Centre For Development Alternatives (CFDA), a well-known academic research Centre in India, started working in 1999. It has acquired credibility as a serious research centre in Development Studies in a short span of its life

Mission

The mission of CFDA is to work for promoting human centered development by exploring and communicating alternatives through research, dialogues, seminars and publications, and by undertaking policy advocacy as well as supporting efforts of like minded institutions.

India and in the world have experienced rapid changes during the last several decades. The term “development” has acquired now importance as well as multiple interpretations. Alternative development paradigms and strategies are discussed passionately at home and abroad. New problems and challenges have emerged and they have no clear answers. A need was therefore feel for setting up a Centre for promotes debates and dialogues as well as systematic research in critical areas related to multifarious issues in development.

Keeping in mind this need, CFDA was set up in 1998 / 99 under the chairmanship of Padma Bhushan Prof. M.L.Dantawala, National Professor and former Director of Department of Economics, University of Bombay, Mumbai.

Objectives

  • To conduct research on subjects relating to multifarious aspects of development keeping in mind the interests of the weaker sections of the society.
  • To discuss and disseminate research finding in seminars and workshops.
  • To generate informed debates and discussions in relevant policies, activities and issues at regional, national and international levels.
  • To publish and outcomes of research and dialogues in forms of books, reports, research papers, working papers etc.
  • To undertake training and capacity building programmes and promote educational  activities in the fields development.
  • To collaborate and network with like minded institutions and organizations at regional, national and international levels to further activities of CFDA.