Centre for Development Studies

The Centre for Development Studies (CDS) was set up as a research adjunct at the Department of Economics, Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU), Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, with a generous grant from the Ministry of Finance (Department of Economic Affairs), Government of India in 2013. The objectives of the Centre include the creation of high-quality research infrastructure for students and researchers and faculty members, in addition to sponsoring and coordinating research on various developmental issues having policy implications both at the regional and national level. Publishing working/policy papers on the research outcome of the Centre, monographs and edited volumes are among the key activities of the Centre.

Prof. Amitava Mitra was the founding Coordinator of CDS for a period of three years, followed by Prof. S.K. Nayak who was the coordinator of the Centre for the next three years. Prof.Vandana Upadhyay is the current coordinator of the CDS.In this period of eight years three advisory committee meetings were held. The first meeting was held on 2nd August 2013 followed by the second meeting which was held on 4th May 2017 and the third meeting on 25 February 2019.Prof. G. K. Chadha, former Vice Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi and former economic advisory council member to the Prime Minister of India was the founder advisory committee member of CDS.The three current external members of the advisory committee are Prof. Atul Sarma,former Vice Chancellor, RGU & and Director Indian Statistical Institute and Member 13th Finance Commission, Govt. of India, Prof. S. Mahendra Dev, Vice Chancellor, Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research, Mumbai and Prof. Alakh N. Sharma, Director, Institute for Human Development, New Delhi.

Research Promotion

To promote and coordinate research on various developmental issues.
Academic Exchange

To sponsor economists from all over India and abroad to deliver lectures at Rajiv Gandhi University.
Collaboration

To collaborate with national and international agencies and scholars in conducting studies and research on critical issues.
Events & Seminars

To conduct regular seminars, conferences, and workshops.
Infrastructure

To upgrade research infrastructure including communication and computing facilities.

For the Capacity Building of Students, Researchers and Young Faculty Members from across the country, various workshops were organized by the Centre for Development Studies. They are as follows:

One week National workshop on “Econometrics-Practice and Research” (for Faculty and Researchers) during 24–28 March, 2014.
Two week National workshop on “Econometrics-Practice and Research” (for Faculty and Researchers) during 15–24 December, 2014.
One week National Workshop on “Statistical Techniques and their Application in Social Science Research” during 2–6 December, 2015.
One week National workshop on “NSSO Data Handling” during 21–26 February, 2016.
One week National workshop on “Introduction to Time Series Econometrics” during 18–22 December, 2017.
A National seminar on “Hill Economics and Sustainable Development: Challenges and Prospects” during 5^th–6^th February, 2018.
A National Workshop on “NSSO Data Handling and Research with Big Data Sets” during 4^th–9^th February, 2019.
International Webinar on “Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on Global Economy” during 22–23 June, 2020.

Most of our research is Field-based and Policy-oriented Collaborative research, based on primary data, interaction with scholars and policy makers through field work, which has enabled us to produce original research output. The research work in the Centre also promotes the region’s perspective. Output of the research is always disseminated among the stakeholders. There is good scope for further development of the Centre, especially the research area. So far, research was mainly concentrated on the State of Arunachal Pradesh and neighbouring States of the region, but with increasing globalization, the research focus will be expanded to cover new areas, especially those problems coming because of globalization and new technology.

CDS Books and Working Papers Released by the Honorable Vice Chancellor of Rajiv Gandhi University
on 17^th December, 2020

First Human Development Report of Arunachal Pradesh

The Department of Economics acted as the nodal department for preparing the First Human Development Report (HDR) of Arunachal Pradesh, coordinated by Prof. N.C. Roy. Sponsored by UNDP and the Planning Commission, it surveyed 5,257 households and was released in October 2006, earning wide academic recognition.

First State Development Report of Arunachal Pradesh

The Department prepared the First State Development Report, coordinated by Prof. S.K. Nayak with Prof. Atul Sarma as Research Head. Sponsored by the Planning Commission, it was released in December 2009 and analyzed key development indicators of Arunachal Pradesh.

Hill Economics and Sustainable Development in India: Emerging Realities (2019)

Edited by Prof. S. K. Nayak, Dr. Lijum Nochi, and Dr. Maila Lama, this book discusses issues of sustainable development in hill economies of India, covering 11 states.

Growing Urbanization and Challenges of Solid Waste Management in Eastern Himalayas (2019)

Ajit Debnath and Amitava Mitra analyze urbanization, waste management, and public participation in the Eastern Himalayas, with relevance to India’s Swachh Bharat Mission.

Rethinking Economic Development in North East India: The Emerging Dynamics (2017)

Edited by Deepak K. Mishra and Vandana Upadhyay, this Routledge publication explores governance, trade, and economic policies shaping Northeast India’s growth.

The Unfolding Crisis in Assam's Tea Plantations (2013)

By Deepak K. Mishra, Vandana Upadhyay, and Atul Sarma — this study explores the socio-economic impact of Assam’s tea sector crisis and livelihood transitions.

Work Participation and Time-Use Pattern of Women in Rural Arunachal Pradesh (2014)

By Dr. Vandana Upadhyay — examines household labor, gender division, and women’s participation in rural economic activities through time-use surveys.

Working Papers of the Centre for Development Studies

CDS/01/2019 — Dr. Lijum Nochi

Dynamics of Livelihoods along Foothills of Arunachal Pradesh — explores rural livelihood structures, land use, and adaptation strategies.

CDS/02/2019 — Dr. M. Lama

Crop Diversification and Farm Income in the Hills of Northeast India — analyzes diversification patterns and their impact on rural income growth.

CDS/03/2019 — Dr. Anup K Das

Rental Markets of Farm Capital Goods — examines how farm machinery rentals help small and marginal farmers improve productivity.

CDS/04/2019 — Dr. Prasenjit B Baruah

Unorganised Enterprises and Financial Inclusion: A Study of Assam — analyzes financing patterns and access gaps among unorganised enterprises.

CDS/05/2020 — Prof. N C Roy

Impact of Central Fund on the Economic Development of Arunachal Pradesh — quantifies fund flows and their role in economic transformation.

CDS/06/2020 — Prof. Amitava Mitra

Challenges of Development in the Border Areas — explores socio-economic disparities and development constraints in border districts.

CDS/07/2020 — Prof. N.C. Roy, Prof. S.K. Nayak & Dr. D.B. Gurung

Identification of the Potential Exportables of Arunachal Pradesh — highlights indigenous export potentials and infrastructural needs for trade expansion.

Rajiv Gandhi
University

Centre for Development Studies

Research Promotion

Academic Exchange

Collaboration

Events & Seminars

Infrastructure

Human Development

Valuation of Environmental Resources and Other Environmental Related Issues

Data Generation for Savings for the State of Arunachal Pradesh

Livelihood Diversification in Mountain Economy of North East India

Study of Unemployment Problems in North East India

Economics of Education

Gender Issues

Migration

Industry and Trade

Economics of Agriculture and Related Issues

The Centre for Development Studies has been sponsoring and coordinating research on various developmental issues having policy implications. They are as follows: