Latest news with #CSDS
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
ICSSR flags CSDS over poll studies, police file FIRs against faculty member
The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) on Wednesday issued a show cause notice to the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS), seeking disclosure of funding sources for its research on the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise and the Maharashtra Assembly polls, repoted TOI. The council accused the institute of 'deliberately… indulging in data manipulation with a deliberate and malicious action to create a narrative with intention of undermining the sanctity of the constitutional authority such as the Election Commission of India.' The notice also raised a series of alleged irregularities at CSDS, including appointments of faculty in violation of UGC rules, non-election of the governing body chairman, opaque methods in appointing the director, and failure to submit details of FCRA funds and their utilization. According to the report, ICSSR further highlighted financial and administrative lapses, such as un-audited accounts by CAG/AG and payment of House Rent Allowances to employees residing in government accommodations allocated to their spouses. The council warned that if CSDS fails to respond within seven days, it could take 'appropriate action… including cancellation and withdrawal' of grants. Police action adds pressure Live Events The ICSSR notice comes alongside FIRs lodged by Nagpur and Nashik police against Sanjay Kumar, a psephologist and CSDS faculty member. Nagpur Rural Police booked him for allegedly spreading false claims of steep voter declines — 38.45% in Ramtek and 36.82% in Deolali — via posts that have since been deleted. SP (Rural) Harssh A Poddar said the case followed a complaint by the tehsildar, prompted by a letter from the district returning officer. Kumar has been charged under Sections 175, 353(1)(b), and 212 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and is expected to be summoned shortly. With ICSSR threatening to withdraw funding and a senior faculty member under police investigation, the controversy has intensified into a critical dispute over academic integrity, electoral research credibility, and institutional accountability. Sanjay Kumar did not respond to TOI's requests for comment. The unfolding developments mark a rare intersection of legal, financial, and ethical scrutiny for one of India's leading social science research institutes.
The Market Online
8 hours ago
- Business
- The Market Online
ESG: A new era for small-cap compliance in Canada?
New ESG disclosure standards from the Canadian Sustainability Standards Board (CSSB) will take effect in 2025, focusing on climate-related financial risks and sustainability governance Small-cap companies face challenges in meeting these standards due to limited resources, data collection difficulties, and potential legal risks Despite the hurdles, transparent ESG reporting can attract investors, improve reputation, and enhance operational resilience Early adoption of these standards offers a strategic advantage, positioning small-caps for future regulatory compliance and long-term growth As Canada enters a new phase of sustainability-focused regulation, small-cap public issuers find themselves at a critical juncture. The Canadian Sustainability Standards Board (CSSB) has released its final Canadian Sustainability Disclosure Standards (CSDS 1 and CSDS 2), effective for annual reporting periods beginning January 1, 2025. These standards, while currently voluntary, are expected to form the foundation for future mandatory climate-related disclosure rules under Canadian securities law. This article is a journalistic opinion piece which has been written based on independent research. It is intended to inform investors and should not be taken as a recommendation or financial advice. Overview of the new ESG and climate disclosure rules The CSSB's standards are aligned with the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) framework and include: CSDS 1 : General requirements for disclosure of sustainability-related financial information. : General requirements for disclosure of sustainability-related financial information. CSDS 2: Climate-related disclosures focused on risks and opportunities. These standards require companies to report on: Governance and strategy related to sustainability Risk management practices Business model and value chain impacts Financial performance and resilience Metrics and targets, including greenhouse gas emissions The goal is to provide investors and stakeholders with decision-useful, comparable, and transparent information about how sustainability and climate risks affect a company's financial outlook. Challenges for small-cap compliance and investor relations While large-cap companies often have the resources to absorb new compliance burdens, small-cap issuers face unique challenges: 1. Resource constraints Small-cap firms typically operate with lean teams and limited budgets. Implementing robust ESG reporting frameworks—especially those requiring climate scenario analysis, emissions tracking, and supply chain disclosures—can be costly and time-consuming. 2. Data collection and verification Many small companies lack the infrastructure to collect reliable ESG data. Third-party verification, often expected by institutional investors, adds another layer of complexity. 3. Investor communication Small-cap companies may struggle to effectively communicate ESG initiatives to investors, especially if disclosures are buried in technical filings. This can lead to underappreciated ESG performance and missed opportunities for valuation uplift. 4. Legal and liability risks As the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) work toward a revised climate disclosure rule, concerns about liability for forward-looking statements and misrepresentations are growing. Small issuers may be particularly vulnerable without dedicated legal and compliance teams. Opportunities for transparency-driven differentiation Despite the hurdles, ESG disclosure presents a strategic opportunity for small-cap companies to stand out: 1. Investor attraction Institutional investors increasingly screen for ESG performance. Transparent reporting can help small-caps access capital, improve cost of capital, and attract long-term shareholders. 2. Brand and reputation Companies that proactively disclose sustainability efforts can build trust and credibility, especially in sectors like clean tech, healthcare, and resource management. 3. Operational resilience ESG frameworks often lead to better risk management, governance, and strategic planning, which can enhance long-term performance. 4. Regulatory readiness Early adoption of voluntary standards positions small-caps to adapt quickly when mandatory rules are introduced, avoiding last-minute compliance scrambles. The CSSB's disclosure standards mark a turning point in Canadian capital markets. For small-cap issuers, the path forward will require strategic investment in ESG infrastructure, clear communication, and collaboration with advisors and stakeholders. While the road may be steep, those who embrace transparency and sustainability early will be better equipped to thrive in a market increasingly shaped by climate risk and investor scrutiny. For more on what ESG-related options are available out there, visit the TSX's ESG data hub. Join the discussion: Find out what the Bullboards are saying about ESG stocks on Stockhouse's stock forums and message boards. Stockhouse does not provide investment advice or recommendations. All investment decisions should be made based on your own research and consultation with a registered investment professional. The issuer is solely responsible for the accuracy of the information contained herein. For full disclaimer information, please click here .
Hans India
16 hours ago
- Politics
- Hans India
‘Data Manipulation': ICSSR slaps show-cause notice on CSDS
New Delhi: The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) has issued a show-cause notice to CSDS for alleged data manipulation related to election analysis, citing biased interpretations amid the 'vote chori' row. The ICSSR notice read, 'It has come to the notice of ICSSR that an individual holding responsible position at CSDS, an ICSSR-funded research institute, has made media statements that had to be retracted subsequently citing glitches in data analysis regarding elections in Maharashtra. Further, the institute has published media stories based on biased interpretation of the SIR exercise by the Election Commission of India..." Highlighting the role of the Election Commission, it said, 'ICSSR holds the Indian constitution in highest esteem. The Election Commission of India is a high constitutional body that has been holding free and fair elections in the largest democracy in the world for decades." Alleging the CSDS to tarnish the sanctity of the Election Commission, it noted, 'ICSSR takes serious cognizance of the data manipulation by CSDS and its attempt to create a narrative with the intention of undermining the sanctity of the Election Commission of India. This is a gross violation of the Grant-in-Aid rules of ICSSR, and ICSSR shall issue a Show Cause Notice to the Institute." The notice follows an apology from Lokniti-CSDS co-director Sanjay Kumar on Tuesday for his post about Maharashtra elections, which reported a significant decline in voter numbers in two assembly seats compared to the recent Lok Sabha elections. 'I sincerely apologize for the tweets posted regarding Maharashtra elections. Error occurred while comparing data of 2024 LS and 2024 AS. The data in row was misread by our Data team. The tweet has since been removed. I had no intention of dispersing any form of misinformation,' Lokniti-CSDS co-director wrote on X.
Hindustan Times
17 hours ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
ICSSR issues show-cause to CSDS over past irregularities
New Delhi: The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), an autonomous body under the Union ministry of education, on Wednesday issued a show-cause notice to the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS), citing past irregularities and 'gross violations' of grant-in-aid rules. ICSSR issues show-cause to CSDS over past irregularities The notice accuses CSDS of releasing misleading election data related to Maharashtra and giving a 'biased interpretation' of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar, allegedly aimed at 'maligning the reputation and image' of the Election Commission of India (ECI). The national body that oversees research in the social sciences in the country, has threatened to cancel and withdraw the grant in aid to CSDS, which it said 'is discretionary in nature,' if the think tank fails to submit its explanation on 'administrative and financial irregularities' and on 'deliberate misrepresentation of facts' within 7 days. This comes a day after Sanjay Kumar, a professor at CSDS Delhi had on Tuesday apologised for his X post on the Maharashtra elections, which wrongly reported a considerable fall in voter numbers in the two assembly seats compared to the Lok Sabha elections. He said the error occurred due to misreading of a row by the data team. 'The tweet has since been removed. I had no intention of dispersing any form of misinformation,' wrote Sanjay Kumar, who is among the most senior researchers at the independent think tank which is known for its analysis of elections. Meanwhile, a case has been registered against Kumar by the district electoral officers (DEO) of Nashik and Nagpur in Maharashtra for allegedly misleading voters with wrong data on the Devlali and Ramtek assembly segments for the Lok Sabha and state elections held in 2024. In its show-cause notice to CSDS director Awadhendra Sharan, seen by HT, the ICSSR said that in a study on Maharashtra polls, CSDS deliberately allowed its employee to 'make incorrect statements in media maligning the reputation and image' of ECI and subsequently retracted from the same 'citing glitches in data analysis regarding elections in Maharashtra.' A CSDS study titled 'How inclusive is EC's special revision exercise?' presented a 'biased interpretation' of the ECI's SIR drive in Bihar and published media stories for 'deliberately scandalizing and maligning the reputation and image' of the constitutional body, ICSSR said. 'And whereas it has also come to notice of ICSSR that CSDS and its employees have deliberately been indulging in data manipulation with a deliberate and malicious action to create a narrative with the intention of undermining the sanctity of the constitution authority such as ECI,' ICSSR said asking the CSDS to reveal its funding source for both the studies. ICSSR in its notice said that CSDS has 'continuously been involved in various irregularities in the past' and was asked to submit response and action taken on those irregularities but, 'no satisfactory response and action taken report has been received from CSDS.' ICSSR listed several past irregularities at CSDS, including appointments of faculty and non-academic staff in violation of University Grants Commission (UGC) and ICSSR guidelines, unauthorized financial benefits, non-conduct of governing body elections, opaque selection of the Director, irregular pension and House Rent Allowance (HRA) payments causing loss of public funds, failure to get annual accounts audited by Comptroller Auditor General (CAG), non-disclosure of Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) funds, and non-compliance with ICSSR's Good Governance principles. Under its 'grant in aid rules to societies and institutions doing research in the field of social sciences (which are outside the scope of University Grants Commission),' ICSSR provides assistance to various societies and institutions doing research in the field of social science. On August 7, 2023, in response to a question in Parliament, the ministry of education informed Lok Sabha that CSDS was allocated ₹13.92 crore over three years (between 2020–21 and the first quarter of 2023–24). 'We have asked CSDS to give an explanation on irregularities and misinterpretation of data within seven days of today's notice in respect. ICSSR will take appropriate action against CSDS as per the provisions of its grant-in-aid rules,' said a senior ICSSR official.
Indian Express
19 hours ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Poll data error: 2 FIRs in Maharashtra against CSDS's Sanjay Kumar
A day after Sanjay Kumar, co-director of Lokniti, a research programme at the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS), withdrew a post relating to the Maharashtra elections citing data 'error' and apologised on the platform X, police in Nagpur and Nashik registered FIRs against him on complaints from two Tehsildars. Also Wednesday, the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), which operates under the aegis of the Ministry of Education and supports the CSDS, issued a show cause notice to the CSDS, asking it to explain within seven days why its grant-in-aid should not be withdrawn. The ICSSR flagged what it called multiple 'irregularities', including 'manipulation' of data and sharing it with the media to malign the reputation of the Election Commission of India. On August 17, Kumar put out a post stating that Ramtek and Devlali in Maharashtra had shown a 36-38% decrease in the number of voters between the Lok Sabha and Assembly polls in Maharashtra. On Tuesday, he apologised for the post. 'I sincerely apologize for the tweets posted regarding Maharashtra elections. Error occurred while comparing data of 2024 LS and 2024 AS. The data in row was misread by our Data team. The tweet has since been removed. I had no intention of dispersing any form of misinformation,' Kumar said. The FIR in Nagpur was registered on a complaint from the Ramtek tehsildar while the Nashik FIR was based on a complaint from Nashik's Nayab Tehsildar who accused Kumar of circulating 'false and misleading' voter data about the Devlali (SC) Assembly constituency. Nayab Tehsildar Praveena Shekhar Tadvi, who oversees election-related work in Devlali, said she was instructed by the state election office to take action and, accordingly, the FIR was registered. The Nashik district election office, in a statement on X, said, 'Sanjay Kumar from CSDS has posted misleading information of voters of 126-Devlali AC for LS-2024 and MH LA-2024, case is registered against him. It is requested of all citizens to verify the info only from the ECI website.' According to the complaint filed by the Ramtek Tehsildar, the CSDS's claim was false, misleading citizens and voters. In both FIRs, Kumar has been booked under multiple BNS sections including Section 175 (false election information), Section 353 (1) (B) (statements conducing to public mischief), Section 212 (false information to a public servant), Section 340 (use of forged documents or electronic records as genuine), and Section 356 (defamation). Meanwhile, the ICSSR show cause notice, flagging media reports of people in CSDS questioning the credibility of the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and also 'manipulating data' in relation to the Maharashtra elections, asked the CSDS to reveal the source of funding of these studies. Contacted by The Indian Express, Kumar declined to comment on the show cause notice.
