Omeo Kumar Das Institute of Social Change and Development

About the Institute

Omeo Kumar Das Institute of Social Change and Development (OKDISCD) is an autonomous Institute situated in Guwahati that undertakes, promotes and coordinates research on problems and processes of social transformation and development of Assam and other States of the North Eastern region of India and contributes to the formulation of strategies and programmes for speedier regional development. As envisaged by the founders of the Institute, it acts as a "clearinghouse of ideas and information on research in social sciences with special emphasis on the problems of Assam and other States of the North-Eastern region".

Established in 1989 under the joint initiative of Government of Assam and Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) New Delhi, OKDISCD is recognized as a leader in the field of social science research in Northeast India. It is reputed for the quality of its research and various programmes for promoting social science and policy research. Over the last two and half decades, a large number of studies have been completed by the Institute which has contributed towards the corpus of knowledge on various aspects of social concerns and research priorities in the region. It is noted for its strong research thrust in varied areas of democracy and governance, regional development, health and education, environment, gender, human development that are making substantial contributions to regional and national level. Over the years, the Institute has also created a niche for its innovative courses in Capacity Development of Young scholars for research and CSR training programmes for mid level functionaries of corporate houses. It is also the leading Institute in the region in designing and carrying out Evaluation and Monitoring Studies for various programmes of government agencies, corporate houses and international bodies like the UNICEF.