Centre for Public Interest (CPI)

Who We Are

Fostering positive change, empowering communities

The Centre for Public Interest (CPI) is an independent, non-partisan public policy think tank committed to advancing the public interest through research, policy analysis and community engagement across Jammu & Kashmir. CPI works to strengthen evidence-based policymaking, promote accountable governance and contribute to inclusive, equitable and sustainable development. At its core, CPI seeks to bridge the gap between public concerns, government policies and effective implementation. We believe that sound public policy must be informed by credible evidence, local realities, institutional accountability and the needs and aspirations of the people. Through field research, surveys, analytical studies, policy briefs, publications and stakeholder consultations, CPI examines issues that directly affect public welfare and the developmental trajectory of Jammu & Kashmir. Our research spans governance, accountability and public finance, the economy, employment, education, agriculture, healthcare, social justice, land rights, environmental sustainability, energy, water resources, urbanization, technology, federalism, politics and international relations and security. We also focus on region-specific concerns, including youth development, public service delivery, tourism, rural livelihoods, environmental conservation and the implementation of government programmes. CPI aims to translate research into practical recommendations that can assist policymakers, public institutions, researchers, civil society organizations and citizens. We encourage informed public debate, constructive institutional engagement and greater participation of communities in discussions concerning their welfare and future. Our approach is grounded in independence, research integrity, impartiality and a commitment to the public good. We seek to examine public issues objectively, identify policy gaps, assess developmental challenges and explore workable solutions through interdisciplinary research and engagement with stakeholders. With Jammu & Kashmir as our primary geographical focus, CPI aspires to contribute to stronger institutions, responsive governance, informed communities and sustainable development. Our broader objective is to make public policy more evidence-driven, accessible and responsive to the people it serves. Centre for Public Interest (CPI) is guided by the belief that meaningful development requires credible research, effective institutions and a sustained commitment to the public interest.

Read our Vision & Mission

From the Founder

Founder’s Message

Public policy has a direct bearing on the everyday lives of people. The quality of governance, the effectiveness of public institutions, access to opportunities and the implementation of development programmes all influence the direction in which society progresses. Yet many public concerns require deeper research, objective analysis and sustained engagement before they can be translated into meaningful solutions. The Centre for Public Interest (CPI) has been established with the conviction that credible research and informed public dialogue can make a meaningful contribution to better governance and development. Our purpose is to examine issues that matter to people, understand the challenges faced by communities and bring evidence-based perspectives into public policy discussions. Jammu & Kashmir offers significant opportunities for development while also facing complex challenges relating to employment, education, healthcare, governance, environmental sustainability, infrastructure and social welfare. Addressing these issues requires a clear understanding of local realities, careful assessment of public policies and constructive engagement among institutions, experts and citizens. CPI aspires to serve as an independent platform where public concerns can be examined objectively, policy gaps can be identified and practical recommendations can be developed. We believe that research must go beyond identifying problems; it should help explore workable solutions, encourage accountability and contribute to better public outcomes. As an independent and non-partisan institution, CPI is committed to research integrity, impartiality and the public good. We welcome constructive engagement with researchers, administrators, policymakers, professionals, civil society organisations, young people and all those who share an interest in improving public life. Our journey will be shaped by the quality of our research, the credibility of our work and our ability to remain connected with the issues that affect people on the ground. We recognise that meaningful change requires patience, collaboration and a willingness to listen, learn and improve continuously. I invite researchers, experts, institutions, students and concerned citizens to engage with CPI in advancing informed debate, responsible governance and sustainable development across Jammu & Kashmir. Together, we can help build a stronger culture of research, accountability and public participation in the service of society. Founder Centre for Public Interest (CPI)

Our Purpose

Vision & Mission

The direction we are working towards — and the work we do every day to get there.

Our Vision

To emerge as a credible and independent public policy think tank contributing to informed decision-making, accountable governance, social justice and sustainable development across Jammu & Kashmir through rigorous research, constructive dialogue and public engagement.

Our Mission

The mission of the Centre for Public Interest is to advance the public good through independent research, evidence-based policy analysis and meaningful community engagement. CPI seeks to identify public policy challenges, generate practical and implementable recommendations, strengthen institutional accountability, promote transparency and encourage informed participation in governance and development. We aim to connect grassroots experiences with policy discussions, support better-informed public institutions and contribute to policies that are inclusive, effective and responsive to the needs of society. Our Guiding Principles : Independence: Maintaining an independent and non-partisan approach to research and policy analysis. Evidence-Based Research: Grounding our work in credible data, field studies, verifiable information and sound analytical methods. Public Accountability: Encouraging transparency, responsible institutions and effective implementation of public policies. Inclusivity and Social Justice: Examining the needs of diverse communities and promoting equitable access to opportunities and public services. Constructive Engagement: Building meaningful dialogue among policymakers, researchers, professionals, civil society and citizens. Sustainable Development: Promoting solutions that balance economic progress, social well-being, environmental protection and long-term public interest.

What Guides Us

Our core values

The principles that anchor every brief we publish, every campaign we run and every partnership we build.

Independence & Non-Partisanship

A think tank free of political alignment — guided only by evidence and the public interest, never partisan or private gain.

Integrity & Transparency

Registered, ethical and accountable in our governance, our research and our own conduct.

Evidence First

Every brief and recommendation is grounded in rigorous research, data and field insight.

Inclusivity

Programmes shaped with and for the communities of Jammu & Kashmir — inclusive by design.

Innovation

New thinking and practical solutions that turn analysis into measurable public good.

Public Interest

Work designed to serve citizens, communities and the common good above all else.

Registration & Governance

Registered, ethical & accountable

CPI operates lawfully and transparently as a registered public-policy trust serving Jammu & Kashmir.

he Centre for Public Interest (CPI) is established as a trust and registered with the office of the Sub-Registrar under the applicable provisions of the Indian Trusts Act, 1882, as recorded in its registration documents. Name of Organisation: Centre for Public Interest (CPI) Legal Structure: Trust Registration Authority: Office of the Sub-Registrar Registration Number: 84 Registered Office: Bijbehara, Anantnag, Jammu & Kashmir Administrative Office: Iqbalabad, Handwara, Jammu & Kashmir UDYAM Registration: Registered under the UDYAM framework, as applicable to the organisation. CPI operates as an independent, non-partisan public policy think tank committed to research, policy analysis and community engagement in the public interest. For official correspondence and institutional enquiries: Email: centreforpublicinterest@gmail.com Website: www.centreforpublicinterest.com

Guidance & Oversight

Advisory Board

Academicians, lawyers and thought leaders who guide CPI’s research agenda, uphold our ethical conduct and strengthen our commitment to the public interest.

Governance & Policy Advisors

Guiding CPI’s research agenda on governance, accountability and institutional reform.

Legal & Constitutional Advisors

Lawyers advising on rights, legal literacy and constitutional governance.

Academic & Research Advisors

Academicians ensuring methodological rigour across CPI’s studies and briefs.

Community & Development Advisors

Development experts anchoring CPI’s work in real community needs.

Our Team

View full team

CPI’s strength lies in a vibrant network — a committed group of lawyers, policy researchers, journalists, development experts and socially conscious individuals working together for citizen-centric governance.