Other on-Going Projects

This research vertical is constituted to study Haryana’s diverse rural transformation processes. It has two sub-verticals focusing on the nature of i) socio-economic transformations and rural livelihoods and ii) agroecological transformations and sustainability practices. These sub-verticals aim to produce a holistic understanding of the structural transformation processes of Haryana and how rural households in the state are evolving and coping with the changing dynamics of market competition on one hand and climate change on the other. The research vertical EARTH aims to explore the developmental dilemmas and complex challenges faced by agrarian and non-agrarian households in rural areas by conducting primary and secondary studies.

The first project being launched under this vertical is a primary field study on the smallholder livelihoods and rural transformation among 150 households across three villages in Haryana. This study aims to understand the nature and composition of economic activity in rural areas of Haryana by employing quantitative (survey questionnaire) methods and assess the nature of rural development in terms of the quality o f institutions and infrastructure by employing qualitative (interviews and focus group discussions) methods. The study will highlight the stage characteristics of rural development, smallholder livelihood features, and the driving forces, paths, and directions of rural and ecological transformation in Haryana. The results of the study will be discussed, presented, and developed at the China Agricultural University (CAU), Beijing, in July-August 2025 as a part of the comparative rural studies project led by the CAU in collaboration with scholars from India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Uganda, and Japan.

These discussions aim to generate a rich understanding of diversity in the paths of rural transformations across these countries and provide insights into potential ways of addressing the challenges faced by rural areas in these countries.

This research vertical examines how proximity to a thriving startup ecosystem influences regional entrepreneurship. Focusing on Haryana, which borders the dynamic Delhi-NCR startup hub, this study will explore whether and how entrepreneurial activity diffuses beyond established ecosystems. It will investigate how access to funding, talent, mentorship, and policy initiatives in a significant metropolitan startup hub contributes to the emergence and sustainability of new businesses in neighbouring regions. The research is structured around two core areas: (i) the transmission of entrepreneurial knowledge, investment, and institutional support from Delhi-NCR into Haryana, and (ii) the independent evolution of Haryana’s startup ecosystem in response to regional market conditions, infrastructure availability, and policy frameworks. Together, these aspects will provide a nuanced understanding of how external factors shape local entrepreneurial landscapes.

The first project under this vertical is a data-driven study that will analyse the spillover effects of Delhi-NCR on Haryana’s entre-preneurial ecosystem using data from the Startup India platform. This study will track trends in startup density, funding access, industry diversification, and policy impact.

To complement this, qualitative insights will be gathered through interviews with startup founders, investors, and policymakers to understand the barriers and opportunities for entrepreneurship in Haryana. The research aims to answer key questions: Does geographical proximity to a leading startup hub accelerate entrepre-neurial growth in Haryana? Are startups in Haryana leveraging the advantages of being near Delhi-NCR, or do regional economic and infrastructural limitations constrain them?

Findings from this study will contribute to policy discussions on fostering balanced regional entrepreneurship in India. The research identifies key drivers and con-straints and offers insights for ecosystem stakeholders, including government agen-cies, investors, and incubators, to enhance Haryana’s entrepreneurial landscape.

The historic bazaars of Sonipat represent more than just places of commerce; they are vibrant repositories of the city’s cultural heritage, social fabric, and economic evolution. This project, “Documentation of Historic Bazaars of Sonipat,” aims to capture and preserve the invaluable legacy of these traditional marketplaces.

These bazaars have been vital hubs for generations, fostering community interaction and preserving traditional trades. They offer a unique window into Sonipat’s past, reflecting its historical development and cultural identity. With rapid urbanisation and modernisation, these historic spaces risk disappearing, making documentation crucial.

The project will thoroughly survey selected historic bazaars within Sonipat, focusing on those with significant historical and cultural value. It will involve archival research, field observations, and interviews with relevant stakeholders. It will include documenting the changes to these locations over time.

The culmination of the “Documentation of Historic Bazaars of Sonipat” project will be a comprehensive, publicly accessible digital archive and report that is vital for understanding and preserving the city’s rich cultural and economic heritage. This outcome will document the historic bazaars’ architectural, commercial, and social evolution and contribute to increased local awareness and appreciation of these irreplaceable spaces through curated Tours/walks on the traditional Cuisines/delicacies, occupations, and residing communities. By providing detailed historical context, visual documentation, and personal narratives, the project will potentially lead to informed preservation efforts and revitalisation strategies that ensure their continued relevance within Sonipat’s evolving historic urban landscape.