This is a University-level Chair established by the Ministry of Human Resources Development (HRD).

The Chair conducts studies and research on themes close to the heart of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. The objective of the Chair is to create national centres for academic deliberations and action-oriented research in the frontier areas of contemporary relevance for improving the quality of life and life management systems.

In particular, the Chair focuses on the themes of Panchayati Raj Systems and local governance, women empowerment, impact of technology on society, eco-systems and sustainable development, livelihood and food security, nuclear disarmament and peace studies, tribal development, protection of child rights, social justice, and secularism and nation building.