Achievements
The department has consistently demonstrated excellence in research and development by undertaking significant projects funded by prestigious national agencies. One of its noteworthy initiatives is the Special Assistance Programme (UGC DRS SAP-III), supported by UGC, New Delhi, during 2018-2023, which received funding of ₹7.1 lakhs. This program enhanced research capabilities and advanced academic standards within the department. Additionally, the department played a crucial role in the evaluation of Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Rurban Mission (Phase-1) for Zone-3, funded by the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), New Delhi, with a grant of ₹8.73 lakhs during 2019-2021. These projects reflect the department’s commitment to bridging rural and urban development.
The department has also contributed to understanding voter behavior and education through multiple studies funded by the Election Commission of India (ECI), New Delhi. Projects such as the baseline survey on the use of NOTA and VVPAT (₹1.4 lakhs), the endline survey of voters’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (₹15.64 lakhs), and the comprehensive voter education campaigns (₹29.65 lakhs) were undertaken between 2017 and 2021. These initiatives provided valuable insights into voter engagement, significantly impacting electoral processes in Gujarat. Furthermore, under the Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana, the department conducted a post-project evaluation for Zone II (₹19.35 lakhs), showcasing its ability to drive impactful rural development studies.
The faculty members have been instrumental in driving impactful research. Dr. Darshana Dave, in collaboration with Dr. Yogesh C. Joshi, led a project on the Knowledge, Attitude, Behavior, Belief, and Practices (KABBP) of Voters in Gujarat, funded by ECI, New Delhi, with a grant of ₹25 lakhs for the year 2023-2024. Dr. Dave also spearheaded an ICSSR-funded study titled “A Study on the Awareness and Perception of National Education Policy 2020”, receiving ₹13 lakhs for a six-month project.
Other key projects include Dr. Mitesh Jayswal’s ICSSR-funded study on “Impact of Internet Users’ Information Privacy Concerns on Behavior”, awarded ₹7 lakhs, and Dr. Vilas Kulkarni’s research on the implementation of the National Education Policy 2020 in Gujarat’s Educational Context, funded by ICSSR with a grant of ₹12 lakhs. Dr. Kulkarni also led a project on the impact of spiritual practices on employee well-being and job satisfaction, supported by Sardar Patel University with funding of ₹1.3 lakhs.
The department’s diverse portfolio extends to tourism research. Dr. Hitesh Parmar is conducting a study on the “Destination Image through Tourists’ Perspective”, focusing on the Statue of Unity, with a grant of ₹1.5 lakhs for 2022-2024. Another fascinating project by Dr. Yogesh C. Joshi and Dr. Darshana Dave explores Indian Wisdom Relating to Public Finance Among Practitioners, funded by Sardar Patel University for ₹1.3 lakhs.
These projects underline the department’s relentless pursuit of research excellence and its dedication to addressing societal, economic, and developmental challenges. From voter awareness to rural development, education policy, and tourism, the department’s contributions significantly impact academic research and public policy implementation.