About the Centre for Excellence in Public Policy
The Centre has been established with a resolute commitment to fostering rigorous research, informed policymaking, and constructive dialogue on issues critical to governance and public affairs. With a strong focus on Economic Policy and Inclusive Growth, Digital Society and Governance, Social Policy, and Business & Society, the Centre also aims to foster local intellectual ecosystems, creating a platform where policymakers, scholars, and practitioners can engage in meaningful dialogue. In an era of rapid socio-economic transformations, the need for such an institution—rooted in evidence-based research and policy advocacy—has never been more pressing.

Focus Areas:

Economic Policy and Inclusive Growth
Economic policy serves as the bedrock of national development, influencing the allocation of resources, the distribution of wealth, and the overall trajectory of societal progress. The Centre critically examines fiscal and monetary policies, assessing their role in fostering macroeconomic stability and promoting inclusive growth. Given the widening disparities in income and access to opportunities, research in this area delves into the effectiveness of redistributive policies, affirmative action programs, and financial inclusion initiatives aimed at mitigating socio-economic inequalities.
A key focus within this domain is the impact of trade and globalization on domestic economies, particularly in the context of developing nations. The Centre scrutinizes international trade policies, tariff structures, and regional economic agreements to evaluate their implications on employment, industrial development, and economic sovereignty. Additionally, as nations transition toward sustainability-driven economies, the Centre explores green financing mechanisms, carbon taxation, and circular economy policies to understand how environmental considerations can be seamlessly integrated into economic decision-making.
Innovation and entrepreneurship form another critical dimension of economic policy. The Centre investigates how governments can create an enabling environment for startups and technology-driven enterprises, emphasizing the role of research and development (R&D), venture capital, and microfinance. The interplay between public policy and private enterprise is a recurrent theme, with an emphasis on designing policies that stimulate innovation while ensuring fair market competition and regulatory oversight.

Digital Society and Governance
The rapid advancement of digital technologies has profoundly transformed governance structures, business ecosystems, and public service delivery. In this context, the Centre engages in critical research on e-governance, digital public services, and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in governance. By assessing the implementation of large-scale digital initiatives—such as India's Aadhaar system and the Digital India mission—the Centre evaluates their efficacy in enhancing transparency, reducing bureaucratic inefficiencies, and fostering inclusive governance.
However, the rise of digital governance also brings forth challenges related to cybersecurity, data protection, and privacy. The Centre critically examines regulatory frameworks governing personal data, with a particular focus on comparative analyses of international models such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and India’s evolving Data Protection Bill. Research in this area extends to understanding digital misinformation, cyber threats, and the implications of state-led surveillance mechanisms on civil liberties.
Digital inclusion is another core aspect of this research stream. The Centre explores the digital divide by assessing disparities in access to technology, internet penetration rates, and digital literacy levels across urban and rural populations. This includes evaluating government initiatives aimed at bridging the gap, as well as the role of the private sector in fostering equitable digital access. Furthermore, the Centre studies the regulatory challenges posed by the expansion of digital economies, focusing on e-commerce laws, platform-based labor markets, and fintech innovations. The emerging landscape of smart cities also forms a crucial research area, where urban digital transformation policies are analyzed in terms of efficiency, sustainability, and accessibility.

Social Policy
Public policy is inherently intertwined with social justice, welfare, and human development. The Centre’s research in social policy encompasses critical examinations of education, healthcare, employment, and equity-driven initiatives. The policy landscape in education is explored through analyses of affirmative action, access to quality education, and the impact of EdTech (Educational Technology) on learning outcomes. Given the persistent inequalities in educational attainment across socio-economic groups, the Centre investigates policy mechanisms that can bridge these disparities while ensuring long-term skill development and human capital formation.
Healthcare policy remains a key research area, particularly in the wake of global health crises and increasing demands for universal healthcare models. The Centre examines government health insurance schemes, the role of private healthcare providers, and the integration of digital health solutions in public health systems. Special attention is given to the pharmaceutical sector, policy regulations governing drug pricing, and the accessibility of essential medicines.
Employment and labor rights constitute another major pillar of social policy research. The Centre explores the challenges posed by the gig economy, automation, and AI-driven labor market disruptions. The precarious nature of informal employment, minimum wage policies, and labor law reforms are critically assessed to understand their long-term implications on job security and social protection. Additionally, the Centre engages in research on gender equity, LGBTQ+ rights, and inclusive workplaces, emphasizing the role of legal frameworks and social movements in driving progressive change.
Issues of social justice and affirmative action are deeply embedded in policy discussions. The Centre examines reservation policies, caste-based disparities, and the effectiveness of government welfare schemes in addressing historical marginalization. By employing interdisciplinary methodologies, the Centre provides evidence-based recommendations for policies that promote social equity and justice in an increasingly stratified society.

Business & Society
The relationship between business and public policy is evolving, with corporations playing a pivotal role in shaping socio-economic outcomes. The Centre critically examines the principles of corporate governance, ethical business practices, and sustainability-driven economic models. The increasing emphasis on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards has led to a reevaluation of corporate responsibilities beyond profit-making, and the Centre contributes to this discourse by investigating how businesses can align their objectives with societal well-being.
Public-private partnerships (PPPs) have emerged as a key instrument in policy implementation, particularly in sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, and education. The Centre evaluates the effectiveness of PPP models, analyzing case studies where collaborative governance has yielded successful policy outcomes. However, the risks associated with privatization and corporate influence in public policymaking are also critically assessed to ensure that policy decisions serve the broader public interest.
The Centre also explores the impact of sustainability policies on businesses, with a focus on corporate social responsibility (CSR) frameworks and regulatory mechanisms that incentivize ethical business conduct. Issues such as climate change adaptation, responsible supply chains, and sustainable finance are examined to develop policy recommendations that encourage long-term resilience in business practices.
Regulatory frameworks governing market competition, anti-trust laws, and business compliance also fall within the Centre’s research agenda. The Centre investigates how government policies can foster a fair competitive landscape while preventing market monopolies and predatory business practices. With the rapid expansion of disruptive technologies such as AI, blockchain, and digital finance, the Centre provides insights into the regulatory challenges posed by new-age business models and their implications on consumer protection, privacy, and labor rights.

People
Dr. Yogini Andalgavkar-Kulkarni
Chair, Centre for Public Policy
Dr. K. S. Patil
Co-Chair, Centre for Public Policy