The Centre for Civil Society (CCS) is a non‑governmental, non‑partisan public policy think‑tank based in New Delhi, India. Established in 1997 by a group of Indian professionals and scholars, CCS describes its mission as “to promote a free and just society by championing liberty, personal responsibility, and a limited role for the state.”
Founding and History
CCS was founded by Prashant Bhushan, Dhananjay Ruparel, and other liberal‑economics advocates. It began as a modest organization focused on research and advocacy related to economic freedom, regulatory reform, and civil liberties. Over the years, CCS expanded its activities to include capacity‑building programs for entrepreneurs, policy research, and public outreach.
Core Areas of Work
- Policy Research and Advocacy: Produces research papers, policy briefs, and commentaries on topics such as economic deregulation, competition policy, education reform, and civil liberties.
- Entrepreneurship Promotion: Operates the “Centre for Civil Society Entrepreneurship Initiative” that provides training, mentorship, and networking for start‑ups, particularly in underserved regions.
- Education Reform: Publishes studies on school choice, charter schools, and the impact of government regulation on educational outcomes.
- Public Engagement: Organizes seminars, workshops, and conferences that bring together scholars, policymakers, and civil society representatives to discuss liberal and libertarian ideas.
Funding
CCS receives financial support from a mix of domestic and international donors, foundations, and corporate contributions. The organization states that it does not accept government funding in order to maintain editorial independence.
Leadership
As of the latest publicly available information, Dr. Raghavendra Rau serves as Director, overseeing research and programmatic activities. The board of trustees includes professionals from academia, industry, and the legal profession.
Publications and Impact
CCS has published a series of notable works, including the Liberty Index (an annual assessment of freedom of expression and economic liberty in Indian states) and The State of Competition in India (a comprehensive review of antitrust enforcement). Its research has been cited in parliamentary debates, Supreme Court judgments, and by policymakers in drafting reforms.
Criticism and Controversies
The think‑tank has faced criticism from some quarters for promoting market‑oriented reforms that are perceived to favor private interests. Critics argue that its policy recommendations may under‑represent the concerns of labor groups and marginalized communities. CCS responds that its analyses are evidence‑based and aim to enhance overall societal welfare through greater economic freedom.
Affiliations
CCS is a member of international liberal‑think‑tank networks such as the Atlas Network and collaborates with other organizations on joint research projects and conferences.
See also
- Liberalism in India
- Think tanks in India
- Atlas Network
References
(Information compiled from publicly available sources, including the organization’s official website, reputable news outlets, and academic citations.)
