Centre for Public Policy Research

Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR) is an independent non-profit research organization established in 2004, located in Kochi, India. CPPR conducts professional research, integrating developments in the areas of education, livelihood, governance, urban reforms and environment.^[1][2] Four different centers exist: CPPR Centre for Urban Studies, CPPR Centre for Comparative Studies, CPPR Centre for Strategic Studies and CPPR Academy constitute CPPR.

History

CPPR started out as a policy think tank constituted as a Trust in 2004 by a group of young individuals who believed in Freedom of Expression, Rule of Law and Right to Livelihood. The Centre aims to support the creation of an equitable, socially just and environmentally sound society enriched by the principles of democracy and secularism.

In 2009, the Legal team of CPPR and Civitas Legal Solutions was given the mandate by the Ministry of Science and Technology, India to assist the Government of India (GOI) in preparing the National Data Sharing and Accessibility Policy, which was subsequently cleared by the Cabinet of India.

In 2009, the Digital RTI Mission was initiated by CPPR to make Kerala the first RTI digital state of India.^[3]

CPPR Focus Study Centres

CPPR Centre for Urban Studies

CPPR-Centre for Urban Studies aims to study the emergence of growth centers, market activity and the diverse nature of urbanization in different states of India. In addition the centre strives to develop market models for building sustainable systems and processes to meet the growing demands of a city.^[4] Ms Susan Zielinski, MD, SMART, Michigan University launched CPPR Centre for Urban Studies on 2 September 2013 in Kochi.

CPPR Centre for Comparative Studies

CPPR Centre for Comparative Studies aims to understand the socio-economic and political factors influencing the development of states in India along with its attributes. It also aims to study the evolution of democratic processes, voting patterns, new actors of conflict in the various states of India. Moreover Centre for Comparative Studies will look into the State-Centre relationships, state-state relationships, and city–city relationship in the post-globalised world. Dr Chandra Ranade, Adjunct Faculty of Virginia International University launched the CPPR Centre for Comparative Studies in India (CCS) in Kochi on 6 September 2013. Keynote address on ‘Various Indicators of Economic Development at State Levels in India’ was delivered by Dr. Chandra Ranade.

CPPR Centre for Strategic Studies

CPPR Centre for Strategic Studies initiates researches in the areas including Energy Security, Maritime Security, Terrorism, Inter-State and Inter-Country Cooperation and Extremism.The Centre seeks to develop database and expertise on Security in India at the State levels too. Besides that, the centre will develop a vision plan for Centre-State relationship in National Security. This will aid the Indian Government and other Security agencies in developing a framework to strengthen security and co-ordination at the state level. CPPR launched Centre for Strategic Studies on 16 August 2013 in Kochi. The launch will be marked by a lecture entitled, ‘Prospects of ASEAN in India’s Look East Policy’ to be given by Dr. Ernest Bower, Senior Adviser and Sumitro Chair for Southeast Asia Studies, Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS), Washington D.C which is held in association with The Office of Public Affairs, U.S. Consulate General, Chennai .

CPPR Academy

The CPPR Academy has been formed with the aim of promoting research and scientific thinking. The Academy also strives in spreading knowledge about public policy research. The purpose of CPPR academy is to actively seek partnerships with academia and institutions across the world with common interests.

Semester at Sea^[5]

Around 800 students and staff of Semester at Sea (SAS), a shipboard programme for studying abroad, anchored in Kochi for the first time as part of their 105-day academic voyage around the world on their floating campus, MV Explorer . They visited CPPR to attend a presentation on ‘Social Justice, Sustainable development and Democracy in India’ organized by Centre for Public Policy Research.They were keen to get an insight into the development patterns of Kerala. The Semester at Sea event has now become a regular affair with Kochi and India on their map due to the efforts of CPPR. CPPR hosted three events this year and sharing their know how on areas pertaining to gender, GM Crops Policy and Communal Violence.

Finishing School for Law Students

ADR Centre, Kochi, organised a three-day residential certificate course, Finishing School for Law Students (FSL); one that provides unique insights into legal practice. This course is being conducted in association with the Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR) and Civitas Legal Solutions.

Summer/Winter School on Public Policy Research Methods

The concept of Winter School was initiated in 2012 when Atlas Economic Research Foundation or Atlas Network and Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR) came together to start a pilot venture to impart necessary training in research techniques to public policy researchers across the globe. Surprisingly it was found that many institutions who worked in the arena of public policy, advocacy and policy analysis are actually doing research with less or no understanding of doing research. Given this fact, Atlas Network wanted CPPR to impart training in research to institutions and individual researchers who can utilise the skills for their activities in their home countries. Facilitating research that stands out for its originality of thought and approach was the primary aim.Over the years, both Summer Schools and Winter Schools attracted participants from Europe, Africa, Australia, The Americas and Asia.

Internship

CPPR has hosted more than 100 interns from various backgrounds who have become its Campus Ambassadors in India and abroad

Activities

CPPR Quarterly Lecture series

The CPPR Lecture series is a quarterly affair and is one of the prestigious events of CPPR which has attained its place as one of the leading policy think tanks in India. Through its lecture series CPPR aims for stimulating thoughts and inspire people to act through its talks, debates and discussion on social, political and legal areas. Dr Shashi Tharoor inaugurated CPPR’s Quarterly Lecture^[6] Series Programme with an inspiring talk on "Freedom of Expression in the Internet Era" on 12 September 2012. The second Lecture was by Dr Alexander Lenon, Chief Editor of Washington Quarterly on ‘The Real China Challenge’ on 17 January 2013 The third quarterly Lecture was delivered by Prof Madhav Gadgil, renowned scientist on ‘Science, Democracy and Ecology’ on 15 April 2013.The fourth lecture of the series was delivered by Mr. James Michael Lyngdoh, Former Election Commissioner on ‘Decriminalization of Indian Electoral system’ on 4 October 2013.The fifth edition of the lecture series was delivered by Dr Happymon Jacob on the topic, ‘Indo-Pak Relations: What lies ahead, on 23 December 2013.^[7] The sixth lecture was delivered by Dr Sandeep Shastri,^[8] prominent political scientist and Pro Vice Chancellor Jain University on "Emerging Electoral Landscape: Analysis of Indian Democracy on 29 March 2014.

Discussions, seminars and workshops

• CPPR organized an interaction with Meera Sanyal on 'Governance', Former Country Head of RBS -26th April 2013
• CPPR organized a three day residential "CPPR Introductory course on Social Science Research Methods" from 23–25 May 2013
• CPPR Centre for Strategic Studies organized an International Conference on National Security Management in Federal Structure– Perspectives from India and the United States on 6–7 December 2013 in association with US Consulate Chennai
• CPPR was in the forefront of initiating ‘Bus Day’, a campaign aimed at branding buses as the best way to move about a city. It encourages people to leave their vehicles at home and hop on to city buses, to understand the importance of the public transport system in reducing traffic and environmental issues. It is definitely a call to persuade ‘well off’ people to use the bus.

Milestones and achievements

CPPR has remarkably manifested its presence in the society within its short span of time. Through academic and nonacademic activities CPPR initiated a change in the existing system of the society. To name a few milestones and achievements, it includes

Mobility Hub: CPPR successfully launched the Mobility Hub concept in India working with District Administration of Ernakulam .CPPR developed the feasibility report of the hub for the Confederation of Indian industry (CII). The Vytilla Mobility Hub has been envisioned as a long-term transport solution for the city of Kochi.^[9]

Livelihood Freedom Campaign: The Law, Liberty and Livelihood Project documented the livelihood regulations and entry level barriers governing the informal sectors in the 63 Indian cities identified for Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM).

India Development Indicators: It is an online platform that leverages existing investments in data by standardizing, harmonizing, and visualizing development data at various resolutions such as state, district, and parliamentary constituency. CPPR carried out this project in 20 states and 2 UTs covering 378 districts.

Study on Autorickshaw sector in Chennai: CPPR partnered with Civitas Urban Solutions for a study commissioned by Chennai City Connect Foundation. The study aimed at finding the reasons for the distorted pricing of autorickshaw fare system in Chennai. The study was comprehensive with a larger representative samples of the passengers and auto rickshaw drivers of Chennai. Study proposed suggestions for the policy changes in the sector.

NDSAP: CPPR was given the mandate by the Ministry of Science and Technology to assist the Government of India in preparing the National Data Sharing and Accessibility Policy (NDSAP), 2011 - intended to meet the demands of the general public to access government documents through a single window system.

Study on Para-transit System in Chennai: Urban Consultancy wing of CPPR, Civitas Urban Solutions in association with Chennai City Connect and supported by Sakthi Foundation, Delhi, conducted a study on the para-transit system in the city of Chennai. This Study aims at raising the status of Para-transit services, formally integrate them into the existing and future public transport system with nurturing and transparent regulations. The report has been taken up by the City Traffic Commissioner, Chennai City to make improvements in Parking in Chennai City.

Compendium on campus politics in India: Liberal Youth Forum (LYF), in association with the Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR), conducted a study, wherein it probed how and to what extent Lyngdoh’s recommendations were implemented in colleges and universities, and what were the results. The study feature dialogues with educational authorities and campus leaders to understand how campus politics is conducted.The study was able to cover 100 colleges and universities across the country.

Parking Guidelines for Chennai: This study was conducted by the Civitas Urban Solutions in partnership with CPPR. Study undertook four case study areas and suggested guidelines for the parking slots and infrastructure.

Organisational structure

Chairman of the board of trustees is D. Dhanuraj.^[10][11] The advisory board includes ambassador T. P. Sreenivasan, professor Shanta Sinha, and professor K.N. Panikkar.

References

External links

• Skill vouchers: The next big thing for employability by Dr. D.Dhanuraj
• MOOC- The Game Changer? by Dr.D Dhanuraj