Mission

Our mission is to strengthen democracy and governance through evidence-based reforms that translate research into action, deepening democracy from the ground up by empowering citizens and communities to realise their inherent power, building accountable institutions, and advancing inclusive and sustainable development at the grassroots.

Challenges in Indian Democracy

Power Distanced from Citizens

The locus of power often lies within political and bureaucratic structures, leaving citizens with little say in everyday governance.

Deviation from Constitutional Ideals

While democracy is founded on the rule of law, there is a widening gap between constitutional principles and their practice on the ground with no effective mechanism to review or correct these deviations.

Dysfunctional Democratic Structures

Many institutional frameworks meant to uphold democracy remain weak or inactive, disabling citizens from holding systems accountable.

Democracy Limited to Elections

Citizen participation is largely confined to the electoral process once every five years, with very few avenues for engagement in governance between elections.

Absence of Reliable Data & Evidence-Based Policy

Weak data ecosystems lead to poorly informed strategies and non-transparent systems of governance.

Systemic Weakness in Governance

Fragmented governance mechanisms erode institutional integrity and public trust.

Limited Understanding of Democratic Processes

Many citizens remain unaware of their rights, duties, and the functioning of democratic institutions, weakening collective participation.

Unsustainable and Unequal Economic Growth

Development practices often neglect equity and sustainability, leading to growing disparities in a socialist democratic framework.

Our Philosophy

Reimagining democracy beyond voting as a continuous, lived process where citizens are active custodians of governance.

Building citizen capacity and institutional bridges to restore agency, participation, and shared responsibility in decision-making.

Translating research into action, ensuring policies and local institutions are grounded in evidence and community realities.

Citizen participation is largely confined to the electoral process once every five years, with very few avenues for engagement in governance between elections.

Weak data ecosystems lead to poorly informed strategies and non-transparent systems of governance.

Fostering inclusive economic systems that empower citizens, promote self-reliance, and sustain rural livelihoods.

Our Advisory Board

Eminent scholars and practitioners guiding RACLD’s mission to strengthen local democracy.

Dr Deepamala

Managing Trustee & Chairperson, RACLD

Founder and Chairperson, Research and Action Centre for Local Democracy

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Prof Sukhadeo Thorat

Adviser RACLD

Former Chairman, University Grants Commission & Indian Council of Social Science Research (MHRD)

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Dr G Palani Thurai

Adviser RACLD

Former Professor, Rajiv Gandhi Chair for Panchayati Raj Studies, Department of Political Science and Development Administration, Gandhigram Rural Institute

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Dr S Janakarajan

Adviser RACLD

President, SACI Waters; Former Professor, Madras Institute of Development Studies

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Mr.P Padmakumar

Adviser RACLD

Former Executive Director – Human Resources and Head, CSR, Saint-Gobain India

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Mr Arumugapandian

Trustee RACLD

Founder,Techdew UX design and UXD Jobs

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Our Team Members

Eminent scholars and practitioners guiding RACLD’s mission to strengthen local democracy.

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Test Role

Test Role

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Organizational Values

Our work is rooted in values that keep democracy people-centered, accountable, and humane.

Equity

We believe democracy must serve every citizen equally, removing barriers of access, voice, and opportunity.

Transparency

We promote transparent governance systems where information flows freely, decisions are visible, and accountability is shared.

Collaboration

We work across institutions, communities, and sectors recognizing that systemic change is a collective act.

Empowerment

We strengthen citizens and local institutions to act with agency, knowledge, and responsibility in shaping their governance.

Operational Regions

Our Partners
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648fc6f99da986376b5fbdca1e37b0bad6aee9df
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andhra pradesh
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msme
saint-gobain
rural development & panchayat raj

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