Kolkata: The Institute of Development Studies Kolkata (IDSK) is set to introduce a two-year master’s programme in development studies, the first of its kind in eastern India, from this academic season. The initial intake capacity is 30, and the degree will be awarded by CU.The announcement was made on Friday at the Press Club in the presence of IDSK director Byasdeb Dasgupta, CU VC Ashutosh Ghosh, IDSK president Omprakash Mishra, and others.Dasgupta said, “This is the only MA programme in development studies in eastern India. With an interdisciplinary approach, the master’s programme will orient students towards contemporary social, political, and economic issues. It will include rigorous methodological training, including fieldwork experience, the use of software, and AI.” The course will have an exit option after a year. “Those who choose to exit after a year will be awarded an ‘MA certificate course’ in development studies, whereas a student completing two years will receive an MA in development studies,” Dasgupta shared.The institute also has plans to introduce two more master’s courses — in sustainable development and international relations. As a ‘sister institute’ of the CU, IDSK has run its own PhD programme in development studies since 2016. More recently, IDSK offered various short-term courses such as a PG Diploma in development studies and a research programme in development studies, as well as courses on the use of various software, AI, and research methods.IDSK recently formed a new centre named the Rabindranath Tagore Centre for Climate Change and Sustainable Development to document, research, and formulate policies on climate change and sustainable development in Bengal and its surrounding regions. The Rabindranath Tagore Centre for Human Development Studies, which had been defunct since the pandemic, was revived as well.
