Director
Dr A K Verma
Dr. A. K. Verma completed his tenure at the Department of Political Science, Christ Church College, Kanpur on 30 June 2015. He took over as Director CSSP.
His current researches focus on government and politics in India with special reference to Uttar Pradesh (UP). His theses of ‘social osmosis’ and ‘reverse social osmosis’ offers new theoretical explanations to the exclusionary and inclusive politics in UP since 1989 and thereafter. He was invited by several universities, including Harvard, to present his theses.
He writes for both English and Hindi Press. He assisted in the preparation of the New Generation of NCERT Text Books for Political Science (Indian Constitution at Work). Since 1999, he is the State Coordinator of Uttar Pradesh at Lokniti, CSDS and is involved with the National Election Studies (NES) in India.
Dr. Verma is the Editor of Shodharthy – a Hindi Journal of Social Sciences. He had appeared on Television programmes and delivered Radio Talks at home and abroad. (Detail CV)
National Coordinator
Prof Sanjay Kumar
Prof Sanjay Kumar is working as Professor and Head of the Department of Political Science at Yuvraj Dutt Post Graduate College Lakhimpur Kheri U.P. He is bearing the responsibilities of National Coordinator of the Centre for the Study of Society and Politics (CSSP) also. After completing his Research Work in International Relations at Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, he has developed keen interest in State Politics and Electoral Politics in Uttar Pradesh.
He has authored a Book and published a lot of Research Articles in National and International Research Journals, Newspapers, and Periodicals. He has supervised several study projects and Empirical studies under the banner of CSSP and also coordinated many online workshops and Talks. He is a known face for TV interviews on Political Issues.
Assistant Director (Academic)
Dr Dharmendra Pratap Srivastava
Dr. Dharmendra Pratap Srivastava is currently serving as Assistant Director (Academic) at the Centre for the Study of Society and Politics (CSSP), where he plays a pivotal role in advancing research initiatives and academic programs. With a strong background in political science, he previously worked as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science at SMRD PG College, Bhurkura-Ghazipur, where he mentored students and contributed to scholarly discourse. Since 2014,
Dr. Srivastava has been the Editor of the Indian Journal of Society and Politics (IJSP), a UGC-approved international journal that has gained recognition for publishing high-quality research in political science, sociology, and public policy. Under his editorial leadership, IJSP has provided a platform for scholars to engage in critical debates on contemporary social and political issues.
He is also the Managing Trustee of Winsome India Educational Trust, an organization dedicated to academic publishing and training programs, reflecting his deep commitment to fostering intellectual growth and research excellence. An accomplished author, Dr. Srivastava has written two books, edited another, and published over two dozen research articles in reputed national and international journals.
His research interests span electoral studies, governance, and political analysis, with a particular emphasis on data-driven insights into democratic processes. He has received specialized training in
data analysis and electoral studies, making him an expert in handling large-scale political datasets. His proficiency in Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) has led to invitations from several universities, where he has conducted workshops and training sessions, equipping scholars with the necessary skills for empirical research.
Honorary Fellow
Prof Pradeep Chhibber
Pradeep Chhibber studies the politics of India, political parties and party systems. His recent research is on the influence of ideology on party system change, religion and politics, elections and parties, and the politics of development in India. Ideology and Identity: The Changing Party System of India co-authored with Rahul Verma was published by Oxford University Press in 2018. The book lays out an ideological framework for understanding party system change in india since 1952. The book also explains the reasons behind the rise of the religious right dominated party system in contemporary India. Religious Practice and Democracy (with Sandeep Shastri) Cambridge University Press (2014) examines the relationship between everyday religious practice and political representation in contemporary India.
Professor Robin Jeffrey
Professor Robin Jeffrey has published, with his colleague Assa Doron, Waste of a Nation: Garbage and Growth in India (Harvard University Press, 2018). He and Doron also co-authored The Great Indian Phone Book (London: C. Hurst/New York: Harvard University Press, 2013), which was published in India by Hachette under the title of Cell Phone Nation.
Professor Jeffrey co-edited with Ronojoy Sen and Pratima Singh, More than Maoism: Politics, Policies and Insurgencies in South Asia (New Delhi: Manohar, 2012), and co-edited with Ronojoy Sen, (New Delhi: Oxford University Press, 2014) and Media at Work in China and India (New Delhi: SAGE, 2015).
Visiting Fellow
Prof Amiya Kumar Chaudhari
Professor Chaudhuri taught Political Science in different Colleges (Calcutta University).He was a Post Graduate Guest Faculty in the Department of Political Science, Calcutta University, Department of Political Science with Rural Administration, Vidyasagar University, in NSOU Kolkata and Rabindra Bharati University in Distance Education System. Visited Soviet Russia and presented Two Papers in International Political Science Congress, and delivered a special lecture on “Indian Political Science today”, Paris, France, and Frankfurt, Germany. In short, more than 44 years of College and university teaching and equal number of years in Research Experience( both Normative and Empirical) till November 2011; many Seminar participations either as Paper giver or Chair.
Prof Mirza Asmar Beg
His doctoral work was awarded the ‘best dissertation prize’ by the American Studies Research Centre,Hyderabad for the year 1996. Presently he is Professor, Department of Political Science, A.M.U., Aligarh. He specializes in Strategic Studies. He also has a keen interest in electoral studies and Muslim Politics in India.His work has been published in journals like The Round Table: The Commonwealth Journal of International Affairs, Economic and Political Weekly, Seminar, Humanities and Social Science Review, Studies in Indian Politics, South Asian Studies, Studies in Islam, Foreign Affairs Reports and Indian Journal of Politics etc. He has written one book and edited three volumes. He was a visiting scholar in a Fulbright programme at Southern Illinois University in 1999.He is a fellow of the Salzburg Global Seminars, Austria. Beg is on the editorial board of several international journals and has been a referee to quite a few journals.He is the coordinator of (U.P.-West) for the academic surveys conducted by the Center for the Study of Developing Societies.
Dr Sudhir Kumar
Dr. Sudhir Kumar is the co-ordinator of UP (East), LOKNITI, Center for the Study of Developing Societies ( CSDS), Delhi. He retired as Reader and Head, Dept of Political Science, DAV Postgraduate College, Azamgarh affiliated to VBS University, Jaunpur. He taught Political Science at the graduate and Postgraduate levels since 1974. He graduated from Allahabad University and earned post graduation with a Gold Medal from Gorakhpur University, Gorakhpur. He has done his Ph.D. on “ADMINISTRATION OF UNION TERRITORIES IN INDIA” from Gorakhpur University, Gorakhpur. He has been teaching courses on Political Sociology, Indian Politics, Comparative Politics, and Political Processes in India, especially in Uttar Pradesh. His area of interest is Modern Political Theory, Comparative Politics, and Political Sociology. Presently, he focuses on Government and Politics in India with special reference to Uttar Pradesh.
Dr Sandhya Chaturvedi
Dr. Sandhya Chaturvedi has a rich experience of 34+ years, in multiple roles ranging from Professor of Political Science, Institutional Leader, Student mentor, NSS Program officer, Content and curriculum developer to Research Guide for upcoming researchers. In the role of Institutional leader, Dr. Chaturvedi has spearheaded the development of the institution’s policies and programs to establish extraordinary standards of education enrich the experience of learning through academic, administrative, and financial reforms, and restructure the connection between learners and society. She is a member of the Research Core Group in RNTU, Bhopal, a Member of Shoadh Mandal of ‘Shodharthy’, a Member of the editorial board ’ of Chintan’ and Associated with Vardhman Mahaveer Open University, Kota. Professor Chaudhuri taught Political Science in different Colleges (Calcutta University). He was a Post Graduate Guest Faculty in the Department of Political Science, Calcutta University, Department of Political Science with Rural Administration, Vidyasagar University, in NSOU Kolkata and Rabindra Bharati University in Distance Education System. Visited Soviet Russia presented Two Papers at the International Political Science Congress, and delivered a special lecture on “Indian Political Science Today”, in Paris, France, and Frankfurt, Germany. In short, more than 44 years of College and university teaching and an equal number of years of Research Experience( both Normative and Empirical) till November 2011; He has many Seminars participated either as a Paper giver or Chair
Prof Saroj Kumar Verma
Prof. Saroj Kumar Verma is a distinguished academic and former Head of the Department of Political Science at J.P. University, Chhapra, Bihar. A noted scholar in the field of political science, he has made significant contributions to the study of federalism in India, authoring several books that provide in-depth analyses of the complexities of federal structures, centre-state relations, and governance mechanisms. His research offers valuable insights into the evolving nature of Indian federalism, addressing issues of decentralization, regional autonomy, and policy implementation. With decades of teaching and research experience, Prof. Verma has mentored numerous students and scholars, shaping the discourse on constitutional studies and public administration. His scholarly work continues to be a reference point for academics, policymakers, and students seeking a deeper understanding of India’s federal framework.
Prof Arun Kumar Sharma
Prof. Arun Kumar Sharma is a distinguished scholar and former Professor and Head of Social Science at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur. With an exemplary academic career, he has made significant contributions to the fields of political science, sociology, and development studies. Known for his interdisciplinary approach, Prof. Sharma has played a crucial role in integrating social sciences with technological and policy-oriented research, addressing contemporary challenges in governance, public administration, and social change. His extensive body of work includes influential research papers, books, and policy recommendations that have shaped academic discourse and public policy initiatives.As an educator, Prof. Sharma has been instrumental in mentoring generations of students, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills among scholars and policymakers. His leadership in academic administration has strengthened the social science discipline at IIT Kanpur, promoting innovative research and collaborations across disciplines. Actively engaged in national and international conferences, he has contributed to discussions on democracy, development, and institutional reforms, leaving a lasting impact on both academia and policy-making. Prof. Sharma’s scholarly legacy continues to inspire researchers and practitioners dedicated to understanding the complexities of society and governance in an evolving world.
Prof Jitendra Narayan
Prof. Jitendra Narayan is a distinguished academician and former Head and Dean of the Faculty of Social Science and Law at L.N. Mithila University, Darbhanga. With an illustrious career spanning several decades, he has made remarkable contributions to the fields of political science, legal studies, and social research. A prolific scholar and committed teacher, Prof. Narayan is widely respected for his deep understanding of governance, constitutional law, public policy, and political theory. His extensive body of work reflects a rare blend of theoretical insight and empirical research, particularly in the areas of Indian politics, democratic processes, and social justice. Prof. Narayan has played a pivotal role in fostering academic excellence, guiding numerous research scholars and students, many of whom have gone on to make significant contributions to the field of social sciences. His dynamic leadership as the Dean brought several innovations to the faculty, promoting interdisciplinary research and critical inquiry. A passionate advocate of democratic values and social equity, Prof. Narayan has actively engaged in academic debates and public discourse on pressing socio-political issues. His unwavering commitment to academic rigor, intellectual integrity, and social responsibility continues to inspire generations of students and scholars alike, leaving an indelible mark on the academic community
Research Assistant
Mr Kamal Kumar Srivastava
Mr. Kamal Kumar Srivastava is a Research Assistant at the Centre for the Study of Society and Politics (CSSP), where he actively contributes to research on political and social dynamics in India. With a keen interest in electoral studies, governance, and media analysis, he plays a crucial role in data collection, analysis, and academic publications. In addition to his research endeavours, he is also associated with Dainik Jagran, one of India’s leading newspapers, where he provides insightful commentary on contemporary political and social issues. His dual engagement in academia and journalism allows him to bridge the gap between scholarly research and public discourse, making complex political developments accessible to a wider audience. Through his analytical skills and journalistic expertise, Mr. Srivastava continues to contribute to informed discussions on democracy, governance, and public policy in India.