Its a non-profit, non-political, development oriented organisation headquartered in Delhi. Qualitative data gathering especially IDIs and FGDs etc.
DF has conducted 50 evidence based evaluation studies with mandates of varied timelines and geographical coverage including the north-east. In the process, DF has accumulated the blended experience of completing assignments sans time over-run and adhering quality standards. DF has to its credit short duration and long term studies ranging from timelines of one/two months to nine months. Two of the
assignments having completed within one/two months by DF are:(a) Verification of Applicant PRIs for Nirmal Gram Puraskar, Min of Rural Development, GoI in 151 Gram Panchayats in Maharashtra in one month with a professional fee of Rs.6 lakhs (2008) and (b) All India Feedback Study on Credit Rating Scheme for SMEs, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, GoI, covering a sample of 103 SMEs in 5 Zones including the north-east in two months for sanctioned amount of Rs.4.05 lakhs (2010). DF has also conducted an extensive study on rural water and sanitation (Swajaldhara and Total Sanitation Campaign) in Madhya Pradesh for nine months with budgetary allocation of Rs.45 lakhs (2009) for the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India. DF undertakes each assignment with an over-all strategy of participatory and consultative approach. Efforts are always made to adhere highest quality standards and endeavours at all times to meet the expectations of the clientele to conform to quality deliverables expected. Experienced and trained personnel having substantive experience in sectoral domain, data management and field survey conduct time bound assignments as per the needs and priorities of the clientele. In-house capacity for qualitative and quantitative data gathering, data processing with SPSS along with advanced drafting skills has been the strength of DF. In conducting large-scale studies and surveys across multi states, DF uses either the proven network of experienced or well qualified local researchers and field manpower or specially hires research hands from universities and reputed research institutes of the studied states. Nevertheless, need based orientation and training on adopted research methodology and field practice for research investigators are mandated under each assignment. are conducted by DF’s in-house researchers leveraging skills and experience acquired over the years.
