Conducting research studies in the field of social science on various aspects of development.

Training of academics and officials engaged in the task of research and formulation and implementation of development plans and programmes.

Providing consultation and professional assistance to the government and other public institutions in the formulation of plans and programmes of socio-economic development.

The research activities of the Institute are planned and carried out based on research projects on various themes of national and regional importance in the area of socio-economic development. Individual research projects and studies are issue based, but attempts are made to ensure that the overall perspective of the integrated character of development is kept in view. The studies are undertaken on themes and subjects either developed internally by the faculty of the Institute or based on projects sponsored by various state and national bodies and international agencies like the World Bank, ILO, UNDP, etc.

Towards fulfilling its objectives of development of human resources in the field of social science research, the Institute provides guidance and facilities to students for pursuing doctoral degree in Economics, Sociology and Political Science. The Institute has been recognised as a centre for guidance for the Ph.D. degree by Kumaun University, Nainital and Shri Chatrapati Sahuji Maharaj University, Kanpur.

The Institute organises and participates in short-term training programmes and workshops for research scholars and government officials on subjects of national and topical interests. It also organises seminars and conferences for discussion and dissemination of research findings and exchange of ideas and information among academics, policy makers and others.

The function of providing consultation and assistance to public institutions, particularly the State and Central Governments, is performed by the faculty as members of various advisory and consultative bodies as well as by providing consultation on formulation of research and action programmes.  Besides, the output of the Institute’s research studies is also made available to the concerned bodies for their use in the formulation, implementation and evaluation of programmes.