The Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS), a leading social science research center in India established in 1963, is facing significant funding cuts from the government, which raises concerns about its future. This information comes after a professor at CSDS, Sanjay Kumar, highlighted issues with voter data in Maharashtra. However, he later clarified that it was a mistake and apologized.
Another research organization, the Centre for Policy Research, had previously reduced its activities after facing an Income Tax investigation and losing its foreign funding approval two years ago.
Currently, CSDS is at risk of losing crucial financial support from the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), which is part of the Ministry of Education. Grants from ICSSR make up over 83% of CSDS’s funding.
Reports suggest that CSDS’s eligibility for these grants could be in jeopardy following findings from a three-member committee appointed by ICSSR. This committee, which includes experienced figures from academia and government, reported various alleged irregularities in CSDS’s operations.
These claims include improper academic appointments, failure to follow financial regulations, and hiring non-academic staff without public advertisement.
If ICSSR acts on these recommendations, it could suspend funding, which is critical for staff salaries at CSDS. Roughly 90% of the salaries at CSDS come from these grants, along with additional support for research and maintenance.
When asked about the allegations, CSDS director Awadhendra Sharan stated they hadn’t received any report yet, making it difficult to comment. Sanjay Kumar also declined to discuss the matter, stating he was unaware of the report’s submission.
According to unaudited financial reports, CSDS earned around ₹75.62 million in 2024-25, with ₹62.88 million coming from ICSSR. The institute also generated ₹12.1 million through projects and consultancy, highlighting its dependence on ICSSR funding.
The current troubles for CSDS began in August 2025 when Sanjay Kumar made a post claiming a significant decrease in registered voters in Maharashtra. He later retracted this statement, admitting it was a data misreading. Following this, ICSSR issued a notice asking CSDS to explain why its grants should not be revoked, citing alleged irregularities, including data manipulation.
The notice also pointed out issues with faculty appointments, a lack of transparency in selecting directors, and failure to conduct elections for the governing body. Moreover, allegations included improper housing allowances and unsubmitted annual accounts, suggesting mismanagement of funds.
Two FIRs were filed against Sanjay Kumar in Maharashtra, but the Supreme Court has halted further legal actions against him. CSDS responded to the ICSSR’s notice, arguing their processes, including director appointments, followed their established guidelines.
