Centre for Development Studies and Activities (CDSA), Pune

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Centre for Development Studies and Activities (CDSA), Pune

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CDSA is a multi-disciplinary research and training body dealing with poverty and environment in the

The focus of CDSA has always been on poverty alleviation, equality and sustainable development, and how these three goals integrate into development strategies. CDSA students not only undergo a rigorous academic programme, but are also immersed in selected field exposures where sensitization, knowledge accumulation and testing hypothesis are in the "laboratory of life". In the same vein the research, training and action projects are field based policy experiments with the people who are undergoing transitions in the development process. CDSA is a multi-disciplinary research and training body addressing itself to problems of poverty and environment in the development process both in rural and urban contexts. With a greater emphasis placed on decentralisation, participatory decision making, Gramsabha and Wards Committees as primary statutory decision making bodies, district level, block level and watershed planning, there is a shortage of trained professionals. SDP (School of Developement and Planning) sponsored by CDSA, is concerned with filling up this gap by creating a cadre of professionals who have the skills, knowledge and sensitivities in the areas of planned change at the local level. This is a unique University level Masters Degree Course of its kind in the country. While focussing on rural and regional development, it emphasizes the inter-disciplinary nature of critical issues (social, economic, political, environmental and technical) pertaining to planning and development.

08/09/2026

Honoring a true visionary!

We are thrilled to share that our Executive Director and guide, Prof. Aneeta Gokhale Benninger, has been awarded the Academic Luminary Award by Bharati Vidyapeeth (DU) College of Architecture, Pune!

This recognition is a heartfelt tribute to her extraordinary lifetime of work, leadership, and contribution to academia, research, and the development of the built environment.

Thank you, Bharati Vidyapeeth (DU) College of Architecture, Pune, for presenting this honor to our mentor. Impacting generations, shaping minds, and leading the way forward!

14/08/2026

We truly are grateful to have all our well wishers and friends, alumni and staff today to commemorate our Golden Jubilee year here at the CDSA campus! We had a beautiful afternoon surrounded by the CDSA family, remembering the people that are not here with us today and revelling in the memories while looking forward to a bright future.

03/08/2026

Celebrating 50 Years of Shaping Sustainable Futures: CDSA Pune Hits a Half-Century Milestone!

Fifty years ago, in 1976, Prof. Christopher Benninger and Prof. Aneeta Gokhale Benninger founded the Centre for Development Studies and Activities (CDSA) in Pune. Their vision was simple yet radical: to make micro-level planning, field-based learning, and grass-roots participatory development central to how communities grow.
Today, as we mark our Golden Jubilee, we reflect on five decades of pioneering work across India and South Asia:
500+ Alumni serving in key global and regional roles, driving sustainable urban and rural planning.
100+ High-Impact Projects completed with local communities, state and central governments, CSOs, and global partners like the United Nations, World Bank, and Asian Development Bank.
Pioneering Policy & Fieldwork that bridges the gap between academic theory and the "laboratory of life".

Thank You to Our Community
To every researcher, educator, student, intern, field worker, partner, and supporter who joined us in this adventure, even if only for a day—thank you. You are the bedrock of our legacy.

Looking Forward
We step into the future with deep humility, renewed purpose, and excitement for the ongoing and upcoming initiatives that will continue to empower local institutions and foster resilient development.

Here’s to the next chapter of learning, serving, and transforming communities!

Explore our journey & current initiatives: www.cdsaindia.org

CDSAPune CommunityEmpowerment 50YearsOfImpact

30/07/2026

It gives us immense pleasure to announce that Maha-Metro and the Centre for Development Studies and Activities, (Pune) have entered into a strategic partnership on the 27.07.2026 to enhance walkability, cyclability, universal accessibility, and multi-modal integration across operational metro stations in Pune and Nagpur. The overarching goal is to generate localized, actionable last-mile mobility plans and street design interventions to increase public transit ridership and improve the urban quality of life.

cyclability qualityoflife universalaccess sustainablemobility mahametro sdgs cdsaindia Centre for Development Studies and Activities (CDSA), Pune Maharashtra Metro Rail Corp Ltd.

03/06/2026

This Work Commute Survey captures essential insights into daily travel patterns, transport preferences, and workforce trends. By analyzing commute choices, this study helps optimize urban transit networks and regional planning. Your valuable responses directly support CDSA in developing smarter, data-driven solutions for sustainable future mobility.

12/02/2025

Prof. Aneeta Gokhale Benninger, Executive Director of CDSA, inaugurated a multi-medium art exhibition by , curated by Prof. Gauri Bharat of . The artwork was created as part of the "Doshi We Know" fellowship program.

This exhibition beautifully captures the narratives, processes, and diverse materials involved in the creation of buildings.

03/10/2024

At the Centre for Development Studies and Activities, we mourn the passing of our president Prof. Dr. Christopher Charles Benninger (1942 – 2024).

He was a master architect, visionary planner and torchbearer of Principles of Intelligent Urbanism. He was a great institution builder and inspiring teacher.

His ‘people friendly’ and ‘non-monumental’ building design along with his principals of professional integrity will remain an inspiration for coming generations of professionals.

17/07/2024

𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 - 𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐋𝐘 𝐍𝐎𝐖
~~~
CDSA is inviting applications for monsoon internships where you get a chance to enhance your professional skills working with a diverse team on various projects in the development planning field.
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𝗟𝗜𝗠𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗧𝗦 - link is in the bio

06/07/2024

𝗔𝗱𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰-𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗯𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻.

Join the pioneering program in Development Planning and Administration at the School of Development Planning at CDSA campus to be a sustainable development professional.

𝗟𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆: 𝟭𝟲𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰

To check your eligibility and apply - https://cdsaindia.org/admissions

For further information, write to us at [email protected]

20/02/2024

Join us to learn A B Cs of Gram Panchayat Development Plan at a month-long residential certificate course at CDSA campus, Pune.

The new batch starts on 18th March 2024. Apply now as it has limited seats. Follow the link to know more and apply for the course.

https://cdsaindia.org/ruralmicroplanning-certificate/

Address

Survey No. 58/1&3 & 49/4, Bavdhan Khurd, Paud Road
Pune
411021

Telephone

+918698584910

Website

http://www.cdsaindia.org/

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