/A
N/A
N/A

Research
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar National Institute of Social Sciences, dedicated to the memory and ideals
of Bharat Ratna Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, was established by the Government of Madhya Pradesh at his
birth place, Mhow on 14th November, 1988, to provide facilities for specialized teaching courses,
research, extension, sensitization and training in Social Sciences with a focus on the problems of
weaker sections including scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, other backward classes, minorities,
women and children. Primarily, the Government of Madhya Pradesh, Department of Scheduled
Castes Welfare funds the Institute and Indian Council of Social Research, New Delhi and other
Central and State agencies also provide funds to the Institute in the form of non-recurring grants.
Based on values of an egalitarian social order like justice, liberty, equality, fraternity, and secularism
as envisaged in the Constitution of India and guided by the views, ideals, thoughts and philosophy of
Dr. B R. Ambedkar, the mandate of the Institute is to work for the development of the society in
general and that of weaker sections including the deprived and socially discriminated sections in
particular, through its research, teaching, training, sensitization and extension programs.
Economic and Political Weekly Research

Foundation (EPWRF)
N/A
http://www.epwrf.res.in/
Mumbai
1993
Quasi Independent
N/A
Dr. J. Dennis Rajakumar

Director
epwrf@vsnl.com
022 - 2885 4995
N/A
Economics
Since its inception, the EPWRF has built up expertise in important areas of economic research and
analysis. The Foundation has been focusing on a systematic compilation and dissemination of current
and long-term data series on the macro-economy, as also various economic, social and demographic
sectors. While disseminating these data series, the EPWRF has not only been describing the
underlying concepts and methods and procedures of data compilation, it has also been making critical
observations on their quality and possible weaknesses. Besides, all database studies published by the
EPWRF have provided reviews of the trends in growth and structural changes of the Indian economy
as revealed in the respective macro-economic and sectoral data.
87!
!
EMBARQ India
http://embarqindia.org/
Mumbai
2006
Quasi Independent
N/A
Alok Gupta
Chief Operating Officer
agupta@embarqindia.org
N/A
N/A

Research
EMBARQ - the WRI Center for Sustainable Transport - is a not-for-profit initiative of the World
Resources Institute (WRI), an environmental think tank in Washington, D.C. that goes beyond
research to find practical ways to protect the earth and improve people's lives. EMBARQ India is a
member of the EMBARQ network which includes centers in Mexico, Brazil, India, Turkey and the
Andean Region, which work together with local transport authorities to reduce pollution, improve
public health, and create safe, accessible and attractive urban public spaces. The network employs
more than 100 experts in fields ranging from architecture to air quality management; geography to
journalism; and sociology to civil and transport engineering. EMBARQ India started activities in
2006 in Mumbai and has since then expanded to the cities of Bangalore and Delhi working with
Indian authorities to catalyze and help implement solutions to the problems of urban mobility.
Energy and Resources Institute (TERI)

http://www.iisc.ernet.in/
New Delhi
Dr R K Pachauri
Director-General
1974
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A

Social Sciences and
TERI was established with the initial focus on documentation and information dissemination.
Research activities, initiated towards the end of 1982, were rooted in TERIs firm conviction that
efficient utilization of energy and sustainable use of natural resources would propel the process of
development. All activities in TERI, the largest developing-country institution working towards
sustainability, move from formulating local- and national-level strategies to shaping global solutions
to critical issues. Towards this end, TERI has established regional centers in Bengaluru, Goa,
Guwahati, Mumbai and the Himalayas. They have also set up affiliate institutes TERI-NA,
Washington, DC, USA, and TERI Europe, London, UK and also have a presence in Japan,
Malaysia, and the UAE.
88!
!
ERU Consultants Pvt. Ltd,

FKA Educational Resource Unit
http://embarqindia.org/
New Delhi
1996
Corporate
N/A
Bharat Patni
Managing Director
N/A
N/A
N/A

Research
ERU Consultants Pvt. Ltd, earlier known as Educational Resource Unit, is a research and consulting
group that was established in 1996 with the objective of working in an interdisciplinary manner on
education, public health and child development. It does qualitative research in education, child
development and womens empowerment. Since 1996 its work has been published widely and it has
been a pioneer in researching gender and social equity issues that frame educational access and the
complex inter-linkages between heath and education. ERU specializes in process documentation and
has documented many path-breaking initiatives in womens empowerment, girls education and
elementary / secondary education in India and in the South Asian region. ERU undertakes impact
assessment, evaluation and manage large scale program reviews for the government, multilateral and
bilateral agencies and non-governmental organizations and foundations. It works with schools to help
them connect with their vision and goals. It works with the government and other development
agencies to design and develop educational and empowerment programs.
Fields of View
http://www.fieldsofview.in/
Bangalore
2011
Autonomous and
Independent
N/A
N/A
N/A
9 Researchers
3 Volunteers
4 Mentors
Rs. 1 crore
$160,000

Fields of View is a non-profit organization, registered under the Karnataka Societies Registration
Act, 1960. Issues in urban systems and public safety and security are often referred to as wicked
problems. Fields of View believes such problems require a diverse set of actors to come together and
collaborate and that India needs government, academia, industry, and civil society to question,
debate, discuss, and ideate together. Fields of Views goal is to design spaces to enable such
dialogues using games and simulations tools based on research at the intersection of social sciences,
art, and technology.
89!
!
Forum for Integrated National Security

(FINS)
http://finsindia.org/
Mumbai
2004
Autonomous and
Independent
N/A
Lt Gen (Retd.) Dr. D. B. Shekatkar

President
N/A
N/A
N/A
Forum for Integrated National Security (FINS), an apolitical organization is at the forefront to raise,
discuss and propagate issues which have direct impact on our national security. FINS believes that a
secured nationhood can provide peace and prosperity to citizens. Thus this forum, tries to raise issues
with eminent people for them to take a holistic view of our current concerns on economy, defense,
international relations and relevant social systems keeping national security at its core. FINS
regularly hosts events like seminars and summits to help educate budding professionals from colleges
on Nationalism based on current and future scenarios of global order. People working with FINS are
from Defense, Judiciary, Police and Intelligence Organizations, Legal, IT, Corporate world,
Academicians, Business professionals and so on.
Forum for Strategic Initiatives (FSI)

http://www.fsidelhi.org/
New Delhi
N/A
Brig. Arun Sahgal (Retd.)

Executive Director
brigarun.sahgal@
gmail.com
Autonomous
and
Independent
Rs. 19,00,000
$30,000
N/A
N/A
Economics
Regional Studies
Foreign Policy
Forum for Strategic Initiatives (FSI) is a membership-based, bipartisan, public policy think tank that
seeks to provide strategic insights and alternative policy options to Indian decision makers in foreign
policy and national security studies. It also provides Indian business leaders with insights to further
their foreign investment and industrial policy decisions. FSI strives to provide a forum for the
discussion of contemporary strategic issues in the field of national defense and international security
and act as a source of recommendations to members of parliament, business leaders, and domestic
and international policy makers. FSIs main focus areas are: global trends shaping the strategic and
security discourse; nuclear security issues including non-proliferation and arms control; Pakistan,
China and other regional studies; internal security, including political violence, terrorism and
counter-insurgency; developments in AsiaPacific and the Middle East; energy security and policy;
and economic policy. FSI organizes and facilitates seminars, conferences, study courses, lectures,
discussions and workshops on issues of contemporary strategic interest and also conducts
simulation/gaming exercises and scenario building. In addition, FSI helps to organize Track II
dialogue with Indias regional neighbors and major global powers.
90!
!
Foundation for Research in Health Systems

(FRHS)
http://frhsindia.org/
New Delhi
1989
Autonomous and
Independent
N/A
Dr. Vijaykumar Aruldas

Managing Director
varuldas@gmail.com
N/A
N/A
Social Sciences and

FRHS is committed to research and evidence-based approach to improving public health services in
India. FRHS has over 25 years of research and development experience in the field public health; a
nationwide reach and over 25 professionals from medical, health research, management sciences, IT
and social sciences. FRHS mission is to develop and apply innovative approaches and models for
improving decision making and management practices in health. Its identity is closely linked to itd
core competencies in action research and data management. However at the heart of all FRHS
research is the field reality. FRHS combines research with a strong field presence and strives hard to
make research results relevant to a diverse audience from field level health functionaries to program
managers and policy-makers.
Gateway House: Indian Council on Global

Relations
http://www.gatewayhouse.in/
Mumbai
2009
Autonomous and
Independent
N/A
Manjeet Kripalani
Executive Director
kripalani.manjeet@
gatewayhouse.in
N/A
N/A
Foreign Policy
Gateway House is a foreign policy think tank in Mumbai, established to engage Indias leading
corporations and individuals in debate and scholarship on Indias foreign policy and the nations role
in global affairs. It is membership-based, independent, non-partisan and not-for-profit. Gateways
scholarship reflects their view of India open, global, innovative and a positive influence in a
complex world. Their scholars cover new subjects such as geoeconomics and space technology
cutting edge not just in India but globally. A comprehensive website is the primary outreach of the
institute, and contains local and global writing on Indias foreign policy. Gateway House has also
hosted several meetings with influential foreign policy opinion makers and leaders from around the
world.
91!
!
Giri Institute of Development Studies (GIDS)

http://www.gids.org.in/
Lucknow
1973
N/A
Surinder Kumar
Director
varuldas@gmail.com
N/A
N/A

Development
Welfare Research
Giri Institute of Development Studies (GIDS) is a premier center for advanced research and training
focusing on the development concerns of India and its regions. Established in 1973 by a group of
eminent academicians and leading public personalities and named after the former President and
eminent labor leader Late Shri V.V.Giri, the Institute has emerged a vibrant center of policy oriented
and analytical multidisciplinary research in the country. GIDS is supported by Indian Council of
Social Science Research (ICSSR) and Government of Uttar Pradesh as an autonomous institute of
national importance.
Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics

(GIPE)
http://www.gids.org.in/
Pune
1930
Quasi Governmental
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A

Development
Economics
Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (GIPE), commonly known as Gokhale Institute, is one of
the oldest research and training institutes in economics in India. The major research areas of the
Institute, developed over the years through financial assistance from various sources, are:
Agricultural Economics, Population Studies, Economic History, Input-output analysis for planning
and development, Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Monetary economics, Financial Economics,
Public Economics, International Economics and the study of economics of East European countries.
The Institute publishes a quarterly journal of economics in English, Artha Vijnana, the first
publication of which was made in March 1959. This journal publishes results of research work
carried out in the Institute as well as works of scholars from outside the Institute after a refereeing
process. The Institute also publishes research works in the form of books and mimeograph series. The
Kale Memorial Lecture, organised by the Institute every year on the occasion of the Founder's Day, is
published under the Kale Memorial Lecture Series. Over 70 lectures have been delivered under this
Lecture Series.
92!
!
Govind Ballabh Pant Social Science Institute

(GBPSSI)
http://www.gbpssi.nic.in/
Allahabad
1980
N/A
Professor Pradeep Bhargava

Director
N/A
N/A
N/A
Social Sciences and

The Govind Ballabh Pant Social Science Institute became a Constituent Institute of the University of
Allahabad on July 14, 2005, when the University of Allahabad Act, 2005 came into force.
Established in 1980 as one in the network of Social Science Research Institutes, which Indian
Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) set up in association with the State Governments, in this
case, the Government of Uttar Pradesh, the Institute entered privileges of the University of Allahabad
in 2005. The Institute undertakes interdisciplinary research in the field of social sciences. The main
areas of research at the Institute include development planning and policy, environment, health and
population, human development, rural development and management, culture, power and change,
democracy and institutions. The Institute has a doctoral program in social sciences and a MBA Rural
Development Program.
93!
!
Gujarat Institute of Development Research

(GIDR)
http://www.gidr.ac.in/
Ahmedabad
1970
Quasi Independent
12 Faculty
10 Administration
5 Academic Support
Kirit Parikh
President
N/A
N/A
Rs. 320.87 Lakhs

$515,000

Development
Governance
Welfare Research
The Gujarat Institute of Development Research (GIDR), established in 1970, is a premier

organization recognized and supported by the Indian Council of Social Science Research, New Delhi.
It undertakes analytical and policy-oriented research concerning development issues. The broad
thrust areas of research at the Institute include Natural Resource Management, Agriculture and
Climate Change, Industry, Infrastructure, Trade and Finance, Employment, Migration and
Urbanization, Poverty and Human Resource Development and Regional Development, Institutions
and Governance. The major strength of the Institute is a thorough understanding of the micro
processes and a consolidated effort to link these to macro issues. The faculty members have made
considerable endeavor towards developing policy-sensitive database of the Indian economy,
especially relating to the informal activities, including child labor. The Institute has played a useful
role in promoting empirical research in the country and the evolution of related conceptual
framework and approaches. Over time, the Institute's research agenda has broadened to cover a fairly
wide range of issues pertaining to development policy both at the regional and the national levels.
The results of the Institute's research are shared with policy makers, non-governmental organizations
and other academicians. The faculty members at the Institute also participate in government panels,
committees and working groups to influence certain policy decisions. The Institute promotes public
discussion through the publication of its research findings and through seminars, conferences and
consultation. The Institute also undertakes collaborative research and has a network with NGOs,
international organizations, government and academic institutions
94!
!
Hindu Centre for Politics and

Public Policy
http://www.thehinducentre.com/
Chennai
N/A
Corporate
36 Faculty
Members
V.S. Sambandan
Chief Administrative
Officer
N/A
+91 80
2363 5555
N/A
Economics
Governance
Founded by the publishers of The Hindu to help revive ebbing public confidence in our parliamentary
democracy.!The Centre through its various explorations will seek to: 1. Establish stronger and
credible roots for parliamentary democracy, pluralism and economic betterment. 2. Increase
understanding of the various aspects of the challenges today. 3.Embark on the task of building
research that will revisit key Constitutional concepts and examine the validity of the postIndependence set of political values to assess their relevance and utility in terms of the crisis of
confidence besetting the system today. The Centres explorations will include the manner in which
certain concepts like secularism and social justice have become such contentious items of political
discourse. As a public policy resource, their goal is to enlighten the Indian public and to increase their
awareness of their political and social choices.
Imagindia Institute
http://www.imagindia.org/
New Delhi
2006
Autonomous and
Independent
11
Robinder Sachdev
President
robinder@imag
india.org
N/A
Rs. 1,50,00,000
$250,000
Foreign Policy
Regional Studies
Research
The Imagindia Institute is a non-partisan, independent think tank and research center with a mission
to promote the image and imagination of India. In pursuit of its mission, Imagindia conducts
research, designs strategy, implements projects, and where necessary attempts to shape public and
elite opinion - within India, and globally. Imagindia helps foreign governments, corporate and
political leaders, media, and publics to better understand and engage with India. Imagindia
simultaneously assists the Indian governmental, political, and business leaderships, and the public
and media, to better interpret, strategize, and implement India's geopolitical and economic interests in
the global theatre and foreign markets. Imagindia's work spans public and business diplomacy across
cultures, and it often plays a significant role in research and campaigns within India, as well in other
countries
95!
!
India Development Foundation (IDF)

http://idfresearch.org/
Gurgaon
2003
Autonomous and
Independent
20 Research
Vijay Kelkar
Chairman
N/A
N/A
N/A
Economics
Regional Studies
Welfare Research
The India Development Foundation is a privately funded, non-profit, non-partisan research

foundation set up as a trust. Its major objective is to develop awareness about how markets work,
why they are desirable, and how they can be developed. IDF aims to help policy makers transform
emerging economies into market-based societies. The IDFs research is focused into four cells. 1)
Examining the laws, institutions, and norms that enable markets. 2) Developing methodologies to
monitor implementation of projects. 3) Overcoming problems of market segmentation and inefficient
outcomes by taking into account issues like poverty and gender rules when accessing market
accessibility. 4) Integrating the historically isolated North-East states of India into the Indian
economy. In addition to a board composed primarily of distinguished economists, the IDFs research
staff includes a diverse range of policy experts with backgrounds in development, geography,
medicine, and mathematics. The IDF often partners with various universities, governmental, and
financial institutions to make and implement policy recommendations.
India Foundation
http://www.indiafoundation.in/
New Delhi
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A

Welfare Research
India Foundation is an independent research center focused on the issues, challenges and
opportunities of the Indian polity. The Foundation believes in understanding contemporary India and
its global context through a civilizational lens of a society on the forward move. Based on the
principles of independence, objectivity and academic rigor, the Foundation aims at increasing
awareness and advocating its views on issues of both national and international importance. It seeks
to articulate Indian nationalistic perspective on issues. India Foundations vision is to be a premier
think tank that can help understand the Indian civilizational influence on our contemporary society.
With a team of dedicated professionals based at its office in New Delhi, the Foundation works with
partners and associates both in India and overseas to further its stated objectives. The India
Foundation is comprised of three centers: Centre for Study of Religion and Society (CSRS); Centre
for Security and Strategy (CSS); Centre for Constitutional and Legal Studies (CCLS).
96!
!
India International Centre (IIC)

http://www.iicdelhi.nic.in
New Delhi
Shri Soli J. Sorabjee
President
1958
Quasi Independent
86 Members
solisorabjee@gmail.com
011-24641453
N/A
Social Sciences and

The India International Centre is a non-government institution widely regarded as a place where
statesmen, diplomats, policymakers, intellectuals, scientists, jurists, writers, artists and members of
civil society meet to initiate the exchange of new ideas and knowledge in the spirit of international
cooperation. Modeled after the International House of Japan the Centre is registered under the
Societies Registration Act (XXI) of 1860, with funding from the Rockefeller Foundation and 37
Indian universities. The Centre furthers its mission through providing a wide range of activities from
lectures, seminars, panel discussions, international and national conferences to a variety of cultural
events of music, cinema, performing and visual arts, both classical and folk. Three core departments
provide platforms for the ICCs activities and dissemination of information; the Programmes
Division, the Library and the Publications Division.
Indian Council for Research on

International Economic Relations
(ICRIER)
http://icrier.org/
New Delhi
Dr. Rajat Kathuria
Director
1981
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Economics
Foreign Policy
ICRIERs main focus is to enhance the knowledge content of policy making by undertaking
analytical research that is targeted at informing Indias policy makers and also at improving the
interface with the global economy. ICRIER conducts thematic research in the following seven thrust
areas: Macroeconomic Management in an Open Economy; Trade Openness, Restructuring and
Competitiveness; Financial Sector Liberalization and Regulation; WTO-related Issues; Regional
Economic Cooperation with Focus on South Asia; Strategic Aspects of Indias International
Economic Relations; Environment and Climate Change. To effectively disseminate research findings,
ICRIER organizes workshops, seminars and conferences to bring together academicians,
policymakers, representatives from industry and media to create a more informed understanding on
issues of major policy interest. ICRIER routinely invites distinguished scholars and policymakers
from around the world to deliver public lectures and give seminars on economic themes of interest to
contemporary India.
97!
!
Indian Council for World Affairs

(ICWA)
http://www.icwa.in/index.html
New Delhi
1943
Quasi
Independent
23 Research
40 Support
N. K. Saxena
Deputy Director
General
ddg@icwa.in
+91 11 2331
0636
Rs. 10,60,00,000
$1.7 million
Foreign Policy
The Indian Council of World Affairs was established by a group of Indian intellectuals as a think
tank. It was registered as a non-official, non-political and non-profit organization under the
Registration of Societies Act 1860. By an Act of Parliament in 2001, the Indian Council of World
Affairs was declared an institution of national importance. The Vice President of India is the exofficio President of ICWA. It is devoted exclusively for the study of international relations and
foreign affairs. Historic international conferences like 'Asian Relations Conference' in 1947 under the
leadership of freedom fighter Sarojini Naidu and 'United Nations and the New World Order' in 1994
have been held by this think tank in which world renowned dignitaries addressed huge gatherings of
intellectuals. The historic 'Asian Relations Conference' was held under the auspices of the ICWA in
March 1947 under the leadership of Sarojini Naidu and was addressed by Mahatma Gandhi. In 2009,
an initiative was taken to commemorate the 'Asian Relations Conference' and a conference titled
"Emerging China: Prospects for Partnerships in Asia" was organized. It was addressed by 25 foreign
scholars from 15 countries and was attended by academics, diplomats and policymakers.
98!
!
Indian Council of Medical Research

(ICMR)
http://www.icmr.nic.in
New Delhi
1911
Government
Affiliated
Over 5,000
Personnel
Shri T.S.
Jawahar, IAS, Sr.
Deputy Director
General
jawaharts@icmr.org.in
011-26589330
Rs. 803 crores

$128.3 million
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is one of the oldest medical research councils in the
world. The ICMR is the apex body in India for the formulation, coordination and promotion of
biomedical research. The ICMR is funded by the Government of India through the Department of
Health Research, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. The Governing Body of the Council is
presided over by the Union Health Minister. In addition to in-house research projects, the ICMR
funds external project in non-ICMR institutions. The ICMR provides stewardship, conducts and
supports health research, generates knowledge and ensures its utilization, and develops resources for
health research in areas of national public health importance. The ICMR also acts as the technical
research arm of the Health Ministry to investigate health emergencies and outbreaks of new
infections. The ICMR is also responsible for representing Indian Medical Research in all bilateral and
multinational health research commitments of the Government of India.
Indian Council of Social Science Research

(ICSSR)
http://icssr.org/
New Delhi
Prof. Sukhadeo
Thorat
Chairman
1969
chairman@icssr.org
Government
Affiliated
200 Employees
011-26741679
Rs 4243.25 lakhs
$6.8 million

Welfare Research
The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) was established by the Government of
Indian to promote the research of social sciences in India. It supports a network of 27 ICSSR research
institutes with funding solely from government grants and research staff nominated by the
Government of India. The ICSSR seeks to increase opportunities for social scientists in India through
international collaboration programs, training seminars in research methodology, and library and
information support. ICSSR works toward the renewal, strengthening, and expansion of the frontiers
of academic collaboration with international focus and linkages.
99!
!
Indian Council of Social Science

Research, North Eastern Regional
Centre (ICSSR-NERC)
http://www.icssrnerc.org/
Shillong
Prof. P. Shukla
Chairman
1977
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Regional Studies
The North Eastern Regional Centre of the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR-NERC)
was established in collaboration with North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) at Shillong. The goals
of the NERC are: to act as the agent of the ICSSR within the region; to act as the representative of the
social scientists of the region and to bring their ideas and problems to the ICSSR; to provide a
platform for the social scientists of the region to come together for formation of social science
research; and to serve as the link between the social scientists of the region and the national and
international community of the social scientists.
Indian Energy Forum

www.indiaenergyforum.org
New Delhi
P. S. Bami
President
2001
Quasi Independent
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
The Forum serves as an independent advocate of the industry promoting practical solutions to
problems affecting project development and finance in India. The Forum works with companies and
Government (Centre and States) to achieve consensus on such issues as regulatory structures and
policies and the role of public organizations. In addition, the Forum works closely with multilateral
and domestic companies and agencies to ensure that their products and services are responsive to the
needs of the project development in India. Most major public and private sector organizations in
Power, Oil and Gas, Coal and Renewable Energy have become its members. These include NTPC,
NHPC, Power Grid Corporation, Power Finance Corporation, Tata Power, Reliance Energy, PTC
Ltd., Alstom Power India Ltd, ONGC, Indian Oil, Coal India, Neyveli Lignite Corpn., Vestas RRB,
Bhilwara Group and about 60 well known energy experts.
100!
!
Indian Institute for Peace,

Disarmament and Environmental
Protection (IIPDEP)
http://www.iipdep.org/
Nagpur
1993
Autonomous and
Independent
N/A
Dr. Balkrishna Kurvey

President
N/A
N/A
N/A
The Indian Institute for Peace, Disarmament, and Environment Protection (IIPDEP) raises awareness
and advocates for a nuclear weapons free world, victims of landmines, and the illegal trade of small
arms. The IIPDEP has affiliations with a wide range of international, regional, and local partners, and
often collaborates with these organizations in advocacy work. The IIPDEP takes a holistic and
integrated approach to development that favors sustainability.
Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT)

http://edu.iift.ac.in/iift/index.php
New Delhi
1963
N/A
Dr. Surajit Mitra

Director
N/A
N/A
N/A

Development
Economics
Foreign Policy
The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) was set up by the Government of India as an
autonomous organization to help professionalize the country's foreign trade management and increase
exports by developing human resources; generating, analyzing and disseminating data; and
conducting research. The Institute visualizes its future role as: 1) A catalyst for new ideas, concepts
and skills for the internationalization of the Indian economy. 2) The primary provider of training and
research-based consultancy in the areas of international business, both for the corporate sector,
Government and the students community. 3) An institution with proven capability to continuously
upgrade its knowledge base with a view to servicing the requirements of the Government, trade and
industry through both sponsored and non-sponsored research and consultancy assignments. The
research activities carried out by the Centre are: Agriculture, NAMA, Services, TRIPS, and Subsidies
and Anti-Dumping.
101!
!
Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT),

Centre for WTO Studies
http://wtocentre.iift.ac.in/
New Delhi
1999
N/A
Mr. Rajeev Kher

Chairman
N/A
N/A
N/A

Development
Economics
Foreign Policy
The Centre for WTO Studies was set up to be a permanent repository of WTO negotiations-related
knowledge and documentation. It was also envisaged that the Centre would evolve into a research
unit with interest in trade in general and WTO in particular to finally develop into an independent
think tank in the area. The Centre was later situated in the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade in
November 2002. Over the years, the Centre has conducted a robust research program with a series of
papers in all spheres of interest at the WTO. It is currently engaging itself in an exercise to back its
research with an equally robust publication program. The Centre has also created a specialized erepository of important WTO documents, especially related to India, in its Trade Resource Centre.
Indian Institute of Science (IISc)

Bangalore
1909
Government
Affiliated
Anurag Kumar,
Director
diroff@adminiisc.ernet.in
2222/23600690
500 Research
600 Support
Rs. 168 crores
$26.9 million
The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) is a public university for scientific research and higher
education. It acquired the status of a Deemed University in 1958, and is regarded as one of Indias
premier universities. Currently there are 3500 students enrolled in the university, with the majority
being doctoral candidates. Many of Indias distinguished scientists and technocrats have been
associated with the institute either as students or faculty. The current governing body of the IISc is
comprised of leading academics, private industry leaders, and government officials. The IISc actively
promotes collaborates with government organization, private industry, and research labs for its
faculty and students. The Institute also seeks to forge useful and meaningful interaction between the
natural sciences and human sciences with special focus on understanding the diverse research
methodologies of different disciplines and create opportunities to rethink the foundations of both
disciplines.
102!
!
Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS)

New Delhi
Raosaheb K Kale
Chairman
2003
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A

Welfare Research
The Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS) is a research institute founded by the Ministry of
Education, Government of India and registered under the Registration of Societies Act of 1860. The
primary objective of the Institute is to provide an environment suitable for academic research in the
humanities, social, and natural sciences. The Institute primarily is a residential center for its fellows.
Fellows of the Institute pursue their independent research, with occasional multi-disciplinary
collaboration. The Institute focuses primarily on the study of the humanities, with a special focus on
fostering Asian perspectives in the humanities.
India Institute of Dalit Studies (IIDS)

http://www.dalitstudies.org.in/
New Delhi
2003
Raosaheb K Kale
Chairman
N/A
N/A
12Research
6 Administration
5 Other
Rs. 2,14,54,000
$340,000

Research
The Indian Institute of Dalit Studies (IIDS) is a non-governmental, non-profit institution founded by
academics and activists to understand and empower marginalized groups, mainly Dalits. The
Institutes research foci are the root causes and nature of discrimination, understanding the
consequences of social exclusion, and formulating and disseminating policy recommendations on
how to overcome discriminationinduced deprivation. The Institute conducts both theoretical and
empirical research to measure the political, economic, social, and cultural consequences of social
exclusion. The IIDS draws on collaborations with governmental agencies, international and national
organizations, and independent researchers to inform their research.
103!
!
Indian Institute of Education (IIE)

http://iiepune.org/
Pune
Prof Murzban Jal
Director
1948
N/A
N/A
7 Research Faculty
Rs. 15,00,00,000
$2.4 million
Social Sciences and

The Indian Institute of Education (IIE) is a research institute supported by the Indian Council of
Social Science Research (ICSSR), MHRD, New Delhi and the Government of Maharashtra. The IIE
is considered to be a premier institute of social sciences and humanities and is recognized as one of
the leading academic centers in India, primarily working on issues related to education and
developing societies. Based on the philosophy of education of J.P. Naik, its chief concern has been
universal and compulsory education and the socio-economic development of the educationally
backward communities. Being an ICSSR affiliated institute, the IIE has so far conducted several
research projects funded by national and international organizations like UNESCO, the Ford
Foundation, and the Government of India Alongside undertaking research initiatives, the Institute
also focuses on teaching to nurture and develop social scientists to ensure they are able to approach
the discipline of education from an interdisciplinary perspective.
Indian Institute of Management Bangalore

(IIMB), Centre for Public Policy (CPP)
http://www.iimb.ernet.in/centre-public-policy
Bangalore
Dr. Sushil Vachani
Director
2000
10 Research
vachani@iimb.ernet.in
91-80-2699 3002
N/A
Governance
The Centre for Public Policy (CPP) at IIMB was through a partnership agreement between the
Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Government of India (GoI), United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP), and IIMB. The CPP works on improving development outcomes
across the country and has pioneered the application of management disciplines for delivery of better
public services and governance. The CPP also runs the country's leading Post Graduate Programme
in Public Policy and Management (PGPPM). Its strong evidence-based research has focused on
government innovations, regulation, policy-making, administrative and organizational reform, publicprivate partnerships and IT in government. The CPP functions with autonomy and independence and
aspires to lead policy-thinking and praxis in India, promoting equitable, inclusive and sustainable
solutions to emergent problems.
104!
!
Indian Institute of Public Administration

(IIPA)
http://www.iipa.org.in
New Delhi
T.N Chaturvedi
Chairman
1954
73 Employees
N/A
91-11-23356528 Ext 8359
N/A
Governance
The Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) was founded by the Government of India after a
survey completed by the Ford Foundation. The IIPA uses applied research, education, and training of
administrators to simplify procedures and suggest policy changes to ensure improved delivery of
public services. In order to help India sustainably develop, the IIPA undertakes research studies in
response to specific organizational needs to find solutions in difficult decision making areas. The
IIPA offers advisory services in operational areas and provides the necessary guidance in
implementation of projects in both the public and private sector. With a membership over 11,000
including about 100 overseas, the IIPA has a nation-wide network of 23 regional branches and 44
local branches, which provide exchange of ideas on current trends and practice in public
administration to public servants, academics and students. The Institute also has a distinguished
permanent faculty from a wide range of disciplines who stay abreast of the changing requirements of
administrative challenges.
105!
!
Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IITD)
http://www.iitd.ac.in/
New Delhi
1961
Quasi
Governmental
N/A
Prof
R.K.Shevgaonkar
Director
director@admin.iitd.ac.in
+91-11-2658 2020
Rs. 250 crores

$40 million
The Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi (IIPD) is an autonomous public institute of higher
education, and is one Indias premier engineering colleges. It is governed by the Institutes of
Technology Act, 1963. The IIPD is linked to sixteen other IITs through a common IIT Council
which oversees their administration, and in turn is under the direction of the President of India. A
trust called the Delhi Engineering College Trust was established with the help of the UK Government
and the Federation of British Industries in London to help create the IIPD. The IITD has eleven
multi-disciplinary centers catering to overlap of two or more disciplines of engineering or science.
The Industrial R&D Unit at the Institute has been specifically set up to provide specialized
administrative and managerial support for the operation of sponsored research. The IITD also hosts
FITT, an industrial interface organization that works to foster, promote, and sustain
commercialization of science and technology. With a faculty compromised of leading academics,
policy experts, and industry leaders; is a leader in technology research in India.
106!
!
Indian Liberal Group (ILG)

Mumbai
Meera Sanyal
President
1965
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Economics
The Indian Liberal Group (ILB) is a think tank founded to promote the liberal point of view and
provide information on Liberalism. The group presents a Liberal Budget every year as an alternative
version to the Annual Budget presented to the Parliament by the Union finance Minister. The ILG
seeks to emphasize the fact that a market economy by itself does not ensure an open society; that a
free economy and a free society are two sides of the same coin; and that a free and democratic society
alone will ensure a satisfying standard of life for the people. When official policy is in the direction
of a market economy, the ILG's task is to explain the implications of a market driven economy; why
the process of economic liberalization needs to be supported; keep a critical watch on measures that
could derail the progress of economic reforms and make Liberalism understood and accepted by the
people, not only as a method of economic engineering, but also as a philosophy of governance that
promotes a civil society.
Indian Statistical Institute (ISI)

Kolkata
1931
225 Academic Staff

1000 Administrative Staff
Bimal Kumar
Roy
Director
N/A
N/A
N/A
The Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) is a public university founded to promote the interaction of
statistics with natural and social sciences to advance the role of statistics as a key technology.
Originally affiliated with the University of Calcutta, ISI now functions as an autonomous institute
under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI), which is the nodal
ministry of the Government of India that ensures the functioning of ISI in accordance with The
Indian Statistical Institute Act 1959. The Institute has a network of units of Statistical Quality Control
and Operations Research at Vadodara, Coimbatore, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Pune engaged in
guiding industries, within and outside India, in developing uptodate quality management systems
and solving critical problems of quality, reliability and productivity. Primary activities of ISI are
research and training of Statistics, development of theoretical Statistics and its applications in various
natural and social sciences.
107!
!
Indira Gandhi Institute of

Development Research (IGIDR)
http://www.igidr.ac.in/
Mumbai
1986
Government
Affiliated
N/A
S. Mahendra Dev
Director and Vice
Chancellor
profmahendra@
igidr.ac.in
+ 91-2228416501
N/A
Economics
The Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research (IGIDR) is an advanced research institute
established and fully funded by the Reserve Bank of India for carrying out research on development
issues from a multi-disciplinary point of view. IGIDR was registered as an autonomous society on
November 14, 1986 and as a public trust in January 1987. Starting as a purely research institution, it
rapidly developed into a full-fledged teaching cum research organization when it launched a Ph.D.
program in the field of development studies in 1990. The objective of the Ph.D. program is to
produce researchers with diverse disciplinary backgrounds who can address issues of economics,
energy and environment policies. In 1995, the institute initiated the M. Phil program. The M.Sc.
program commenced in 2003 to introduce students to the world of research at an earlier stage. The
aims and objectives of the Institute are to promote and conduct research on developmental issues
from a broad interdisciplinary perspective (economic, technological, social, political and
ecological). It aspires to gain insights into the process of development and alternative policy options
and to further disseminate the knowledge acquired.
108!
!
Institute for Conflict Management and South

Asia Terrorism Portal
http://www.satp.org/
New Delhi
N/A
2000
N/A

N/A
9 Faculty Members
N/A

Studies
The Institute for Conflict Management is a non-profit society committed to the continuous evaluation
and resolution of problems of internal security in South Asia. The Institute was set up on the
initiative of, and is presently headed by, its President, Mr. K.P.S. Gill, IPS (Retd). The core areas of
research on which the Institute focuses include: Continuous appraisal of internal security and the
states responses in all areas of existing or emerging conflict in South Asia; Planning for
Development and Security in Indias Northeast; Administrative Reforms for Restoration of Effective
Civil Governance in Terrorism Affected Areas; Emerging Internal Security Challenges in South
Asia; Judicial, Legal and Legislative Reforms in Terrorism Affected Areas and areas of widespread
civil disorders; Evolution and Dynamics of the Underground Terrorist Economy and its Disruption;
Identification and Evaluation of the Impact of Emerging Technologies for Terrorism and
Counterterrorism; Emergency Response Codes and Protocols in Terrorism Affected Areas, Security
Parameters and Procedures for Installations and Establishments Under Threat of Terrorist Attack, the
Peace Dividend and the Reconstruction of Societies affected by widespread collective violence,
Impact of Terrorism on Child Victims, etc. The Institute is a registered non-profit, non-governmental
organisation supported by voluntary contributions and project aid. The Institute has provided
consultancy services on terrorism & internal security to a number of governments within India and
abroad.
109!
!
Institute for Defense Studies and

Analyses (IDSA)
http://www.idsa.in/
New Delhi
1965
Brig. Rumel Dahiya

Deputy Director General
ddg.idsa
@nic.in
Autonomous
and
Independent
+91 11 2671
7983
57 Scholars
49 Administration
Rs. 16 crores
$2.57 million
The Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA) is a non-partisan, autonomous body
dedicated to objective research and policy relevant studies on all aspects of defense and security. Its
mission is to promote national and international security through the generation and dissemination of
knowledge on defense and security-related issues. The initiative for setting up the Institute came
from then Defense Minister Shri Yeshwantrao Chavan, who was one of the Institutes founding
members. Over the last forty-plus years, IDSA has played a crucial role in shaping Indias foreign
and security policies, including with respect to nuclear weapons, military expenditure, and
conventional and non-conventional threats to India. IDSA has a well-qualified multi-disciplinary
research faculty drawn from academia, defense forces and the civil services, representing a diversity
of views. Research at the Institute is driven by a comprehensive agenda and by the need to provide
impartial analyses and policy recommendations. IDSAs journals, monographs, briefs, and books are
the principal mediums through which these analyses and policy recommendations are disseminated.
In addition, the news media also carry the views of IDSA experts in the form of op-eds, interviews
and participation in debates.
Institute for Human Development (IHD)

New Delhi
Prof. S.R. Hashim
Chairman
http://www.ihdindia.org/
1998
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Economics
Research
The Institute for Human Development (IHD) was established under the aegis of the Indian Society
of Labour Economics (ISLE) as a non-profit autonomous institution for conducting studies in the
areas of labor and employment, poverty, health and nutrition, education, and other aspects of human
development. The Institute has an experienced and active faculty committed to the fulfillment of its
vision and objectives. Several well-known scholars, both from India and abroad, are visiting faculty
members of IHD. In order to achieve its goals, IHD engages in academic and policy research; policy
advocacy; teaching and training; academic and policy debates and dissemination; publication of
different forms of literature; and networking with other institutions and various stakeholders.
110!
!
Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC)

http://www.isec.ac.in/
Bangalore
1972
Government
Affiliated
Dr. M R Narayana
Director
mrn@isec.ac.in
N/A
40 Research Faculty
73 Administration and Support
Rs. 72,29,42,675
$11.6 million
Economics
Social Sciences and
Social Welfare
Research
The Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC) is an All India Institute for Interdisciplinary
Research and Training in the Social Sciences, established by the late Professor V K R V Rao. It is
registered as a Society under the Karnataka Societies Registration Act, 1960, to create a blend of
field-oriented empirical research and advances in social science theories leading to better public
policy formulation. In line with the vision of the founders who set goals for the institute, which were
well ahead of their time, ISEC has, since inception, attempted to play an important catalytic role in
social and economic transformation in the country. ISEC is the biggest research Institute amongst
ICSSR sponsored interdisciplinary research institutions. The research and academic activities of the
institute are structured under eight centers covering the areas ranging from Economics, Ecological
Economics, Agricultural Economics, Population Research, Sociology, Health, Education, Political
Science, Public Administration, Decentralization and Rural Development. The research under the
centers is collectively discussed and monitored through statutory bodies. ISEC has a well qualified
faculty of forty five from different areas of social and life sciences. With the help of Facultys
scholarship and with national and international collaborations, ISEC is on the path of establishing its
position as a Centre of excellence in the field of social sciences.
111!
!
Institute for Studies in Industrial

Development (ISID)
http://www.isid.org.in/home.html
New Delhi
M.R. Murthy
Director
1986
Quasi Independent
N/A
murthy@isid.org.in
N/A
N/A
Economics
Welfare Research
The Institute for Studies in Industrial Development (ISID), successor to the Corporate Studies Group
(CSG), is a national-level policy research organization in the public domain and is affiliated to the
Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR). Developing on the initial strength of studying
India's industrial regulations, ISID has gained varied expertise in the analysis of the issues thrown up
by the changing policy environment. The Institute's research and academic activities are organized
under the following broad thematic areas: Industrialization; Corporate Sector; Trade, Investment and
Technology; Regulatory Mechanism; Employment; Public Health; Media Studies; Other Issues:
Educational policy and planning, role of civil societies in development processes etc. ISID has
developed databases on various aspects of the Indian economy, particularly concerning industry and
the corporate sector. It has created On-line Indexes of Indian Social Science Journals (OLI) and
Press Clippings on diverse social science subjects. These have been widely acclaimed as valuable
sources of information for researchers studying India's socio-economic development.
Institute of Development Studies (IDS)

http://www.idsj.in/
New Delhi
1981
34
Naresh Dadhich
Director
N/A
N/A
N/A

Research
The Institute of Development Studies, Jaipur was established in 1981 on the initiative of a group of
academicians, scholars and administrators from Rajasthan. Since its establishment, the Institute of
Development Studies, Jaipur (IDS) has adopted a multi-disciplinary and dynamic approach to
research on topics related to development. The Institute has established partnerships with the state
and central governments, other parastatal organisations, the private sector, and a wide range of nongovernmental organisations and members of the civil society for furthering its objectives. It has also
created a forum for voicing concerns related to public policy on socio-economic issues in the state of
Rajasthan and beyond. Additionally, it has conducted training programmes for capacity- building
among several stakeholders in the development sphere.
112!
!
Institute of Economic Growth (IEG)

http://www.iegindia.org/
New Delhi
1958
N/A
Professor Manoj Panda

Director
manoj@iegindia.org
N/A
N/A

Economics
Research
The Institute of Economic Growth (IEG) is an autonomous, multidisciplinary center for advanced
research and training. Widely recognized as a center of excellence, it is one of Indias leading
academic institutions in the fields of economic and social development. IEG's research falls into nine
broad themes: Agriculture and rural development, environment and resource economics;
globalization and trade; industry, labor and welfare; macro-economic policy and modeling;
population and development; health policy; and social change and social structure. Responding to
these contemporary challenges, the research agenda of the Institute faculty has broadened to include
emerging issues such as liberalization and globalization with a human face, technological change,
environment and natural resources, gender inequality, the well-being of vulnerable sections, regional
disparity, citizenship and governance, social pathologies, health economics, ageing, and social
capital. Hence, while the Institutes faculty continues to pursue its traditional specializations, it has
also widened its scope.
Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies (IPCS)

http://www.ipcs.org/
New Delhi
Major General (Retd.)
Dipankar Banerjee
Co-Founder
1996
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A

Studies
Regional Studies
As an independent think tank, the Institute believes in promoting alternative approaches to security
issues. More importantly, it provides a platform for different voices and promotes serious debate
based on informed opinion. In particular, apart from regular commentaries and essays, the Institute
also hosts a monthly column for scholars from across South Asia.!The initial charter of the Institute
focused more on non-military security issues and threats to the region. However, the nuclear tests in
1998 and developments in the post 9/11 period in South Asia impinged on the focus of the Institute;
and today, the Institute is again attempting to strike a fine balance between military and non-military
security issues. The Institute regularly organizes discussions on current issues and contemporary
developments. IPCS hosts visitors and scholars all over India and elsewhere regularly to provide a
platform for foreign scholars and dignitaries to interact with the Indian strategic community
113!
!
Institute of Public Enterprise (IPE)

http://www.ipeindia.org/main/
Hyderabad
1964
102
Dr. R. K. Mishra
Director
rkmishra@ipeindia.org
+91 - 40 - 2709 8060
Rs. 49.2 crore

$7.9 million
Economics
Governance
Social Science and
The Institute of Public Enterprise (IPE) was established for the study of issues and policies relating
to public enterprises (PEs). Shri.S.S Khera, ICS, the then Cabinet Secretary, Government of India,
had conceived the idea of a research institution that would undertake a systematic and sustained
study of issues relevant to the formulation of policies towards public enterprises. In the early sixties,
when PEs were designed as the principal instrument to serve the social and economic objectives of
development. The institute was then founded with the help of the Vice-Chancellor, Osmania
University as an autonomous, non-profit society at the initiative of the then Cabinet Secretary to the
Government of India, Shri S.S.Khera, ICS, and late Dr.D.S.Reddy, Vice-Chancellor of Osmania
University. The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), Ministry of Human Resource
Development, Government of India, recognized the Institute as a Centre of Excellence in social
science research in 1976. The Institute is partly funded by the ICSSR and the Government of
Andhra Pradesh.
114!
!
Integrated Research and Action for

Development (IRADe)
www.irade.org
New Delhi
2002
Autonomous
and
Independent
Dr. Jyoti K. Parikh

Executive Director
jparikh@i
rade.org
+91 11 2667
6181
24 Research
6 Administration
3 Finance
6 Consultants!
Rs. 8,00,00,000
$1.3 million

Research
IRADe is a fully autonomous advanced research institute, which aims to conduct research and policy
analysis. It also connects various stakeholders including government, non-governmental
organizations (NGOs), corporations, and academic, financial, and technical institutions in the belief
that a comprehensive approach to development inherently involves the participation not only of the
government, but also of NGOs, industry, corporations, and financial and technical institutions.
IRADe believes that it is essential that these stakeholders be involved as partners at all stages of the
research process because an inclusive research process creates wider consensus and makes policy
reforms more acceptable. With these ideas in mind IRADe aims not only to conduct and publish
research, but also to train people and be a hub of a network among various stakeholders. Its research
covers many areas including Energy and Power Systems, Urban Development, Climate Change and
Environment, Poverty Alleviation and Gender, Food Security and Agriculture, as well as the policies
that affect these areas.
115!
!
Institute of Rural Management Anand

(IRMA)
https://www.irma.ac.in/
Anand
1978
Quasi Independent
N/A
Deep Joshi
Chairman
N/A
N/A
N/A

Development
IRMA was established in 1979 at Anand, Gujarat with the support of the Swiss Agency for
Development Cooperation (SDC), the Government of India, Government of Gujarat, the erstwhile
Indian Dairy Corporation and the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). The rationale behind
its installation had to do with providing management education, training, research and consultancy
support to co-operatives and rural development organizations in India. The genesis of IRMA is owed
to Dr. Kurien's work with dairy co-operatives, which revolutionized the dairy industry in the
country. It was founded with the belief that the key to effective rural development lies in
professional management. Professionalizing rural management involves synergizing specific yet
unmet needs of the rural sector with the formal techniques and skills of management professionals.
Linking the two are the rural managers' graduating from IRMA after undergoing a two-year
diploma (PRM) program in rural management. Born out of a maverick's dream IRMA is, today, at
the forefront of professionalizing the development of India's rural sector. Over the years it has
provided management training, support and research facilities to students committed to rural
development drawing, in the process, co-operatives, non-government organizations, government
development agencies, international development organizations, and funding agencies towards it.
116!
!
International Center for Research on

Women (ICRW), Asia Regional Office
http://www.icrw.org/where-we-work/asia
New Delhi
1998
Autonomous and
Independent
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A

Welfare Research
ICRW first opened an office in New Delhi, India, in 1998 to coordinate a groundbreaking five-year
study, one of the first to document the prevalence of domestic violence in the country. That effort
ultimately led to large-scale policy changes to protect women. Since then, ICRW has broadened its
research work throughout Asia. In 2007, the New Delhi office became a regional hub to expand
efforts to promote gender-equitable development and respond to the pressing challenges facing
women, girls and their communities. Today, the Asia Regional Office and project offices in Mumbai
and Hyderabad employ nearly 30 local staff. The office serves the region including Bangladesh,
Cambodia, China, Nepal, Thailand and Vietnam. ICRW collaborate closely with local, regional and
international partners to undertake field research and program work. ICRW communicates its
findings and experience to policymakers through advocacy efforts that are grounded in sound
evidence and data.
International Crops Research Institute for

the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)
http://www.icrisat.org/
Hyderabad
1973
Quasi Independent
N/A
David J Bergvinson
Director General
N/A
N/A
N/A

Development
The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) is a non-profit,
non-political organization that conducts agricultural research for development in Asia and subSaharan Africa with a wide array of partners throughout the world. Covering 6.5 million square
kilometers of land in 55 countries, the semi-arid or dryland tropics has over 2 billion people, and 644
million of these are the poorest of the poor. ICRISAT and its partners help empower these poor
people to overcome poverty, hunger and a degraded environment through better agriculture.
ICRISAT is headquartered in Hyderabad, Telangana, India, with two regional hubs and six country
offices in sub-Saharan Africa. It is a member of the CGIAR Consortium. CGIAR is a global
agriculture research partnership for a food secure future. Its science is carried out by the 15 research
centers who are members of the CGIAR Consortium in collaboration with hundreds of partner
organizations
117!
!
International Food Policy Research Institute

(IFPRI)
http://www.ifpri.org/
New Delhi
Shenggen Fan
Director General
1975
N/A
s.fan@cgiar.org
1 202-862-5600
N/A

Development
Governane
The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) researches sustainable methods to end
hunger and poverty. They highlight six strategic research areas sustainable food production, healthy
foods promotion, market and trade improvement, agricultural transformation, resilience building in
society and governance. IFPRI conducts this research by having specific priorities on each region,
addressing their specific needs. The institute conducts research nationally, supporting country-wide
agricultural advancements. IFPRI also shares research tools, efficient practices and international
public goods to increase the development of policymaking.
International Institute for Non-Aligned

Studies (IINS)
http://www.iins.org/
New Delhi
1980
Autonomous
and Independent
N/A
Pramila Srivastava
Honorary Director General
ps@iins.org
91 11 2610
2520
N/A
Economics
Foreign Policy
Regional Studies
Research
The International Institute for Non-Aligned Studies was founded as an international organization and
as such, advocates for the peoples of the Non-Aligned World. Through dissemination of scholarly
work and organization of national and international seminars, IINS brings awareness and further
research on different trends on the Non-Aligned Movement. Major areas of activity include rights of
minorities and ethnic groups, rights of the women and child, right to sustainable development in
economics, right to life and democracy and human rights. IINS conducts this research through
analysis of international organization actions and contemporary trends in politics.
118!
!
International Institute for

Population Sciences (IIPS)
http://www.iipsindia.org/
Mumbai
1956
Dr. Faujdar Ram

Director
director
@iips.net
Government
Affiliated
91 22 2556
3254
157
Rs. 30-40 crore
$4.8 - 6.4 million
Economics
The International Institute for Population Sciences provides education in the fields of demography,
population trends and related fields. It strives towards excellence in education and research through
four methods: training of competent professionals, generation and dissemination of scientific
knowledge and evidence, collaboration and exchange of knowledge and advocacy/awareness. Aside
from education, the Institute conducts a large number of research projects on various aspects of the
population on micro and macro levels such as fertility, mortality, and migration. Emphasis is given to
the inter-relationship of social and economic factors.
International Water Management

Institute (IWMI)
http://www.iwmi.cgiar.org/
Hyderabad
1985
Quasi
Independent
Jeremy Bird
Director
General
j.bird@cgiar.org
94-11
2880000
100 Research
200 Support
Rs. 1.25 billion 1.56 billion
$20-25 million

The International Water Management Institute is a scientific research group focused on the
sustainable use of water in developing nations. Using evidence-based solutions IWMI envisions a
water-secure world. Their research on the water challenges of poor communities contributes to the
benefit of the population and integrity of the environment. This would in turn lead to the reduction of
poverty, hunger, and environmental destruction. IWMI conducts their research through analysis of
biophysical and socioeconomic processes, alternative development scenarios, incorporation of
ecosystem approaches into agricultural systems, and promotion of recovery/safe reuse of water.
119!
!
Janaagraha
http://www.janaagraha.org/
Bangalore
2001
Ramesh Ramanathan
Co-Founder
info@janaagraha.org
Autonomous and
Independent
+91-8040790400
N/A
Governance
N/A
Janaagraha is a social science research institution dedicated to the improvement of quality of life for
people in Indian cities and towns. They define quality of life through two aspects - as quality of
urban infrastructure and as quality of citizenship. Urban infrastructures refers to roads, transport,
water supply, etc. Citizenship refers to the participation in democracy. They developed a framework
to guide their policies and practices. This is known as REED: Regional perspective to urban issues,
Empowerment of citizens and local governments, Enabling citizens and local governments, Direct
accountability of the government to the people.
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Centre for

International Trade and Development (CITD)
http://www.jnu.ac.in/sis/citd/
New Delhi
1969
16 Research
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Economics
Foreign Policy
Social Science and
The Centre for International Trade and Development (CITD) at Jawaharlal Nehru University, is a
premier economics department in India with a special focus on the International Economy and
Economic Development. CITD is perhaps the only economics department in the country focusing
exclusively on the international economy as its thrust area of teaching and research, specializing in
areas like Trade, Investment, Technology, Environment, Natural Resources, Finance, Poverty,
Inequality, and Social Sectors. The centre runs a Discussion Paper Series for early dissemination of
research results. To expose students to recent developments in the discipline of economics and
provide a stimulating research environment, the Centre conducts a weekly seminar series and
organizes Conferences on select themes. The Centre received an endowment from the Ford
Foundation in 1993. This enabled the centre to provide scholarships to students, to maintain its own
well stocked library and to appoint a Ford Fellow from time to time, who participates in its teaching
and research activities.
120!
!
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Centre for

the Study of Law and Governance (CSLG)
http://www.jnu.ac.in/cslg/cslg/home.html
New Delhi
Amit Prakash
Chairperson
2001
N/A
amit@jnu.ac.in
011 2670 4021
N/A
Governance
The Centre for the Study of Law and Governance examines the practices of governance and how it
is stabilized through law. The Centre adopts a multidisciplinary approach to framing research and
teaching on the relationship between law and governance. JNUCSLG advocates the importance of
good governance and its connection to several contemporary issues including: the reform of public
institutions and public law; the creation of efficient procedures, transparency and accountability, and
democratic participation. Through their interdisciplinary research, the CSLG explores the practices
of law and governance in the political, economic, social, and historical spheres.
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), School of

International Studies (SIS)
http://www.jnu.ac.in/sis/
New Delhi
1955
N/A
Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan
Chancellor
krangank@gmail.com
011-26704090
N/A
Foreign Policy
Regional Studies
Studies
The School of International Studies was established in 1955 to promote the study of international
relations as an academic discipline in India. The school focuses exclusively on post-graduate studies
and research. JNU was one of the first schools to realize that efficient promotion of international
affairs was through the education of young men and women. As such, they established the SIS to
provide education and research on global developments in the economy, civil society, and political
spheres. Through a series of lectures, seminars and journals, JNUSIS contributes novel information
to the field of international studies. Annually, the SIS holds discussions on contemporary
international relations themes. They also serve as consultants to various governmental and nongovernmental agencies.
121!
!
Jnanapravaha
http://www.jp-india.org/
Mumbai
2007
N/A
Dr. Rashmi Poddar

Director
jnanapravaha
@gmail.com
91-22-2207 2974
N/A

Welfare Research
Jnanapravaha is an institution devoted to the global exchange of Indian thought and philosophy.
They are motivated by the conviction that by cultivating critical thinking and intellectual discussion,
future generations will benefit morally and socially. Part of their operation includes regular
seminars, discussion by scholars, and organization of research. Jnanapravha offers courses in four
fields: Indian Aesthetics, Art Theory and Criticism, Yoga and Tantra Concepts, and Art and
Architecture of Southeast Asia. Their regular staff is supported by an International Advisory
Council. They contribute valuable content and awareness through their experience in philosophy,
art, and history.
Karnataka Knowledge Commission (KKC)

http://jnanaayoga.in/
Bangalore
2008
N/A
Dr. K. Kasturirangan
Chairman
info@jnanaayoga.in
080 22267626
N/A

Development
Welfare Research
The Karnataka Knowledge Commission was established by the Indian government in 2005 to
consider research in knowledge-intensive service sectors including education, research institutions,
and intellectual property. KKC has focus areas in: teacher development, higher education policy,
public health, skill development, community knowledge and practices and geographic information
systems. The culminating research of these fields contributes to the general advancement of Indian
education. Long term development goals are: excellence in the educational system, creation of
knowledge, improvement of leaders and managers, and promotion of knowledge applications.
122!
!
Kunzru Centre for Defence Studies and

Research
http://www.kunzrucentre.org/
Mumbai
Commodore (Retd.)
S.M. Abhyankar
Executive Director
1972
N/A
info@kunzrucentre.org
91-020-5461 741
N/A

Studies
The Kunzru Centre for Defence Studies and Research was established in 1972 as a research and
cultural center for defense affairs. They were founded soon after the India-Pakistan War of 1971. It
is an independent organization separate from the Indian military. As such, they can provide valuable
policymaking advice distinctive of that form the military. Several of their defense-oriented research
objectives include: policy, preparedness, production, finance, consciousness and other defense
matters. They meet these objectives through production of research articles in the various fields,
awareness of defense programs, and training of defense personnel in re-settlement and preretirement and PhD research.
Liberty Institute
http://www.iipdep.org/
New Delhi
1996
N/A
Mr Mohit Satyanand
Chairman
N/A
N/A
N/A
Economics
Governance
Research
Liberty Institute is an independent think tank dedicated to empowering the people by harnessing the
power of the market. It seeks to build understanding and appreciation of the four institutional pillars
of a free society - Individual Rights, Rule of Law, Limited Government and Free Market. The
Institute particularly seeks to improve understanding of market processes; to identify the factors that
may have restricted the evolution of the market and ways of overcoming those factors; to estimate
the costs - social and economic - of curbs on the market forces; to propose market-based alternatives
to government regulations in the economy.
123!
!
M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation

(MSSRF)
http://www.mssrf.org/
Chennai
1988
N/A
Dr. Ajay Kumar Parida

Executive Director
N/A
N/A
N/A

Research
The M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) was established as a not-for-profit trust.

MSSRF was envisioned and founded by Professor M. S. Swaminathan with proceeds from the First
World Food Prize that he received in 1987. The Foundation aims to accelerate use of modern
science for agricultural and rural development for development and dissemination of technology to
improve lives and livelihoods of tribal and rural communities. MSSRF follows a pro-poor, prowomen and pro-nature approach and applies appropriate science and technology options to address
practical problems faced by rural populations in agriculture, food and nutrition. These efforts have
been undertaken in a participatory manner and in partnership with other knowledge-based
institutions, public and private sector organizations and local communities. The Foundation aims to
accelerate use of modern science for agricultural and rural development for development and
dissemination of technology to improve lives and livelihoods of tribal and rural communities.
Madhya Pradesh Institute of Social

Science Research (MPISSR)
http://mpissr.org/
Ujjain
Dr. Yatindra Singh Sisodia
Director
1983
yatindra15@
yahoo.com
N/A
91 734 251 0978
N/A

Research
The Madhya Pradesh Institute of Social Science Research was established in 1983 as a
multidisciplinary research institute. They are concerned with issues relating to social, economic,
educational, political, cultural, administrative and civic aspects of Madhya Pradesh and adjoining
states. In order to conduct quality research, MPISSR develops specialized research methods on rural
and tribal development. These methods include evaluation studies on development programs,
training facilities, external specialist recommendations, and organization of knowledge resources.
124!
!
Madras Institute of Development

Studies (MIDS)
http://www.mids.ac.in/
Chennai
1971
N/A
Prof. Shashanka Bhide

Director
N/A
N/A
N/A

Research
The Madras Institute of Development Studies (MIDS) was founded by Dr. Malcolm S Adiseshiah
and Mrs. Elizabeth Adiseshiah, the MIDS was then reconstituted as a National Institute of Social
Science Research in March 1977 under the joint sponsorship of the Government of India through the
Indian Council of Social Science Research and the Government of Tamil Nadu. The trustees gifted
to the reconstituted National Institute its land and buildings, its library, furniture and equipment and
a cash endowment. The Reserve Bank of India established a Chair in applied research in regional
economics in the Institute in 1985. The research concerns of the faculty are wide ranging. MIDS has
become a center for critical thinking on development issues. The services of its faculty members are
sought by State and Central Government departments, autonomous agencies, universities and
colleges, non-government and international organizations.
Mahanirban Calcutta Research Group

(CRG)
http://www.mcrg.ac.in/
Kolkata
1996
Autonomous and
Independent
N/A
Dr. Ranabir Samaddar

Director
ranabir@mcrg.ac.in
N/A
N/A
Governance
Regional Studies
Research
Born as a facilitating group in support of the peace movement in West Bengal, particularly during
the Third Joint Conference of the Pakistan-India Peoples Forum for Peace and Democracy - an
unprecedented public gathering of 400 peace activists of the sub-continent for 4 days in Calcutta in
1996 - the Mahanirban Calcutta Research Group is now known as the Calcutta Research Group
(CRG). The founders were a group of researchers, trade unionists, feminist thinkers and womens
rights campaigners, academics, journalists, and lawyers. This was to be a forum for policy
discussion and analysis on issues of democracy, human rights, peace, and justice. Developing as a
forum of mostly young public activists and socially committed researchers, CRG is now well-known
for its research, dialogues, and advocacy work. It has carved out a niche for itself in the scholaractivist world for its policy studies on autonomy, human rights, womens dignity, issues of forced
displacement and migration, peace and conflict resolution, citizenship, borders and border-conflicts,
and other themes relevant to democracy. The emphasis that CRG places on the East and the
Northeast in its research and dialogues has now resulted in a strong network of scholars, activists,
and institutions in the region.
125!
!
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian

Studies (MAKAIAS)
www.makaias.gov.in
Kolkata
1993
N/A
Dr. Sreeradha Dutta

Director
director@makaias.gov.in
033- 2335 6623 (Ext. No. 222)
N/A
Regional Studies
Social Sciences and
Social Welfare
Research
The Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian Studies was set up at the joint initiative of the
Government of India, Department of culture, Ministry of Human Resource Development and the
Government of West Bengal. Registered as a Society under the West Bengal Registration of
Societies' Act of 1961, with Prof. Nurul Hasan, the then Governor of West Bengal, as the President
of the Society. One of the important objectives of the Institute is to promote a study of Modern and
Contemporary Asia with primary focus on social and cultural movements and India' s relations with,
the neighboring Asian countries. Till date, the emphasis had been on specializing on modern and
contemporary affairs in South Asia, central Asia and West Asia, and carrying on area studies on the
five Central Asia Republics of the former Soviet Union (Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan,
Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan), Turkey, Iran Afghanistan and Bangladesh. The Institute now looks
forward to widening its area of study to the Northeast region of India, Southeast Asia and China
National Council of Applied

Economic Research (NCAER)
http://www.ncaer.org/index.php
New Delhi
Nandan M. Nilekani
President
1956
Quasi Independent
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A

Economics
NCAER is Indias oldest and largest independent, non-profit, economic policy research institute. Six
decades in the life of a nation is a long time. It is even longer in the life of an institution. But the
promise of NCAERto ask the right questions, gather good evidence, analyze it well, and share the
results widelyhas endured. India has achieved much, and much remains undone. As the economy
has changed, so too has NCAER, to continue to help understand Indias rapid economic and social
transformation. As newer and more complex economic challenges emerge, NCAER will have to do
more to keep its promise. To do this well, that is NCAERs promise renewed. NCAERs work falls
into four thematic areas: Growth, Macro, Trade, and Economic Policy; Investment Climate,
Industry, Infrastructure, Labor, and Urban; Agriculture and Rural Development, Natural Resources,
and Environment; Poverty, Equity, Human Development, and Consumers. The focus of NCAERs
work in these areas is on generating and analyzing empirical evidence to support and inform policy
choices. It is also one of a handful of think tanks globally that combine rigorous analysis and policy
outreach with deep data collection capabilities, especially for household surveys.
126!
!
National Environmental Engineering

Research Institute (NEERI)
http://www.neeri.res.in/
Nagpur
Satish Wate
Director
1958
Quasi Governmental
N/A
director@neeri.res.in
0712-2249885-88
N/A

Development
The National Environmental Engineering Research Institute conducts research in environmental

studies, environmental sustainability, developmental studies, environmental engineering, water
sustainability and sewage disposal. NEERI employs innovative approaches to optimize
environmental utilization and conservation. These include research on local and national issues,
assistance to regional industries, interaction and collaboration with academic and research institutes.
National Institute of Advanced Studies

(NIAS)
http://www.nias.res.in/
Bangalore
1988
Quasi Independent
N/A
Dr. Baldev Raj

Director
baldev.dr@gmail.com
080-2360-1969
N/A

Foreign Policy
Research
The National Institute of Advanced Studies research draws from a variety of disciplines in the
natural and social sciences, humanities, and the arts. Their overall objective is to nurture a broad
base of scholars and leaders who would respond to the complex challenges that face contemporary
India. They employ multidisciplinary experts from industrial administrators, government leaders,
people in public affairs, and scholars in academia. NIAS is unique in the sense that they practice an
integrated approach to the study of intersections between science, technology, philosophy, social
issues and leadership.
127!
!
National Institute of Nutrition (NIN)

http://ninindia.org/index.asp
Hyderabad
Dr. Kalpagam Polasa
Director in Charge
1918
N/A
N/A
91-40-27018083
N/A

Research
The National Institute of Nutrition was established in 1918 and initially started simply as a
deficiency disease enquiry, but later NIN emerged as an institution devoted to multiple fields and
studies regarding nutrition. Their objective is to achieve optimal nutrition of vulnerable segments of
the population. Broadly, NIN researches medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology,
biochemistry, pathology, community health, social sciences, dietetics, statistics and communication.
They have contributed vital information to the study of protein energy malnutrition and its effect on
the existing socio-economic framework.
National Institute of Public Finance and

Policy (NIPFP)
http://www.nipfp.org.in/
New Delhi
Dr. Vijay Kelkar
Chairman
1976
Quasi Independent
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Economics
Governance
NIPFP is a premier research institution in public economics and policies. The institute has made
significant research contribution in the area of revenue and taxation, fiscal management, public
expenditure, macro-economic policies, fiscal federalism and other public finance and policy issues
both at the Central and the State-level. One of the major mandates of the institute is to assist the
Central, State and Local governments in formulating and reforming public policies by providing an
analytical base. The institute was set up as an autonomous society, at the joint initiative of the
Ministry of Finance, Planning Commission, several State governments and distinguished
academicians. It is registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. It has maintained close
functional links with the Central and State governments all along, and has built up linkages with
other teaching and research institutions both in India and abroad. Although the institute receives an
annual grant from the Ministry of Finance, Government of India, and various State governments, it
maintains an independent non-government character in its pursuit of research and policy.
128!
!
National Institute of Rural Development

(NIRD)
http://www.nird.org.in/
Hyderabad
S.M.Vijayanand
Director General
1983
Quasi Governmental
N/A
dg@nird.gov.in
040-24008444
N/A
The National Institute of Rural Development is devoted to the improvement of economic and social
well-being of people in rural areas on a sustainable bases with focus on the rural poor and other
disadvantaged groups. Facilitation of these efforts is through improvement of knowledge, skills and
attitudes of the actual people and officials. Through research, action studies, consultancy efforts,
organizational training, and seminars, NIRD strives improve the quality of life for the impoverished
and vulnerable. NIRD sensitizes the elected representatives and rural development functionaries
about the impact of various Rural Development initiatives of the Union Government and the State
Governments and also about the emerging challenges in the field of Rural Development.
National Institute of Urban Affairs

(NIUA)
http://www.niua.org/
New Delhi
Jagan Shah
Director
1971
Quasi Governmental
N/A
N/A
91 11 24643284
N/A

Research
The National Institute of Urban Affairs is an organization for the research, capacity building and
dissemination of knowledge for the urban sectors of India. Their mission is to develop new research
and expertise for supporting effective innovation in the urban sector. Its research includes:
urbanization, urban policy, infrastructure planning, municipal finance, governance, land economics,
transit, environment and smart cities. By bridging the gap between research and practice, NIUA has
assisted in policy formulation, program appraisal, and monitoring. They work in collaboration with
the Ministry of Urban Development, state governments and multilateral agencies.
129!
!
National Knowledge Commission (NKC)
N/A
http://knowledgecommission.gov.in/
New Delhi
2005
N/A
Sam Pitroda
Chairman
N/A
N/A
N/A

Governance
National Knowledge Commission, is an Indian think-tank charged with considering possible policies
that might sharpen India's comparative advantage in the knowledge-intensive service sectors. It was
constituted on 13 June 2005, by the Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh. In particular, the
Commission was to advise the Prime Minister's Office on policy related to education, research
institutes and reforms needed to make India competitive in the knowledge economy. The
Commission was to recommend reform of the education sector, research labs, and intellectual
property legislation; as well as consider whether the Government could itself upgrade its use of the
latest techniques to make its workings more transparent. Many of the recommendations of the NKC
are already in the implementation stage by different ministries of the Government. This includes
areas such as Libraries, e-governance and translation. Some of the major areas under work are
higher education, vocational education, entrepreneurship, school education etc. The NKC consults a
wide range of stake-holders and experts on each area before submitting the recommendations to the
Prime Minister. Each area has a working group which is headed by a prominent person in that field.
The Working Group members meet several times to submit a report to the NKC. The NKC members
then hold discussions on the report before submitting it to the Prime Minister. After submitting the
recommendations, an extensive coordination also takes place with the Planning Commission of India
and relevant ministries of the Government. As many of the components of the education sector
remains state subjects in India, NKC representatives also visit various state governments and
conduct deliberations with secretaries of education departments for reforming of the education
sector at the state level.
130!
!
National Maritime Foundation

(NMF)
http://www.maritimeindia.org/
New Delhi
2005
Government
Affiliated
N/A
Dr Vijay Sakhuj
Director
maritimeindia@gmail
.com
N/A
N/A
Inaugurated in Delhi by Shri Pranab Mukherjee, the National Maritime Foundation (NMF) is a nongovernmental maritime think has been set up to: 1)Rise above sectoral and departmental legacies,
and examine maritime issues in their entirety; 2) Provide the much-needed interface between various
stakeholders, like the government, public and private sector, academia, NGOs and civil society; 3)
Initiate debates and discussions in an independent and unbiased milieu so that the best possible
suggestions and policies emerge. The genesis of the National Maritime Foundation lies in a long-felt
need to redress India's historic neglect of its maritime security domain and to fill an acute
intellectual void, by providing a common platform for discourse between maritime related
institutions, organizations and disciplines, country-wide. It was also envisaged that the Foundation
would provide an open forum for professional debate amongst the sea-going Services; whilst serving
to heighten maritime awareness amongst India's policy-makers, intellectual elite and even the
lay civil society
National University of Educational

Planning and Administration (NUEPA)
http://www.nuepa.org/
New Delhi
1979
N/A
K. K. Chakravarty
Chancellor
msk4747@yahoo.in
011-26565600
N/A

Research
The National University of Educational Planning and Administration was established in 1962 by the
Human Resources Development sector of the Indian Government. It became a full-fledged
university in 2006. They deal with the capacity-building and research in planning and management
of education in South Asia. NUEPAs vision is to evolve a humane society through the advancement
of knowledge. They have eight distinct educational departments: planning, administration, finance,
policy, school and non-formal education, professional planning, information systems and training.
131!
!
Nutrition Foundation of India (NFI)

http://www.nutritionfoundationofindia.org/
New Delhhi
Dr C Gopalan
President
1982
Type of Institution
N/A
nfi@ren02.nic.in
91-11-26962615
N/A
Social Sciences and

The Nutrition Foundation of India is a voluntary organization dedicated to improving the nutrition of
Indians. Their objectives are: promotions and aid of food security and safety, application of research
to the improvement of nutritional status, solving of nutrition detriments, cost-efficient solutions to
nutritional support and disease vaccination. Through their research, advocacy, program evaluations,
and capacity building, NFI brings about awareness and solutions to malnutrition.
Observer Research Foundation (ORF)

http://www.orfonline.org
New Delhi
1990
N/A
Mr. Sunjoy Joshi

Director
sunjoyjoshi@orfonline.org
N/A
N/A
Economics
Foreign Policy
Military and
Security Studies
Regional Studies
ORF was established as a private, not for profit, think tank to influence public policy formulation.
The Foundation brought together, for the first time, leading Indian economists and policymakers to
present An Agenda for Economic Reforms in India. The idea was to help develop a consensus in
favor of economic reforms. Since then ORF scholars have made significant contributions toward
improving government policies. ORF research projects have resulted in immediate and tangible
impact on economic and strategic policies of the country. Today, ORF is known among policy
makers, both in India and abroad, as a place pulsating with fresh promises and ideas. Ideas are what
shape public policy think tanks. Ideas are an expression of unfettered curiosity and an urge to
explore ways and means to find solutions to vexed issues that affect us. At ORF, ideas are reflected
in the projects and programs that are undertaken by various institutes and programs. Young
researchers are encouraged to take up challenges of organizing and leading projects which, in the
years to come, would be symbols of pride for the Foundation.
132!
!
Omeo Kumar Das Institute of Social Change and

Development (OKDISCD)
http://www.okd.in/
Guwahati
1989
Bhupen Sarmah
Director
bsarmah64@gmail.com
N/A
10 Reserach
11 Administration
11 Project-Based,
Contractual Employees
Rs. 7,25,68,000
$1.2 million
Regional Studies
Social Sciences
and Social Welfare
Research
The Institute was established under the joint initiative of the Government of Assam and the Indian
Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), New Delhi. Over the last two decades the Institute has
played a pivotal role in the growth of social science research in North East India by conducting and
coordinating research on various aspects of the society by ways of organizing seminars, workshops,
training programs etc. The numerous research and evaluation studies done by the Institute have their
policy implications and have often been acknowledged as the referring points of many policy
formulations of the State and Union Governments. One of the most important contributions of the
institute is to promote and be a catalyst in the research of many young scholars of the region by way
of giving scholarships, organizing research methodology courses and engaging young scholars in
short term and long term research programs.
Participatory Research in Asia (PRIA)

New Delhi
Sheela Patel
Chairperson
http://www.pria.org/
1982
N/A
N/A
N/A
+91-011-29960931/32/33
Governance
Welfare Research
Participatory Research in Asia (PRIA) is an international center for learning and promotion of
citizen participation and democratic governance. PRIA's professional expertise and practical insights
are utilized by other civil society groups, NGOs, governments, donors, trade unions, private business
and academic institutions around the world. Since its inception in 1982, PRIA has embarked on a set
of initiatives focusing on empowerment of the poor and excluded. PRIA has consistently worked on
issues of citizens' access to rights and entitlements, such as basic services in health, education and
water in rural and urban areas; women's literacy and livelihood; forest rights of tribals; prevention of
land alienation and displacement; and workers' occupational health and safety. In all its
interventions, PRIA emphasizes gender mainstreaming institutionally and programmatically. Its
perspectives on participatory research generate innovative participatory methodologies. PRIA has
promoted 'governance where people matter' to ensure that citizens and their collectives can access
and claim their rights through engaging with governance institutions and processes. PRIA works on
the demand side of development by facilitating active citizenship and empowering civil society. It
works on the supply side by reforming institutions and their governance so that the entitlements of
citizens are realized.
133!
!
Partners for Urban Knowledge, Action and

Research (PUKAR)
http://pukar.org.in/
Mumbai
Arjun Appadurai
President
2002
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Social Sciences and

PUKAR is an independent research collective and an urban knowledge production center that
provides a platform for cross disciplinary, multi-sectoral, community based research for issues
related to urbanization and globalization. PUKAR aims to democratize research and broaden access
to knowledge among disenfranchised or weakly institutionalized groups and to create a space from
which their non traditional and non expert knowledge can contribute to local, national and global
debates about their own futures. It promotes research as a right for everyone and uses it as tool for
pedagogy, advocacy, intervention and transformation. PUKAR facilitates corporate leaders,
academics, policy makers, activists, cultural and social analysts, researchers and donors to
brainstorm outside the constrains of a single institution, constituency or a project to identify new
ways to think about urban challenges.
Population Council
http://www.popcouncil.org/research/india
New Delhi
Avina Sarna
Country Director
1994
asarna@pop
council.org
Quasi Governmental
N/A
+91 11 2 464 2901
N/A
The Population Council has worked in partnership with health and social science institutions in India
since the 1960s and established its Delhi office in 1994. The Council is a trusted partner of the
Government of India and has pioneered research on young peoples health and development; sexual
and reproductive health; and HIV prevention, care, and treatment. In 20062008, the Council
conducted the first large-scale study of young peoples sexual and reproductive health needs.
Council research has provided evidence on the pervasiveness of physical and sexual violence within
marriage and the adverse health and social consequences for women of marital violence, which is
being used to develop interventions to prevent violence against women and girls. Research on risk
behavior and HIV transmission rates among those who migrate for work contributed to a national
strategy for HIV prevention for migrants. And it is analyzing and synthesizing data from Avahan,
the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundationfunded HIV prevention initiative, which will guide future
HIV prevention programs for at-risk populations in India and other countries.
134!
!
Praja
http://www.praja.org/
Mumbai
1997
N/A
Nitai Mehta
Managing Trustee
N/A
N/A
N/A
Governance
Praja is a non-partisan organization that was started by a group of eight individuals whose vision
was to re-establish accountability and transparency in governance. Praja works toward ensuring that
citizens have information about their constituencies, including details of the problems and the issues
confronting the areas they live in. Praja believes that the easy availability of this information
facilitates communication and interaction between citizens, the elected representatives and the local
government. Praja also tries to ensure that elected representative are included in ongoing research
and advocacy about governance. Praja endeavors to develop tools and mechanisms that enable
citizens to keep a close watch on the work done by their elected representatives, who will deliver
better when they become aware that their work is being scrutinized by the people.
Prajnya Trust
http://www.prajnya.in/
Chennai
2006
Autonomous and
Independent
N/A
Swarna Rajagopalan
Managing Trustee
N/A
N/A
N/A

Studies
Regional Studies
Social Science and
Prajnya is a non-profit center for research, public education and networking working on issues
related to peace, justice and security. Prajnyas work is organized into thematic initiatives that
provide the basis for all its activities. Each initiative addresses a cluster of issues and is structured
around a cornerstone or anchor project that will form its core agenda. The initiatives draw on each
other, and some projects display a natural overlap which facilitates mutual engagement.
135!
!
PRS Legislative Research

http://www.prsindia.org/
New Delhi
2005
17
M R Madhavan
Co-Founder and President
madhavan@prsindia
.org
N/A
N/A
Governance
PRS was founded in 2005 as an independent research initiative. The work of PRS was initiated with
a grant from Ford Foundation, and subsequently by Google.org. Currently, the work of PRS is
supported by a number of Indian institutions and individuals. PRS Legislative Research (PRS) seeks
to strengthen the legislative process by making it better informed, more transparent and
participatory. Through its work, PRS seeks: to provide independent and non-partisan, research
support to Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) across
party lines on all legislation and policy debates in the legislature; track the functioning of
legislatures and legislators by releasing detailed data and analysis; and devise means by which
citizens are more aware and engaged in the policy making process.
Public Affairs Centre (PAC)

http://www.pacindia.org/
Bangalore
Raghavan Suresh
Director
1994
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Governance
Public Affairs Centre (PAC) is a not for profit organization, established with a mandate to improve
the quality of governance in India. The creation of PAC was perhaps the first civil society-led
institutional initiative to mobilize a demand for good governance in India. The focus of PAC is
primarily in areas where citizens and civil society organizations can play a proactive role in
improving governance. In this regard, PAC undertakes and supports research, disseminates research
findings, facilitates collective citizen action through awareness raising and capacity building
activities, and provides advisory services to state and non-state agencies. The Centre is globally
known for its pioneering Citizen Report Cards, benchmarking studies used to improve public
services, as well as their work on electoral transparency, public works quality monitoring tools and
approaches and the recently launched audits of the Right to Information Act and the National Rural
Employment Guarantee Act in India.
136!
!
Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI)

http://www.phfi.org/
New Delhi
Prof. K. Srinath Reddy
President
2006
Quasi Governmental
N/A
N/A
2222/23600690
N/A

Welfare Research
The Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI) is a public private initiative that has collaboratively
evolved through consultations with multiple constituencies including Indian and international
academia, state and central governments, multi & bi-lateral agencies and civil society groups. PHFI
is a response to redress the limited institutional capacity in India for strengthening training, research
and policy development in the area of Public Health. Structured as an independent foundation, PHFI
adopts a broad, integrative approach to public health, tailoring its endeavors to Indian conditions and
bearing relevance to countries facing similar challenges and concerns. The PHFI focuses on broad
dimensions of public health that encompass promotive, preventive and therapeutic services, many of
which are frequently lost sight of in policy planning as well as in popular understanding. PHFI
recognizes the fact that meeting the shortfall of health professionals is imperative to a sustained and
holistic response to the public health concerns in the country which in turn requires health care to be
addressed not only from the scientific perspective of what works, but also from the social
perspective of, who needs it the most.
Rajiv Gandhi Institute for Contemporary

Studies (RGICS)
http://www.rgics.org/
New Delhi
1991
Quasi Governmental
N/A
Sonia Gandhi
Chairman
N/A
N/A
N/A
Economics
Governance
Welfare Research
The Rajiv Gandhi Institute for Contemporary Studies is a 23 year old national policy think tank
promoted by the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation. RGICS carries out research and policy development on
contemporary challenges facing India. The three main areas of paradigmatic change the Institute is
working on currently are (i) de-concentration, decentralization and devolution of Government power
to empower the citizen; and democratization of public policy decision making and of executive and
judicial institutions; (ii) dissipation of structures of social hierarchy and inequality such as caste and
gender; and (iii) dissipation of economic monopolies and concentration of economic power by
promoting a democratic, socially sensitive and competitive market economy that advances
Constitutional values.
137!
!
Research and Information System for

Developing Countries (RIS)
http://www.ris.org.in/
New Delhi
1984
Government
Affiliated
N/A
Dr. Sachin Chaturvedi

Director General
dg@ris.org.in
N/A
N/A
Economics
Foreign Policy
Regional Studies
Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), a New Delhi based autonomous
think-tank under the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, is an organization that
specializes in policy research on international economic issues and development cooperation. RIS is
envisioned as a forum for fostering effective policy dialogue and capacity-building among
developing countries on international economic issues. The focus of the work program of RIS is to
promote South- South Cooperation and assist developing countries in multilateral negotiations in
various forums. RIS is engaged in the Track II process of several regional initiatives. RIS is
providing analytical support to the Government of India in the negotiations for concluding
comprehensive economic cooperation agreements with partner countries. Through its intensive
network of policy think tanks, RIS seeks to strengthen policy coherence on international economic
issues.
Research Foundation for Governance in India

(RFGI)
http://www.dalitstudies.org.in/
Ahmedabad
Kanan Dhru
Founder
2009
Over 3000 members
N/A
N/A
N/A
Governance
Research Foundation for Governance in India (RFGI) is a think-tank working primarily towards
creating and promoting legal innovations and legal reforms in India. The organization conducts
research on key issues in law and policy and hosts public events in order to raise awareness,
particularly among the youth who are often disengaged from the democratic process. It champions
the cause of seeking and creating innovations in the space of access to justice and also acts as a
consultant in the implementation and development of Government policies. Previously the
foundation has produced and disseminated reports on land acquisition, entry barriers to litigation,
compulsory voting, legal education, and representation in India.
138!
!
Sardar Patel Institute of Economic and Social

Research (SPIESR)
http://www.spiesr.ac.in
Ahmedabad
Dr. Nitin Mehta
Acting Director
1969
8 Research Faculty
N/A
N/A
N/A
Economics
Social Sciences and
Sardar Patel Institute of Economic and Social Research is a leading Social Science Research
Institute in India. With the valuable cooperation of the Gujarat Government, businessmen, and
industrialists of Gujarat, the Institute started academic activities in 1969 with Prof. D.T. Lakdawala
as its founder Director. The Government of India recognized it as a National Institute in 1975 and,
consequently, the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), New Delhi, started sharing
the maintenance grant on a 50:50 basis. The Institute organizes seminars, conferences and
workshops and insures participation of its research staff at regional, national, and international level.
The Institute is also a center for the Data Consultancy Scheme of ICSSR. Research scholars from all
over the country visit the Institute for consultation regarding data analysis, research survey,
methodology.
Self Employed Women's

Association (SEWA) Research
http://www.sewaresearch.org/
Ahmedabad
N/A
1998
N/A

N/A
75 Research
N/A
Through research, SEWA strives to bring its members, the self employed women, into the
mainstream of the world of knowledge. Action oriented research is the corner stone of this
intervention and SEWA Academy is the organizational wing responsible for this task. Research
projects are directly linked to action and immediate usefulness supporting SEWAs organizing,
program development and advocacy campaigns. SEWAs research is uniquely positioned,
connecting the Micro and Macro level, between grassroots women and the local development
context at the micro level, and the government policies and the economic development process at the
macro level. Through its research, SEWA has been able to understand the effect of macro policies
on the welfare of poor women at the grassroots level; and lobby to mitigate its worst effects.
Research has also documented alternative solutions at the grassroots and then lobby for these
solutions to be included in macro level program. Research helps SEWA capture the condition and
contribution of self employed women and speak credibly on their behalf for changes in local,
national and international policy.
139!
!
Society for Policy Studies (SPS)

http://spsindia.in/
New Delhi
N/A
Tarun Basu
President
N/A
N/A
N/A
Economics
Foreign Policy
Regional Studies
The Society for Policy Studies (SPS) is an independent think tank focused on public policy,
international relations and human development and their strategic, security, economic and social
impact on India and the larger South Asian region. It helps foster dialogue among opinion leaders
and provides a non-partisan forum to engage with critical issues, affecting India and South Asia.
SPS, with its intellectual resources and convening power, is uniquely positioned to bring together
policy makers, diplomats, officials, academics, analysts and journalists from India and the region to
facilitate new thinking and provide more informed and objective perspectives to current policy
debates and offer alternative approaches, viewpoints and even solutions to some intractable
problems. SPS believes in the power of knowledge, ideas and skills in todays information-driven
society and works to disseminate, debate and develop them through association with thought leaders,
resource persons and domain experts in various fields.
Strategic Foresight Group (SFG)

http://www.strategicforesight.com/
Mumbai
2002
Autonomous and
Independent
N/A
Sundeep Waslekar
President
sundeep.waslekar@
gmail.com
N/A
N/A
Foreign Policy
Regional Studies
Strategic Foresight Group (SFG) is a think tank engaged in crafting new policy concepts that enable
decision makers to prepare for a future in uncertain times. Founded in 2002 to create new forms of
intellectual capital, their body of work today encompasses over 50 countries, across four continents.
SFG has published over 30 in-depth research reports in English with some translations in Arabic and
Spanish. We currently work within three areas of focus: 1. Water Diplomacy; 2. Peace, Conflict and
Terrorism; 3. Global Foresight. SFG analysis and recommendations have been discussed in the
United Nations, UK House of Lords, House of Commons, Indian Parliament, European Parliament,
Alliance of Civilization, World Economic Forum (Davos), and quoted in over 1500 newspapers and
media sources. Several Heads of Government, Cabinet Ministers and Members of Parliament have
participated in SFG activities.
140!
!
Synergia Foundation
http://www.synergiafoundation.in/
Bangalore
1999
Autonomous and
Independent
N/A
Tobby Simon
Founder and President
tobby@synergiafoundation.in
N/A
N/A
Economics
Welfare Research
Synergia Foundation is a non-profit think tank that aims to assist and complement leaders in
understanding, embracing and solving strategic challenges primarily in South and South East Asia.
Its primary approach is to develop and promote practical approaches in transforming the way people
think. Through its dedicated and objective research, and with proprietary analytical tools developed
over many years, it engages clients and sponsors to help them better understand a problem and
provide solutions. Its objective is to help in developing policies to improve the chances of our future
generation by: Capacity building and developing leadership programs in critical areas that currently
lack the needful expertise; Conducting innovative high quality research; and Disseminating
knowledge and offering academic support. Synergia disseminates its work through policy papers,
workshops, policy and industry briefs, discussion papers, reports and working papers, peer-reviewed
publications, and newsletters.
Takshashila Institution
http://takshashila.org.in/
Chennai
2010
Autonomous and
Independent
6 Research
2 Other
Nitin Pai
Co-Founder and
Director
nitin.pai@takshashila.org.in
N/A
Rs. 15,000,000
$250,000
Economics
Foreign Policy
Governance
Studies
Social Sciences and
Social Welfare
Research
The Takshashila Institutionan independent, non-partisan, non-profit organizationcontributes

towards building the intellectual foundations of an India that has global interests. It focuses on
strategic affairs, public policy and governance. The institution provides intellectual leadership for
public policies that promote the well-being, prosperity, happiness and security of the people, based
on responsible citizenship, economic freedom, realism in international relations, an open society and
a culture of tolerance. It also aims to increase public awareness and education on strategic affairs,
international relations, national security and economic policies, through the publication of articles,
periodicals, books and online activities
141!
!
Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR)

http://www.tifr.res.in/
1945
Mumbai
Sandip P Trivedi
Director
sandip@theory.tifr.res.in
22782424, 22782244
73 Employees
N/A
Science and
Technology
The Tata Institute of Fundamental Research is a National Centre of the Government of India, under
the umbrella of the Department of Atomic Energy, as well as a deemed University awarding degrees
for master's and doctoral programs. TIFR carries out basic research in physics, chemistry, biology,
mathematics, computer science and science education. In the 1960s the Institute expanded to start a
Molecular Biology Group and a Radio Astronomy Group. A low temperature facility and a semi
conductor group started around the same time. In 1964 a Basic Dental Research Group started which
has since discontinued. The 1970s saw the Institute expand to include Theoretical Astrophysics and
the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education. Over the next two decades the Institute further
expanded by founding new national centers: The National Centre for Radio Astrophysics in Pune,
The Centre for Applicable Mathematics in Bangalore, The National Centre for Biological Sciences
in Bangalore. The latest in such efforts has been the International Centre for Theoretical Sciences,
which was founded in 2007. The work of the Institute is now carried out in three Schools: the School
of Mathematics, the School of Natural Sciences and the School of Technology and Computer
Sciences.
Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS)

http://www.tiss.edu/
Mumbai
Prof. S. Parasuraman
Director
1936
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A

Research
The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) was established as the Sir Dorabji Tata Graduate School
of Social Work. In 1944, it was renamed as the Tata Institute of Social Sciences. The year 1964 was
an important landmark in the history of the Institute, when it was declared Deemed to be a
University under Section 3 of the University Grants Commission Act (UGC), 1956. Over the years,
the Institute has made consistent contributions to civil society and the development sector through
its education, research, field action and extension. Today, the TISS has earned recognition as an
institution of repute from different Ministries of the Government of India; various State
Governments; international agencies such as the United Nations; and the non-government sector,
both national and international. A high degree of freedom and autonomy shape the positive work
ethos and creativity in the Institute facilitating strong linkages between education, research, field
action and dissemination. The Vision of the TISS has been to be an institution of excellence in
higher education that continually responds to changing social realities through the development and
application of knowledge, towards creating a people-centered, ecologically sustainable and just
society that promotes and protects dignity, equality, social justice and human rights for all.
142!
!
Telecom Centres of Excellence (TCOE)

http://www.tcoe.in
New Delhi
2008
Government
Affiliated
N/A
Shri Rakesh Garg

Chairman
N/A
N/A
N/A
Telecom Centres of Excellence India (TCOE India), a Public Private Partnership (PPP) initiative of
Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India, are established at premier
academic institutes of the country with the objective of creating an ecosystem for a sustained, high
rate of growth of Telecom in the country. TCOEs created a platform for Govt., Industry & Academia
to come together and work in synergistic manner to position India as a global Telecom Leader in
terms of Innovation, New Technologies, IPR Generation The TCOE initiative intends to harness the
potential of our people and the industry to match global standards and competitiveness
United Service Institution of India (USI)
http://www.usiofindia.org/
New Delhi
1870
N/A
Air Marshal PP Reddy, VM

President
N/A
N/A
N/A
The United Service Institution of India was founded in 1870 by a soldier scholar, Colonel (later
Major General) Sir Charles MacGregor. The Armed Forces leadership of today demands a quality of
professionalism that can only come with education and informed opinion on various aspects of
national security, international relations, defense strategy, management of the economy of the
country, social issues, internal security problems, and appropriate interaction with other sections of
society in the country at various levels. The Charter builds on the initial founding aim of
"furtherance of interest and knowledge in the art, science and literature of the defense services"
Other activities which promote the object of the Institution, such as research studies. Three centers
have been set up under the aegis of the Institution. One for strategic studies and simulation on issues
of national and international security, a second for Armed Forces Historical Research, and a third for
United Nations Peacekeeping and maintaining close touch with other bodies pursuing similar or
allied aims.
143!
!
Urban Design Research Institute (UDRI)

http://www.udri.org/
Mumbai
Pankaj Joshi
Executive Director
1984
executivedirector@udri.
org
N/A
+ 91 22 65735773
N/A

Welfare Research
The Urban Design Research Institute is a forum that supports interaction among architects, urban
designers and professionals from such related fields as urban economics, sociology, planning,
conservation and history. As a public charitable trust established in 1984, UDRI aims to enrich the
understanding of the urban environment and works towards its improvement. It provides
researchers, educators, professionals, journalists and students with a central library of printed and
visual materials on our city. It is expected that the library would act as a Principal Archive on
Mumbai through Planning Laws, Regulations, and Digital Resources like photographs, maps and
drawings, films documenting various aspects of the city, a newspaper archive on tracing city
happenings. Research Projects involve documenting and mapping buildings, neighborhoods and
precincts in the city. Each UDRI project is a balance of archival research, fieldwork and
documentation, often leading to institutional collaborations and publication. While UDRI research
studies aim to enrich the vocabulary of young professionals and students, their applied research
projects have been designed to address the shortcomings of existing legislation, the insufficiency of
civic infrastructure, and the pressing need to recover the city's open spaces and restore its built
fabric.
V.V. Giri National Labour Institute

http://www.vvgnli.org/
Noida
Shri V. P. Yajurvedi
Director General
1974
14 Faculty
N/A
N/A
N/A
Economics
Welfare Research
The Institute is an autonomous body of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of
India. The Institute is involved with research, training, education, publication and consultancy on
labor and labor-related issues. Empaneled under the ITEC/SCAAP of the Ministry of External
Affairs, Government of India, the Institute has organized 12 international training programs on key
themes like globalization and labor, social security, gender issues, HIV/AIDS and labor, research
methods and leadership development, attended by senior scholars and practitioners representing
nearly 50 countries. Continuing its commitment to professional networking, VVGNLI has
established and strengthened collaborative agreements with national and international institutions.
The most notable of these are with seven State Labour Institutes, and major international institutions
like Korea Labour Institute, South Korea and National Institute of Labour Studies, Sri Lanka.
VVGNLI has also brought out 40 publications on different dimensions of labor aimed at
disseminating the latest information on research, policy, and labor jurisprudence.
144!
!
Vidya Prasarak Mandals Centre for

International Studies (CIS)
www.vidyaprasarakmandal.org/centre-for-international-studies-cis/profile.htm
Mumbai
Smt & Shri. N. B. H. Kulkarni
Chairman
1997
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Foreign Policy
The CIS was born out of a need felt by many scholars in the recent years for a forum for discussing
issues in foreign affairs. The CIS was established to focus attention on various issues affecting
Indias International Relations. The CIS was registered as a separate trust by the VPM in June 2004.
VPMs CIS has been recognized as an institution of excellence for enrolling students for their M.A.
(by Research) and Ph.D. by the University of Mumbai in the year 2006. Presently, CIS activities are
constrained by lack of sufficient funding. It depends on funds for its academic activities on a number
of philanthropists and institutions. Apart from industrial houses in the private sector, institutional
funding includes the USIEF, ICSSR, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian Studies, Ministry
of External Affairs, Government of India and others. CIS looks forward to institutionalized ties for
funding by the UGC, ICSSR and MEA on a more regular basis.
Vivekananda Institute for Professional Studies

(VIPS)
http://www.vips.edu/
New Delhi
Dr. S.C. Vats
Chairman
1998
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Social Sciences and

VIPS as an institute recognizes, that an Institution is a place where creative minds coverage, interact
with each other and construct visions of new realities of knowledge. Their aim is to put across a
'renovated and rejuvenated spirit of education' where the Departments have porous walls enabling an
inter-disciplinary application. VIPS understands the need to build a 'character' of the Institute which
is nurtured not merely upon the mere narrow expertise of a teacher but rather upon the need for a
wholesome education. VIPS goal is to establish, maintain and promote excellent centers of
education for imparting quality professional education comparable with the best in the world.
145!
!
Vivekananda International Foundation

(VIF)
http://www.vifindia.org/
New Delhi
2009
N/A
Air Marshal SG Inamdar

Executive Council Member
N/A
N/A
N/A
Economics
Foreign Policy
Governance
Research
VIF is an independent, non-partisan institution that promotes quality research and in-depth studies
and is a platform for dialogue and conflict resolution. VIF strives to bring together the best minds in
India to ideate on key national and international issues; promote initiatives that further the cause of
peace and global harmony; monitor social, economic and political trends that have a bearing on
Indias unity and integrity; analyze the causes for social and ethnic conflicts leading to extremism
and offer policy alternatives; interact with civil society and offer institutional support for exchange
of ideas and interaction among conflicting groups; critique public policy and the working of
democratic institutions and constitutional bodies; and evolve benchmarks for good governance and
efficiency in public institutions.
Xavier Institute of Social Service (XISS)

http://www.xiss.ac.in/
Ranchi
1955
N/A
Dr. Fr. Alexius Ekka S.J.

Director
N/A
N/A
N/A

Economics
Research
Xavier Institute of Social Service was established as a center for social service at St. Xaviers
College, Ranchi. XISS was established with the mission to develop human resources for various
sectors such as industries, business, rural development, health care. In 1973 the institute was
registered as a separate educational society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. The Institute
has a very well stocked library containing over 34,000 volumes of books, journals, encyclopedias,
almanacs and magazines. It subscribes to more than 150 periodicals and journals. XISS also
visualizes itself as a center of excellence in the country, imparting value driven management and
development education, and catering to its diverse clientele and stakeholders. The institute hopes to
be a leading catalyst in capacity building, sustainable development, research and consultancy.
146!
!
Yashwantrao Chavan National Centre of

International Security and Defense
Analysis (YC-NISDA)
http://www.unipune.ac.in/narc/NISDA/default.htm
Pune
2005
Prof. Shrikant Paranjpe
N/A
N/A
Director
N/A
N/A

Regional Studies
The Centre was established to create a globally recognized research, teaching and training center on
the campus of the University of Pune in the multi-disciplinary area of strategic and national security
affairs. YCNISDA aims to be a center of excellence, academically oriented to the study of
international security and defense analysis. The research foci of the center cover five areas: nontraditional security studies, area studies, policy and management studies, science, technology and
international security studies, and finally a modeling and simulation department. The center further
seeks to Create an inter-relationship with industrialists and entrepreneurs at national and
international levels to engage in contract research of user value.
147!
!

Profiles of Indian Think Tanks

Caricato da

Informazioni sul documento

Copyright

Formati disponibili

Condividi questo documento

Condividi o incorpora il documento

Opzioni di condivisione

Hai trovato utile questo documento?

Questo contenuto è inappropriato?

Copyright:

Formati disponibili

Profiles of Indian Think Tanks

Caricato da

Copyright:

Formati disponibili

Profiles of Indian Think Tanks

Think Tank Name

A. N. Sinha Institute of Social Studies

Agriculture and Rural

Aga Khan Foundation, India

Agricultural And Rural Development

All India Institute of Local SelfGovernment (AIILSG)

Social Sciences and Social Welfare

Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI)

(033) 2286 1796

Social Sciences and Social Welfare

Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology

Agriculture and Rural Development

Asian Centre for Organisation Research and

Ms. Jyotsna Majumdar

Agricultural And Rural

Asian Development Research Institute

Professor Muchkund Dubey

ADRI is an ICSSR-recognized institute that was established as a non-profit civil society

Independent and Autonomous

Science and Technology

Asiatic Society of Mumbai

Social Sciences and Social

Association for Democratic Reform (ADR)

Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Anil Verma

Azim Premji Foundation

Social Sciences and Social

Bangalore Political Action Committee

Autonomous and Independent

Bankers Institute of Rural Development (BIRD)

Agricultural and Rural

Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)

Science and Technology

Brookings Institution India Center

Vikram Singh Mehta

Center for Asia Studies (CAS)

Center for Study of Science,

Dr. V.S. Arunachalam

Science and Technology

Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI)

Science and Technology

Central Food Technological Research Institute

Science and Technology

Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering

Agricultural and Rural

Central Institute of Education (CIE)

Social Sciences and Social

Central University of Tibetan Studies (CUTS)

Social Sciences and

Centre for Air Power Studies (CAPS)

Air Marshal Vinod Patney

Military and Security Studies

Centre for Budget and Governance

Centre for Budget and Policy Studies

Autonomous and Independent

Centre for Civil Society (CSS)

Autonomous and Independent

Centre for Development Alternatives (CFDA)

Prof Indira Hirway

Centre for Development Economics (CDE)

Centre for Development Studies (CDS)

Amit Shovon Ray

Agriculture and Rural Development

Centre for Development Studies and Activities