Vision

Development Administration is a dynamic function, which requires reflexive planning and responding to rapidly changing scenario and challenges of development. In this era of globalization and privatization, the existing Development paradigms, policies and programmes need to be reviewed and revised continuously so as to ensure their continued relevance and effectiveness. Such review and revision has to be based on a highly systematic and methodical investigation and analysis of the complex Development issues and problems at hand. In other words, there is a need for a systematic and sustained Research and Documentation on Development concerns of the State. The Research and Documentation (R & D) Centre, YASHADA is established precisely to cater to this need.

 

Mission

To undertake systematic and scientific research and documentation in all areas of Development Administration in consultation with the Government departments and agencies, and in response to their expressed needs and priorities.

 

Key Objectives

·        To facilitate the necessary policy reform in the State through formulating research based policy recommendations.

·        To create a systematic and verified documentation on developmental issues for effective planning, monitoring and evaluation of the Development process.

·        To enhance the quality and effectiveness of training of Development Administration personnel in the State by feeding the research findings into the training process.

·        To disseminate crucial developmental information to all sections of society through effective use of publications and audio - visual & electronic media.

·        To enhance the research capabilities of the in-house faculty through internal training sessions in scientific research methods and research consultation.

 

Methodology

The research undertaken by the R & D Centre is quite distinct from the conventional academic research. It attacks the most current problems in the field of Development, and seeks solutions that are relevant and tuned to the prevailing State policies, laws, programmes and institutional framework. The research is thus action based, participatory, evaluative and policy targeted in its approach. A careful mix of appropriate methodologies form several different disciplines of social and developmental sciences is used to maintain the interdisciplinary orientation of research.

 

Cells

Within the R & D Centre, there are four Wings as represented below schematically.

• Training Monitoring Cell

• Project Cell

• Research & Documentation Centre

• Audio-Visual Production Cell

• Right to Information Cell

• Publication Cell

 The Project Wing coordinates all research activities of the R & D Centre as well as YASHADA. The Training Monitoring Wing ensures that the findings of research are utilized to continuously upgrade the content and quality of YASHADA's training programmes.Based on research activities, the Audio-Visual Wing undertakes preparation of video documentaries on important issues and exemplary works in the field of development.Finally, the Publication Wing plays a crucial role of compiling and disseminating the outcomes of research and training, through high-quality research reports, training manuals, periodicals etc.Finally, the Right To Information Cell ensures that the provisions of the Maharashtra Right To Information Act, 2002 are implemented in letter and spirit, by facilitating, coordinating and monitoring the process of implementation.

 

Current Research Activities

The Centre is currently engaged in the following major areas of research.

·        Monitoring and Evaluation of Sardar Sarovar Rehabilitation in Maharashtra

·        Functional Review of 15 Departments of the Government of Maharashtra

·        Modeling of Property Tax Reform for Municipal Corporations in Mahrashtra

·        Computerization of Urban Local Bodies in Maharashtra

·        Formulation of Policies of Care of Elderly People in the State

·        Documentation of Best Developmental Initiatives and Practices

·        Faculty Research Projects on Major Themes in Rural Development.

·        Preparation of an NGO Directory and Rating System for Maharashtra.

 

Personnel

A highly competent, interdisciplinary team of trained and experienced researchers is in place to handle the challenging research projects undertaken by the Centre. The team comprises of senior Professor as the Chairperson, another Professor as the Executive Director, three Associate Professor, two Assistant professors, three Research and Documentation Officers, three Research Assistants and the administrative support staff. Besides, some senior members of Yashada faculty regularly contribute their time and expertise to the activities of R & D Centre, while retaining their original responsibilities. Eminent and acknowledged experts on various subjects are invited form time to time to participate in research and enhance the quality of output of the Centre.

 

Infrastructure & Facilities

The R & D Centre occupies a prime location on the YASHADA campus. It has a well-equipped office with a level of infrastructure and equipment that suits the vigor of research. This includes latest and specialized computer applications for handling large and complex research database, a well-equipped audio-visual laboratory-cum-archive for participatory documentation of Development initiatives and a conference facility for frequent brainstorming and exchange of ideas.

 

Services Offered

The R & d Centre offers consultation, project support and training to the Governmental as well as non-Governmental agencies on various areas and aspects of Development research and documentation. It serves as a forum for taking up development issues having long-range policy implications, and promotes dialogue and negotiations among the stakeholders for achieving the desired policy objectives. It also encourages and supports publication of excellent books, articles, videos etc., on development and related subjects.