Prof. Shankar Chatterjee is a distinguished academic, development expert, researcher, and author with more than three decades of experience in teaching, training, research, and rural development. He holds a Ph.D. in Economics and a Postgraduate Diploma in Cooperative Management. He retired on superannuation as Professor and Head of the Centre for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (CPME), National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRD&PR), Government of India, Hyderabad.

Areas of Expertise

His professional expertise encompasses several important areas of development economics and public policy, including:

• Rural development and poverty alleviation
• Microcredit and cooperative management
• Project planning, monitoring and evaluation
• Socio-economic development
• Rural livelihoods and community development
• Development policy and social issues

Research & Scholarly Contributions

Prof. Chatterjee has established an exceptionally extensive research and publication record. He is the author of 38 books, with more than 800 research papers and articles published in national and international journals. His scholarly output also includes 44 research reports and more than 250 letters, write-ups, and articles in newspapers and publications such as EPW.

His research contributions have addressed diverse dimensions of rural development, poverty, microfinance, social welfare, and development policy, contributing substantially to academic and policy-oriented discussions.

International Academic Exposure

Prof. Chatterjee has presented research papers at numerous prestigious national and international forums. His academic engagements have extended to countries and institutions across Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America, including the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Rome, as well as academic and development platforms in Afghanistan, Eritrea, Namibia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Iran, Peru, Sri Lanka, and several other countries.

Recognition & Awards

His extensive academic and development contributions have earned recognition from eminent personalities and institutions. His work has been acknowledged by notable figures including the late Dr. M. S. Swaminathan and the late Dr. Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy, former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh.

Among his notable distinctions are:

• Lifetime Achievement Award – EAST, Tamil Nadu
• Man of Excellence Award – Indian Achievers Forum (IAF)
• Best Academician Award 2023 – Innovative & Advanced Multidisciplinary Research Foundation (IAMRF) & Prerana Education Research Society

Multidisciplinary & Social Contributions

Beyond academics, Prof. Chatterjee has demonstrated a diverse range of interests and achievements. During his college years, he represented his state in hockey at the All-India Junior National level. He has also participated in the Telugu film industry as an actor. His continued engagement with rural development discourse and social issues reflects his commitment to contributing to society beyond conventional academic work.

Professional Impact

With a career spanning more than three decades, Prof. Chatterjee has successfully integrated academic scholarship, development research, training, policy-oriented work, and social engagement. His remarkable publication record, extensive international exposure, authorship of books, research reports, and sustained contribution to rural development make him a highly accomplished scholar in the field of development studies and economics.

Eligibility for Iconic Researcher Award 

Prof. Shankar Chatterjee is eligible for the Iconic Researcher Award in Scientific Laurels in recognition of his exceptional and sustained contribution to academic research, development studies, and rural development. His eligibility is strongly supported by his Ph.D. in Economics, over three decades of professional experience, leadership at NIRD&PR, authorship of 38 books, contribution of more than 800 research papers/articles, 44 research reports, extensive international research presentations, and multiple prestigious academic and lifetime achievement awards.

His long-standing influence on rural development research, poverty alleviation, microcredit, monitoring and evaluation, and development policy, combined with his international academic presence and substantial scholarly output, demonstrates the depth, breadth, and enduring impact characteristic of an Iconic Researcher.