Established in 2003, the Indian Institute of Dalit Studies (IIDS) is amongst the first research organisations in India that focuses specifically on the development concerns of the marginalised groups and socially excluded communities. IIDS has carried out several studies on different aspects of social exclusion and discrimination of the historically marginalised social groups, such as the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and religious minorities in India and other parts of the Subcontinent.

Project on Social Exclusion and Discrimination
This project will document the overt, as well as, subtle forms of social exclusion and discrimination related to caste and untouchability in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab and Haryana. It will also attempt to document the nature, dynamics and magnitude of atrocities against the Dalits.

Taking Faith Seriously: Understanding the Relationships between Values and Beliefs,States and Development
An international research partnership exploring the relationships between several major world religions, development in low-income countries and poverty reduction. Between 2005 and 2010 the Religions and Development Research Programme Consortium is undertaking a series of comparative research projects that address the following questions: How do religious values and beliefs drive the actions and interactions of individuals and faith-based organisations? How do religious values and beliefs and religious organisations influence the relationships between states and societies? In what ways do faith communities interact with development actors and what are the outcomes with respect to the achievement of development goals?