Question

In which city did K. N. Raj establish the Centre for Development Studies (CDS)?

• A. Chennai
• B. Bengaluru
• C. Mumbai
• D. Thiruvananthapuram

Answer 1

Answer:

D. Thiruvananthapuram

Centre for Development Studies (CDS) and K.N. Raj

• The Centre for Development Studies (CDS) was established in 1971 in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, by the eminent economist Dr. K.N. Raj.
• CDS is an autonomous, interdisciplinary research and training institution focused on development studies, particularly in the fields of economics, demography, and social sciences.
• It is widely recognized for its contributions to research on the 'Kerala Model of Development', which highlights high social development indicators achieved despite lower per capita income compared to other regions.
• CDS offers M.Phil. and Ph.D. programmes and is affiliated with Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi.
• The institution receives financial support from both the Government of Kerala and the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR).

About Dr. K.N. Raj

• Dr. K.N. Raj (Kakkadan Nandanath Raj) was a distinguished Indian economist, known for his significant contributions to economic planning and development in India.
• He played a crucial role in the drafting of India's First Five-Year Plan (1951-1956), particularly the 'Raj-Sen Model' along with Amartya Sen.
• Dr. Raj also served as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Delhi.
• His notable works include 'The Monetary Policy of the Reserve Bank of India' and 'Indian Economic Development' (co-authored).
• For his outstanding contributions to public affairs, he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award, in 2000.
• Dr. Raj's vision for CDS was to create a center of excellence for independent research and critical analysis of development issues, which it continues to uphold.