CSDS Faculty Breaks Silence: Funding Cuts Threaten Institute's Survival

Faculty members at the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS) have publicly voiced concern for the first time since the think tank came under scrutiny over alleged irregularities, warning that the potential withdrawal of government funding could have a devastating impact on the institution.

In a resolution passed at a meeting on Friday, the faculty expressed deep concern over the situation, noting that even during the Emergency (1975–77), the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) grant was not suspended. The resolution marked the collective response of the faculty after months of silence following an ICSSR show-cause notice issued in August 2025.

The Indian Express reported on Friday that an inquiry committee appointed by the ICSSR has recommended action against CSDS under its grants-in-aid rules. The funding accounts for over 83 per cent of CSDS’s income and nearly 90 per cent of its salary bill.

The controversy began in August 2025 when CSDS professor Sanjay Kumar posted on X about a decline in registered voters in two Maharashtra constituencies between the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. He later withdrew the post and apologised, stating that his team had misread the data.

On August 28, 2025, the ICSSR issued a show-cause notice to CSDS, questioning the impartiality, objectivity, and quality of its research, and alleging possible political bias. The notice also raised administrative and financial issues. The ICSSR formed an inquiry committee to examine the matter.

According to the committee’s report, which has been submitted to ICSSR but not yet released to CSDS, there were alleged irregularities including academic appointments in violation of UGC regulations, non-compliance with the General Financial Rules in financial matters, and appointment of non-academic staff without public advertisement. The committee recommended that ICSSR take action under its grants-in-aid rules, which could include suspension of grants.

CSDS Director Professor Awadhendra Sharan stated that the institute will respond formally once it receives a copy of the report. He noted that the faculty’s resolution was a response to news reports about the committee’s recommendations.

The faculty resolution stated that CSDS has fully cooperated with both the committee and the ICSSR, but has not seen any draft report. It also disclosed that CSDS has not received grants from ICSSR since July 2025, although academic and administrative work has continued. Salary disbursement has been irregular, and the faculty warned that withdrawal of grants would have a “debilitating effect” on the institute’s functioning.