Research Centre

ISARD's Research Centre is focused on policy and academically relevant  enquiries that are crucial in fostering sustainable transformations in the society. The centre has strong collaborations with international universities, research centres across the globe and scientific institutions,, higher education bodies of national eminence in India. The centre is a host to numerous research studies/ projects contributed by fellows, associates, postdoctoral/PhD scholars and domain experts.  The centre is currently focusing on  science-policy research applications in the area of public health, environmental sustainability, green growth, COVID-19 impacts & recovery, socio-economic development, inclusive urbanization in rapidly growing societies.                                                                                                                                                                

Covid-19 has exposed major structural, social and governance fault lines of developing countries. One of the most heart-wrenching images of the Indian lockdown would perhaps remain the inhuman habitation of migrant labour in financial capitals, followed by their mass exodus to their home villages, walking for hundreds of miles. As governments announce their economic and rental housing packages, we investigate stakeholder needs, market & policy landscape for sustainable rental housing of migrant labour in megacities of the Indian subcontinent..  For further details, visit the project webpage here.

The National Institute of Rural Development (NIRD) Hyderabad, GOI, awarded this study to DBD Environmental Services and Developmental Initiatives Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi (ESDI). and ISARD as a collaborative agency. The study aims to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the impacts of implementation of watershed development projects, on the productivity and income of the families living in the watershed areas.

The intent of the study is to provide affordable houses to the urban poor employed in the informal sector like  auto rickshaw drivers, vegetable vendors, casual labour, contractual industrial workers, self- employed plumbers, electricians, etc. ISARD was appointed by Asoka for carrying out need assessment survey and hold a stakeholder discussion with potential beneficiaries.