Rajiv Gandhi Institute for Contemporary Studies

Impact of New Trump Tariffs on India’s Merchandise Exports to the USA

Indian Carbon Market and Opportunities for Pro-Poor Climate Projects

Architecting India’s credit DPI for high-growth, employment-generating MSMEs

Should India become a Majoritarian State or a Constitutional Democracy?

Measuring Governance: Why, How, and What Happens Next for Indian States?

NOTICE:

An Analysis of the Current Status of the Environment, Society and Economy of Mizoram

A NEW Strategy for Inclusive and Sustainable Development of Uttarakhand

An Analysis of the Current Status of the Environment, Society, and Economy of Himachal Pradesh

Policy Watch: Special Issue – June 2025

NEW Strategy for Inclusive and Sustainable Development of Nagaland

No power on earth can stop an idea whose time has come .. the emergence of India as a major economic power in the world happens to be one such idea. Let the whole world hear it loud and clear. India is now wide awake. We shall prevail. We shall overcome.

Former PMDr Manmohan Singh in his iconic budget speech of 1991

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Climate Crisis in the Western Himalayas

The temperature in the Himalayas is rising faster than in the rest of India. This trend poses a significant threat to what is often called the “Third Pole”—the region that serves as the world’s largest source of fresh water.

In Focus

Constitutional Values and Democratic Institutions

This theme explores through research and policy analysis, various contemporary dynamics related to issues of justice, equality, liberty and fraternity

Should India become a Majoritarian State or a Constitutional Democracy?

How the Constitutional Values are Reinforced by Court Decisions

Growth with
Employment

In this theme, the focus is on how public policy can enable widespread growth, especially in those sectors that can create employment at scale.

Architecting India’s credit DPI for high-growth, employment-generating MSMEs

SME Financing – How to Bridge the Persistent Demand Supply Gap?

Governance and
Development

This theme, the focus is on how public policy can enable widespread growth, especially in those sectors that can create employment at scale.

Measuring Governance: Why, How, and What Happens Next for Indian States?

PM Internship Scheme – The Promise and the Performance

Environment, Natural
Resources and Sustainability

This theme focuses on contemporary issues related to climate change, sustainability and natural resources especially water, forest & land.

Indian Carbon Market and Opportunities for Pro-Poor Climate Projects

Deciphering India’s 176th Global Rank in the Environmental Performance Index, 2024

India’s Place
in the World

Under this theme, we work on how India can engage deeply with the rest of the world to protect its interests and to promote global peace and security.

Impact of New Trump Tariffs on India’s Merchandise Exports to the USA

Dealing with Neighbours – IV: Recent Developments and Policy Implications

Status of the Environment, Society and Economy (SENSE) of the Tribal Communities of Maharashtra and a NEW Strategy to Usher in Hara Bhara Swaraj

Policy Watch: Constitutional Values and Democratic Institutions – January 2026

Status of the Environment, Society and Economy (SENSE) of Sikkim and a New Vision and Future Strategy for the Progress of Sikkim

Status of the Environment, Society and Economy (SENSE) of the Tribal Communities of Maharashtra and a NEW Strategy to Usher in Hara Bhara Swaraj

February 18, 2026

The Maharashtra SENSE Report assesses the Environment, Society and Economy of the state’s tribal communities and proposes a practical roadmap — the NEW Strategy — to usher in Hara Bhara Swaraj: a locally rooted, ecologically

Policy Watch: Constitutional Values and Democratic Institutions – January 2026

January 30, 2026

The Rajiv Gandhi Institute for Contemporary Studies (RGICS) works on five themes: Constitutional Values and Democratic Institutions Growth with Employment Governance and Development Environment, Natural Resources and Sustainability India’s Place in the World. This issue

Status of the Environment, Society and Economy (SENSE) of Sikkim and a New Vision and Future Strategy for the Progress of Sikkim

January 27, 2026

The Sikkim SENSE (Status of Environment, Nature, Society and Economy) report presents an integrated assessment of the ecological, social, and economic conditions of Sikkim, highlighting the interconnections between natural resources, human development, and governance. It

Testimonials

"The Rajiv Gandhi Institute for Contemporary Studies is a remarkable institution that fosters intellectual growth, research, and innovation. As a research fellow, I have had the privilege of working with some of the brightest minds in the field of policy studies. The institute offers a unique platform for interdisciplinary discussions that are crucial in today's rapidly changing world. It has been an enriching experience, and I am grateful for the opportunities RGICS has provided me to contribute meaningfully to public policy discourse."

Rajiv Gandhi Institute for Contemporary Studies stands as a beacon for those passionate about creating impactful policy change in India. The quality of research, the collaborative atmosphere, and the visionary leadership here make it a truly unique place to grow as a scholar. The institute’s dedication to addressing contemporary issues—ranging from economic reform to social justice—has deepened my understanding of the complex challenges facing the country."

My time at Rajiv Gandhi Institute for Contemporary Studies has been transformative. The institute not only provides a deep dive into the major socio-political challenges of our time but also equips its fellows with the tools and resources to engage in meaningful solutions. The faculty and guest speakers, many of whom are distinguished leaders in their respective fields, have been invaluable in shaping my perspectives. I am proud to have contributed to RGICS's mission of advancing sustainable and inclusive development."