Lucknow: UP State Transformation Commission (STC) and Lucknow University on Tuesday established Centre for Development and Policy Research (CDPR) on the campus, a move aimed at strengthening evidence-based policymaking and supporting the state’s goal of becoming a dollar 1-trillion economy.The centre, to function over a six-year period (2026-2032), will serve as the state’s policy think tank, undertaking research and providing data-driven inputs for inclusive and sustainable development.The agreement was signed in the presence of STC’s first chief executive officer Manoj Singh, LU vice-chancellor Prof J P Saini, registrar Dr Bhavna Mishra, CDPR director and dean of the faculty of arts Prof Arvind Mohan, and LU ranking cell director Prof Geetanjali Mishra.Manoj Singh said sound research was the cornerstone of effective policymaking and implementation. He said UP has immense growth potential in sectors such as urban infrastructure, e-commerce, robotics, nuclear technology, tourism and cloud services.Highlighting the state’s industrial growth, Singh said UP accounts for nearly 55% of the country’s mobile phone manufacturing, adding that the partnership between STC and LU would help shape policies to accelerate economic development.LU spokesperson Mukul Srivastava said the centre’s first major assignment would be to undertake detailed studies of 25 backward and aspirational districts, particularly in Purvanchal and Bundelkhand, and recommend policy interventions to address regional disparities.He said the centre would prepare UP’s annual economic survey, publish development rankings of all 75 districts, and produce State Development and Human Development Reports during the project period. It will also conduct research on backward regions and agro-climatic zones to support long-term planning.The centre will be governed by a joint board co-chaired by the LU vice-chancellor and the STC chief executive officer. Prof Arvind Mohan will lead the project as principal consultant, while the State Transformation Commission will provide full financial support.
