Centre for Civil Society (CCS) is a non-profit think tank based in New Delhi. It was founded in 1997 by Dr. Parth J. Shah, former Professor of Economics at the University of Michigan. It operates as an independent educational organisation. According to the 2021 Global Go To Think Tank Index Report (Think Tank and Civil Society Program, University of Pennsylvania), CCS was ranked 5th in India and 83rd in the world.

Founder

Dr Parth Shah taught economics at the University of Michigan in Dearborn for seven years before returning to India to advocate for what he calls a ‘Second Freedom Movement’ for economic, social and political independence. He arrived at the conclusion that the statist model of governance was the reason for India's lack of development and decided to provide an alternative view through the Centre.

History

CCS is an independent think tank focused on educating on liberal principles of decentralisation, freedom and individual rights, and policy reform for inclusive and sustainable development. Over the past two decades, CCS has been working on three main areas of development: education, livelihoods, and policy training. Since 2021, the Centre also aims to spearhead its work on terracotta environmentalism.

Mission

The organisation's mission is to advance social change through public policy. According to its website, their work "in education, livelihood, and policy training promotes choice and accountability across private and public sectors", and "translates policy into practice" by "engaging with policy and opinion leaders through research, pilot projects and policy training.” CCS undertakes reviews and analyses of policies and on the basis of these, makes suggestions to the government on policy making. It has worked in six sectors in the past, i.e. education, livelihood, economic freedom, governance, institution of community property rights for environment conservation, and promotion of globalization and trade. It publishes policy reviews and legislative analyses on different issues, organizes public policy seminars for journalists, young leaders, development professionals, and public officials.

Activities

Education

Foundational learning

K-12 education and budget private schools

Livelihoods & Poverty Alleviation

Street vendors livelihood

Ease of doing business for micro, small, and medium enterprises

Ease of doing business for farmers

Terracotta Environmentalism

Governance

Quality of laws in India

Repeal of Laws

Policy-training and Outreach

Science & Technology Policy Unit