The Centre for Policy Research organised the 5th South Asia Regional Meeting of think tanks supported by the Think Tank Initiative in November, 2015.
A range of topics spanning agriculture, trade and food security in the region; the role think tanks play in influencing policy; climate and environment; addressing issues of poverty and development; and working toward greater South Asian cooperation were deliberated at the meeting. In addition to sharing learning and understanding challenges, think tankers and donors focused on charting the future trajectory, with the aim of continuing to be effective within the South Asian milieu.
Over twenty think tanks; the Canadian High Commission; political representatives from India and Sri Lanka; select media representatives; and donors participated in the meeting.
Provided below are key outputs that emerged from the meeting:
A summary report highlighting the key themes addressed and the recommendations that emerged.
Videos of the following sessions:
Session on Agriculture, Trade and Food Security
Panel on Collaborative Adaptation Research Initiative in Africa and Asia (CARIAA)
Session on Climate and Environment
Session on Poverty, Development, Inclusion and Public Service Delivery
Session on Governance, Urbanisation and Accountability
Special Session on Safe and Inclusive Cities
Key Note Address by Harsha de Silva, Hon. Deputy Foreign Minister, Sri Lanka, on Think Tankers as Policy Makers
Photographs from all days: Day 1 Day 2 Day 3
Presentations by: CSTEP, Harish Damodaran, IPS, CPD
Storified live tweets from the meeting.
The dedicated event page can be visited here.
On 10th January 2024, CPR received a notice from the Ministry of Home Affairs cancelling its FCRA status. The basis of this decision is incomprehensible and disproportionate, and some of the reasons given challenge the very basis of the functioning of a research institution. This includes the publication on our website of policy reports emanating from our research being equated with current affairs programming.
During the tenure of our suspension, we sought and obtained interim redress from the honourable Delhi High Court and will continue to seek recourse in all avenues possible.
This cancellation comes after a decision to suspend the FCRA status in February 2023. These actions followed an Income Tax “survey” that took place in September 2022. The actions have had a debilitating impact on the institution’s ability to function by choking all sources of funding. This has undermined the institution’s ability to pursue its well established objective of producing high quality, globally recognised research on policy matters, which it has been recognised for over its 50 years’ existence. During this time the institution has been home to some of the country’s most distinguished academics, diplomats and policymakers.
CPR firmly reiterates that it is in complete compliance with the law, and has been cooperating fully and exhaustively at every step of the process. We remain steadfast in our belief that this matter will be resolved in line with constitutional values and guarantees.