Independence and Integrity Policy

DAKSH is a nonprofit organization devoted to independent, non-partisan, in-depth research that leads to pragmatic and innovative ideas on how to solve problems facing society. The integrity and objectivity of  DAKSH Personnel (Employees and Consultants) and their research constitute DAKSH’s principal assets. Our policies, summarized here, reflect these values.

Definitions

Employee: Refers to an individual employed by DAKSH

Consultant: Refers to a person who has been engaged by DAKSH for a fee or other considerations.

Research

DAKSH’s credibility and reputation  rests on the quality, rigor, depth, and independent nature of its research and analysis. DAKSH Personnel are committed to meeting the highest standard of research, upholding their own reputations for sound professional ethics, and developing recommendations that are relevant and actionable. DAKSH’s obligation to them is to respect and protect academic freedom, provide a workplace that is supportive and inclusive, and help them amplify the impact of their research and policy recommendations.

Funding

DAKSH is financed through the support of a diverse array of foundations, and individuals within India, and from governments for specific research projects. These funding sources are listed on the DAKSH website. No donor or group of donors has the ability to direct DAKSH’s views or activities.

Research Independence

DAKSH has adopted policies that enshrine the requirement that its personnel not permit the interests of any outside party to inappropriately influence DAKSH’s work, including its research methods or conclusions.

While DAKSH personnel regularly engage with outside parties, including subject matter experts, stakeholders, public  officials, and the general public, DAKSH personnel ultimately have the final word on their research and other activities. This does not preclude DAKSH personnel from expressing policy views that happen to align with the views shared by an outside party, provided such views are not the result of inappropriate external influence.

Conflicts of Interest

DAKSH has a Conflict of Interest Policy, which all employees and consultants must abide by. DAKSH’s Conflict of Interest Policy sets forth its guidelines and procedures for identifying, resolving, or managing real, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest that may arise. 

DAKSH will disclose any real or apparent conflict(s) of interest that may have a direct bearing on the subject matter of its research products.

Governance

DAKSH has an active Governing Council  that is responsible for setting the mission and strategic direction of the organisation and oversight of the finances, operations, and policies of the organization.

Legal Compliance

DAKSH is knowledgeable of and complies with all applicable laws and regulations.

Openness and Disclosure

DAKSH provides comprehensive and timely information to the public, the media, and all stakeholders and is responsive to reasonable requests for information. All information about the organisation will fully and honestly reflect DAKSH’s policies and practices.

Nonpartisanship

Consistent with the DAKSH’s mission, DAKSH may provide nonpartisan public policy analysis and recommendations to public officials. In accordance with DAKSH’s commitment to nonpartisanship, DAKSH Personnel may not participate in partisan political activity on behalf of DAKSH. DAKSH Personnel must also take appropriate steps to avoid conflicts or confusion between their outside political activities and their DAKSH affiliations, including by obtaining DAKSH’s approval and publicly disclosing their activities, as necessary.