The Rajiv Gandhi Institute for Contemporary Studies (RGICS) is a research institute with a specific focus on areas that have a policy angle, as opposed to abstract and esoteric research work that is devoid of policy content. It concentrates on research in four broad segments - international economic relations (much of the work in this area is World Trade Organization related), economic reforms, law (including administrative law) reforms and working towards a knowledge-based society. In each of these segments, the intention is to indicate ways for the benefit of reforms to filter through to the poor. Some of the research is conducted in-house, but research work is also farmed out on contractual basis. In addition, the Institute plays an advocacy role through seminars, workshops and publications.

RGICS has three streams of publications. First, there are books brought out on each of the above areas. Second, there is a series of published working papers. Third, there is a series known as "Agenda for Change". These are reader-friendly documents on specific policy aspects. Some future numbers of "Agenda for Change" are on legal reforms, information technology and economic reforms for the poor.

GOVERNING COUNCIL OF RGICS

• Smt. Sonia Gandhi
  Chairperson
  
  
• Shri Montek Singh Ahluwalia
• Prof. Y.K. Alagh
• Shri P. Chidambaram
• Dr. Ashok Ganguly
• Dr. Sekhar Raha
• Dr. V. Krishnamurthy
• Prof. C.N.R. Rao
• Ms. T.M. Vakil