Now, as a step in that direction, RGCCS is in the process of finalising memorandum of understandings (MoUs) with other social science thinktanks and research agencies from across the country, and one of the probabilities is the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR). The latter was started in 1969 by the Government of India to promote research in social sciences in the country.

Confirming, RGCCS in-charge director B Venkatesh Kumar said: “We are in the process of exploring collaborative engagements with a lot of social science thinktanks and research agencies including the ICSSR.”

The primary objectives behind such associations include engagement of scholars, funding, undertaking collaborative research studies and projects and exchange of academic fellows among others, explained Kumar.

Supported by the Ministry of Human Resource and Development, the centre was established in 2006 to carry out studies in diverse contemporary issues and themes like women’s empowerment, tribal studies, good governance, sustainable development and livelihood and corporate social responsibility to name a few.

Apart from strengthening the role of universities and academics in public policy making, RGCCS is also meant to design and execute capacity-building programmes for teachers in higher education “focused on the designated discipline of the centre”.

Besides engaging itself with thinktanks, the RGCCS will encourage the corporate sector in consultancies in a big way. “Among other alliances, we are finalising joint academic ventures with the corporate houses,” said Kumar.

Furthermore, the centre is in the process of finalising new positions of senior fellows, visiting fellows, distinguished fellows and professional fellows during the XI Five Year Plan to engage them in short-term and long-term projects of a varied nature and will put forth the proposal to the governing council for their approval.

The governing council which will meet shortly consists of eminent people like Dr J J Irani (Tata Sons Limited Director), Wajahat Habibullah (Chief Information Commissioner of the Government of India), B S Baswan (Director of Indian Institute of Public Administration-New Delhi) and André Béteille (ICSSR Chairman) among others.