Centre for Equity and Social Justice (CESJ)

The Context

The Constitution of India was adopted in 1950 with the hope to create an environment of Liberty, Equity and Fraternity, in a democratic secular setup. It also guarantees the right to dignified life to each of its citizen. The pillars of Governance i.e. legislature, the executive, the judiciary and the forth estate i.e. media have tried to play their roles to attain the set objectives. In each five-year plans various policies, programmes, schemes, institutions and frameworks were designed created and implemented to achieve the targets.

However, the cost benefit analysis of the input and output of these efforts is not available in a holistic manner. It has been observed that the country has definitely progressed during the last 55 years of independence but it is also true that the gaps between various sections of the society are increasing day by day. The parameters, indices, data and statistics to measure input-output, gap between haves and have not, is not available. The major aspect of people's participation in their own development is seen missed out. To address these issues and prevailing social reality, the Director, Department of Social Justice, GoM requested the Director General, YASHADA to establish a dedicated and exclusive Centre for Equity and Social Justice in Government of Maharashtra's apex and premier training institute, YASHADA.

The Centre

The centre was established with the Board of Governor's approval in the meeting held on 22 January, 2004 at YASHADA. The functioning of the Centre for Equity and Social Justice was started on 16th February 2004 vide Director-General's policy circular No. BoG-2002/RR/CESJ/01 dated 05/02/2004.

The Centre for Equity and Social Justice enjoys full independence under the guidance of Director General, YASHADA. The advisory committee of the Centre, which consists of eminent personalities, social thinkers, academicians, scientists and activists, was established to guide and advise on the functioning of the Centre. The Centre is headed by an Associate Professor. Two Research Officers and a Research Assistant are also working in the centre. The Department of Social Justice, GoI and GoM and YASHADA support the centre's finances.

Mission

Facilitate capacity building of deprived sections of the society for attaining liberty and freedom for human development.

The Aim

To upgrade the human capabilities of the people covered under SCPtothe level best in the world.

The Objectives

• Identification of Training Needs and conducting specialised training, research and consultancy programmes

• Action Research Projects

• Preparation of authentic database and provide policy interventions

• Networking of like minded Institutions, Social Work College, NGOs and People

• Knowledge Management and Dissemination

Activities for the year 2004-2004

• Training Programme of Government Officers/ CBOs/NGOs.

• Start creating a data bank with compilation of available data.

• Networking of Social Work Colleges in Maharashtra for undertaking preparation of Human Development Report of Scheduled Castes in Maharashtra.

• Bringing out thematic occasional papers on relevant issues.

• Creating a think tank for consultation.

• Prepare a project for action research in 33 blocks, get financial support and identify and train facilitators.

Year 2005-2006

• Training Programmes for Government Officers, CBOs, and NGOs.

• Creation of an initial data bank, Identity gaps in availability of data and Plan Research to fill them.

• Draft HDR of SCs in Maharashtra.

•  Action Research Projects in all districts of the state in one block each.

• Bringing out thematic papers on relevant issues.

• Construct a Social Justice Index.

Year 2006-2007

• Writing and Publication of Human Development Report of Scheduled Castes of the State.

• Training activities for Officers, NGOs, CBOs.

• Action Research in 33 blocks to continue.

• Undertake planned research to fill gaps in data through Social Work Colleges etc.

• Bringing out thematic papers on relevant issues.

• Collect relevant data and calculate the Social Justice Index of Maharashtra.

Advisory Committee

• Dr. D. N. Sandanshive

• Dr. Bhalachandra Mungekar

• Dr. Raosaheb Kasabe

• Dr. M. P. Mungudkar

• Dr. Anand Teltumbade

• Dr. Gopal Guru

• Dr. P. A. Inamdar

• Dr. A. H. Salunkhe

• Dr. Narendra Jadhav  

• Mr. Vilas Wagh

• Ms. Gail Omvedt

• Prof. Shravan Devre

• Mr. Bhau Lokhande

• Mr. Laxman Mane

• Director, Department of Social Justice, GoM

• Director, Dr. Ambedkar Research & Training Institute, GoM

Head of the Academy

Shri. Ratnakar Gaikwad, IAS (Director General, YASHADA)

Faculty and Staff at CESJ

 Ravindra Chavan

(Associate Professor & HoD, Centre for Equity and Social Justice, YASHADA, Pune -7.)

Tel.: (0) 020-25676415, (R) 2681 0870, (M) 98233 92790 Email:ravichavan33@hotmail.com

Dr. S. D. Munde

(Assistant Professor, Centre for Equity and Social Justice, YASHADA, Pune - 7.)

Tel.: (0) 020-25657360/62, (R) 25653071, (M) 98233 92794

Shri. Dadu Bule

(Course Associate, Centre for Equity and Social Justice, YASHADA, Pune - 7.)

Tel.: (0) 020-25650784/25650064, (M) 98233 57412 E-mail: ravibule@hotmail.com