The Centre for Discourse, Fusion, and Analysis (CDFA) operates through a three-tiered governance framework designed to ensure academic integrity, strategic leadership, and efficient execution. This structure balances constitutional oversight, intellectual consultation, and operational functionality across its various councils, boards, and divisions. Each tier functions with a well-defined hierarchy, roles, and reporting mechanisms.
1. CDFA Governing Council (CGC)
Topmost constitutional, policy-making, and legislative body
The CDFA Governing Council (CGC) is the highest constitutional and decision-making body within the organizational framework. It is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction, institutional values, long-term planning, legal compliance, and structural decisions of CDFA. The CGC also approves major appointments, budgetary allocations, and structural amendments.
Composition and Roles:
- Chairperson (Level 16):
Nominated from among the senior-most academicians or policy leaders for a one-year term. Serves as the constitutional head of CDFA and presides over all meetings of the CGC. - Deputy Chairperson (Level 15):
Also nominated for a one-year term from within the senior academic or official fraternity. Supports the Chairperson and steps in during their absence. - Director General of CDFA Research Foundation (Level 14):
Serves ex-officio as the General Secretary of CGC, acting as the principal executive and administrative link between the CGC and the functioning arms of CDFA. - All other Directors of CDFA Research Foundation (Level 14):
Are ex-officio members of CGC, representing their respective divisions. - Five Independent External Members (Level 15/14):
Distinguished individuals from academia, public policy, law, or international development, nominated based on qualifications and contributions.
The CGC convenes quarterly and is responsible for approving policy frameworks, constitutional amendments, structural appointments, and high-level strategic documents.
2. CDFA Advisory Board (CAB)
Academic, intellectual, and consultative authority
The CDFA Advisory Board (CAB) is the think tank’s academic and intellectual advisory body. While it holds no legislative or executive authority, its recommendations and consultations significantly shape the direction and quality of CDFA’s research and policy outputs.
Composition:
- Senior Advisors (Level 15)
- Advisors (Level 14/15 based on expertise)
- Consultants (Level 14/13)
The CAB members are leading scholars, policy advisors, former bureaucrats, development practitioners, and thematic experts. They offer critical insights, peer reviews, thematic consultations, and policy validations on research undertaken by CDFA divisions.
3. CDFA Executive Council (CEC)
Execution, operations, and coordination authority
The CDFA Executive Council (CEC) is the body responsible for the operational execution of all decisions made by the CGC. It ensures inter-divisional coordination, project management, external partnerships, and program implementation.
Composition and Leadership:
- President of CEC (Level 14):
The Director General of CDFA Research Foundation serves ex-officio as the President of the CEC, overseeing the entire administrative and operational functioning. - Vice President of CEC (Level 14):
The Director of the Division of Administrative Affairs and Publications acts as Vice President, managing documentation, compliance, and institutional communications. - All other Directors (Level 14):
Ex-officio members of the CEC, responsible for executing divisional mandates and reporting back to the President. - Special Invitees:
May include senior research staff or coordinators invited to specific meetings based on agenda relevance.
The CEC meets monthly and is responsible for approving research programs, fellowships, staff appointments, internal guidelines, and monthly gazette listings.
4. CDFA Research Divisions
Core thematic and operational units
CDFA functions through eight thematic divisions, each responsible for research, public engagement, academic output, and policy advocacy within its domain. These divisions are the primary engines of CDFA’s intellectual and social impact.
Divisional Structure:
- Headed by a Director (Level 14)
A Director may lead multiple divisions based on expertise and internal consensus. - Team Composition:
- Research Fellows (Level 14)
- Senior Research Associates (Level 13)
- Research Associates (Level 12)
- Interns (Level 10; not official members, excluded from monthly gazette)
Each division operates semi-autonomously within the broader CDFA framework, contributing to collaborative projects, field engagements, and scholarly publications.
5. CDFA Campus Ambassador Program
Youth engagement and institutional outreach
The Campus Ambassadors (Level 12/11) form a vibrant network of young representatives from universities and colleges across India and beyond. They are officially under the jurisdiction of two divisions:
- Division of Outreach, Events, and Dialogues
- Division of Capacity Building and Fellowships
These ambassadors contribute to outreach campaigns, event coordination, talent scouting, and local representation of CDFA activities. Their monthly performance is reviewed, and their level is assigned based on academic qualifications and prior experience.
Seniority & Institutional Hierarchy
CDFA follows a clear and merit-based ranking structure that respects experience, qualifications, and institutional responsibilities:
| Designation | Level |
|---|---|
| Chairperson of CGC | Level 16 |
| Deputy Chairperson of CGC | Level 15 |
| External Members of CGC (Independent) | Level 15/14 |
| Director General (DG) of CDFA & General Secretary CGC | Level 14 |
| President of CEC (DG CDFA) | Level 14 |
| Vice President of CEC (Director – Admin & Publications) | Level 14 |
| Directors of CDFA Research Foundation | Level 14 |
| Senior Advisors (CAB) | Level 15 |
| Advisors / Consultants (CAB) | Level 14/13 |
| Research Fellows | Level 14 |
| Senior Research Associates | Level 13 |
| Research Associates | Level 12 |
| Campus Ambassadors | Level 12/11 |
| Interns | Level 10 (Excluded from gazette) |
Official Gazette and Deliberation Process
- All official members of CDFA from Level 11 and above are included in the Monthly Gazette, following deliberation and confirmation in the CEC.
- Interns, though crucial to operations, do not hold official membership status and are not listed in the gazette.
- The CEC has the authority to recommend inclusion, removal, or level changes based on performance, qualifications, or conduct.