The Institute is a multi-disciplinary research organisation interested in bridging the gap between micro realities and macro policies. It does so by researching macro level policy making as well as undertaking micro-level research. The main objectives of the Institute include:
- to contribute to the understanding of the development processes and problems
- to focus studies on the issues and problems of the by-passed sections and regions
- to bring a multi-disciplinary and collaborative approach in studying and resolving the issues
- to provide a forum for the interested groups in Rajasthan in resolving problems of importance to the State and its people by mutual discussion and understanding the problems of deprivation in a specific area.
Particular attention is given to the study of processes, the impact of trickle down effects of growth, direct public interventions such as poverty and employment programs and the participatory efforts of voluntary organisation with respect to the marginalised section of the society. The Institute is specifically concerned with regional issues relating to Rajasthan.
The researchers at the Institute are concerned with issues critical to livelihood such as sustainable use of natural resources, improvements in irrigation and water management; pattern and pace of agricultural development; land use and livestock management; deterioration of common property resources and environment; illiteracy; poor social infrastructures; low access of poor to food and minimum social services; unemployment and poverty in rural and urban areas; levels of political consciousness; communalism; violence and atrocities on women; empowerment of women; and the emerging roles of the state, NGOs, PRIs and cooperatives in the changing economic and social environment.
Website includes details of staff, training courses, research areas and lists of publications.