New Delhi: Hindu College has become India’s first higher education institution to establish a Public Policy Lab, an initiative that marks a significant evolution in the academic landscape of Delhi University. The Lab was inaugurated on campus by B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, CEO of NITI Aayog.
The establishment of the Lab has been made possible through the CSR support of Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC), in partnership with Hindustan Steelworks Construction Limited (HSCL). “This initiative reflects IRFC’s commitment to nation-building by investing in institutions that shape the intellectual and civic leadership of tomorrow,” said Manoj Kumar Dubey, CMD & CEO of IRFC.
Designed to function as a hub for real-world policy simulations, applied research, and grassroots engagement, the Public Policy Lab aspires to bridge the gap between academic inquiry and actionable governance. It aligns closely with the national vision of Viksit Bharat, empowering students to become future-ready policy thinkers.
Dubey said, “Our collaboration with Hindu College is an investment in India’s policy ecosystem. Through this initiative, we aim to empower the next generation of public policy professionals with tools rooted in research, innovation, and impact.”
Prof. Anju Srivastava, Principal of Hindu College, hailed the initiative as a “historic academic milestone,” stating that the Lab complements the National Education Policy 2020’s focus on interdisciplinary learning and experiential education.
The Lab has already launched its flagship certification course, Public Policy in Action, aimed at both undergraduate and postgraduate students. Future plans include national workshops, academic exchange programs, and policy fellowships inviting participation from across India and globally.
Serving as the Lab's mentor, Prof. B. Venkatesh Kumar of the Tata Institute of Social Sciences emphasized the Lab’s role in fostering evidence-based governance and creating a model for integrating policy thinking within undergraduate institutions.
As New Delhi continues to emerge as a hub for academic and policy innovation, IRFC’s support for the Hindu College Public Policy Lab sets a precedent for impactful CSR partnerships in the education sector.
BI Bureau
