About Us – Manthan

Manthan Adhyayan Kendra

Manthan Adhyayan Kendra is a centre set up to research, analyse and monitor water and energy issues from the perspective of just, equitable and sustainable development. Manthan was set up in 2001 at Badwani (M.P.). The activities of Manthan include analysis, discourse building and policy recommendations. Due to the impact of covid disruptions, the work of Manthan is now being run from Badwani, as well as in the Work From Home mode with remote locations. There are four broad components of Manthan’s work.

Monitoring Developments

Overall monitoring of developments in the water sector, including policies, laws, regulations, projects and programs.

Water Sector Reforms

Research, analysis and monitoring of water privatisation, commodification and reforms in the water sector, and alternatives to privatisation.

Water and Development

Linkages between water and development; how water needs to be managed to support equitable and sustainable development; how developmental choices in river basin management strategies, dams, agriculture, industry, navigation, and other uses impact water, people’s lives, livelihoods and ecology.

Other Issues

Other related issues that deal with the broader context of just, sustainable and equitable development including environmental governance, land acquisition, resettlement and rehabilitation, energy policy and so on.

ORGANISATION & OPERATION

Manthan Adhyayan Kendra was set up under the Manthan Research and Social Development Society, a society registered under the Societies Act in Madhya Pradesh. Over the years, Manthan Adhyayan Kendra has tried to work as much as possible in collaboration other like-minded groups, other networks and community groups. In the process, Manthan Adhyayan Kendra has emerged as resource centre engaging in issues highlighted above, broadening its operation beyond the Manthan Society.

The Manthan Research and Social Development Society has approval under Sec. 12 A and under Sec. 80 G of the Income Tax Act. Currently, the members on Board of Manthan Society are:

1. Himanshu Thakkar (Water Expert and Researcher)

2. Chinmay Mishra (Social and Cultural Activist)

3. Nandini Oza (Social Activist)

4. Gaurav Dwivedi (Researcher)

5. Shripad Dharmadhikary (Social Activist and Researcher)

6. Rehmat (Social Activist and Researcher)

7. Mahesh Sharma (Social activist and farmer)

The Advisory Board

The advisory board of Manthan Adhyayan Kendra has the following members, apart from members of the Manthan Society Board.

• Prashant Bhushan (Advocate)
• Sanjay Kak (Film Maker)
• Himanshu Upadhyaya (Policy Researcher)