PROGRAMME FOR THE STUDY OF DISCRIMINATION AND EXCLUSION (PSDE)

School of Social Sciences

The Programme for the Study of Discrimination and Exclusion (PSDE) is a school-level programme that seeks to study exclusion and discrimination in an interdisciplinary and comparative framework. Discrimination and exclusion marginalizes certain groups from full participation in economic, social, political and cultural life of the country. It is important to note the ideological and political basis of exclusion in the context of our society. A comprehensive assessment of these processes may empower groups and communities facing discrimination and exclusion. In 2002, Prof. Prabhat Patnaik, then the Dean, School of Social Sciences, mooted the idea of a programme to study discrimination and exclusion and the committee consisting of Prof. Romila Thapar (Chair), Professors T.K. Oommen, Ghanshyam Shah, Abhijit Sen, S.K. Thorat, and Zoya Hasan (convenor) recommended the introduction of a programme with focus on discrimination and exclusion on the basis of caste, tribe, and religion.

The Programme was launched in 2005. Documenting and explaining discrimination and exclusion of the scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, and minorities in Indian society is the principal focus of the PSDE. Besides engaging in detailed analysis of the socio-economic data generated by government agencies and assessment of the effective performance of equalizing measures, it endeavours to collate and generate more information and facts on the experiences and outcomes of discrimination and conditions and processes of exclusion of members of these groups. Research, documentation, and organization of seminars, lectures, and workshops are the principal activities of the Programme.

The PSDE draws upon the input of core faculty together with the academic contributions of faculty members from various Centres of the School of Social Sciences. A Professor of the School is appointed as the Honorary Director to co-ordinate programme. A Standing Committee consisting of members from among the faculty supervises the activities of the Programme. An Advisory Committee with members from both within the University as well as experts and specialists in other fields working on these and related issues reviews the progress and working of the Programme.

Prof. Zoya Hasan (from the Centre for Political Studies, School of Social Sciences) was appointed as the first Honorary Director of the programme. Currently, Prof. P.R. Kanungo (from the Centre for Political Studies, School of Social Sciences) is the Honorary Director. Dr. Y. Chinna Rao is the Associate Professor in the PSDE.

The University Grants Commission, under its scheme on Epoch Making Thinkers of India, has sanctioned the Dr. Ambedkar Studies Unit to the PSDE. This is headed by Prof. Gopal Guru (from the Centre for Political Studies, School of Social Sciences).

The PSDE office is located in Room 39, School of Social Sciences-II. The contact number is 26704165, Fax: 91-11-26717586.