Institute of Social Sciences (ISS)

The Institute of Social Sciences, set up in 1985 is the result of an intellectual quest to provide socially relevant research. Since its inception the Institute has been constantly involved in the expansion and strengthening of grassroots democracy. In fact the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act which gave wide powers to local governments was the result of studies, publications, meetings and debates in which this Institute played a major role.

The Institute has been a pioneer in studies and advocacy on issues of decentralisation and advocacy on issues of decentralisation and local government. It has been recognised as a premier centre for research and information on decentralisation, local governance and participatory democracy as well as a “think tank”.

The Ford Foundation has acknowledged the Institute as “a leading Indian Centre” which, “has a strong legitimacy among senior policy-makers, bureaucrats and politicians.

The Union and State governments have been constantly seeking advice from the Institute on issues related to local governments, local finance and good governance. The Institute was also commissioned by the National Commission on Constitutional Review to draft a Consultation Paper in the working of the Panchayati Raj after the 73rd Constitutional Amendment.