Pune: The Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics has been appointed as the Lead Knowledge Institute by the Maharashtra Institute for Transformation (MITRA), a first-of-its-kind institution in India modeled after NITI Aayog. This partnership aims to provide strategic advice and execute research projects crucial for Maharashtra's developmental progress.
The appointment was formalized during a meeting in Mumbai, where a memorandum of understanding was signed between MITRA and the Gokhale Institute.
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Gokhale Institute Vice-Chancellor Dr. Ajit Ranade, and MITRA CEO Praveensingh Pardeshi were present at the event.
Dr. Ranade expressed pride in the appointment of the Gokhale Institute as the Lead Knowledge Institute by MITRA. He stated that their focus will be on contributing to policy formulation and enhancing development strategies to boost the state's economy to USD 1 trillion in the future.
Furthermore, work will be done at a micro level across various sectors to implement the roadmap suggested by the Chief Minister's Economic Advisory Committee to double the state's GDP in the next four to five years.
In addition to the Gokhale Institute, institutions such as IIT Bombay, Mumbai University, and IIM Nagpur will also participate in this project.
The Gokhale Institute will contribute to economics and public policy to support MITRA's objectives. Under this memorandum of understanding, MITRA will provide all necessary assistance to the Gokhale Institute, including the appointment of researchers, financial support for research, and infrastructural facilities.
Dr. Ranade also mentioned that the Gokhale Institute will function as an intellectual think tank in this process.