Pratul Chandra Kalita

We are providing the design leadership to Government Process Reengineering initiative for Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA), Government of Assam. In the first phase, we are designing a new digital platform for the RERA Assam. The project involves creating a user-centric website and a robust Content Management System (CMS) to enhance transparency, accessibility, and regulatory compliance in the real estate sector. The platform is being developed with a strong focus on usability, accessibility, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring streamlined service delivery for citizens, developers, and regulatory bodies. The initiative supports the government’s broader goals of digital governance and real estate reform.

In a bid to streamline and resolve and make land revenue services more accessible to citizens, 'Mission Basundhara' conceptualized under the leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister, Assam. The mission envisages to reduce the pendency in updation of land records, through mission mode accelerated disposal of services sought by citizens and creating an ease of doing business environment in the land management ecosystem.

This project focuses on the comprehensive impact assessment of Basundhara 1.0 and 2.0, digital platforms developed by the Government of Assam for land-related services and grievance redressal. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness, usability, and reach of the applications across diverse demographic and administrative contexts. We are conducting the user experience evaluation and stakeholder analysis, with a focus on citizen satisfaction, service delivery efficiency, and system-level challenges. The findings will inform policy recommendations for future iterations of digital governance tools in Assam.

The integration of AI-driven smart farming solutions and IoT technologies represents a transformative approach to enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability. This research focuses on the development and implementation of such technologies, specifically targeting regions in India—Assam, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. The study aims to address critical gaps in the adoption of these advanced technologies by creating user-friendly interfaces and models that ensure accessibility and practicality for farmers, thereby promoting widespread usage.

The primary objective of this research is to assess the innovation ecosystem necessary for fostering entrepreneurship and technology translation within the agricultural sector. By collaborating with startups and industry leaders, the study seeks to commercialize the developed technologies and leverage government support to ensure scalability and sustainability. The research aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1, 2, and 9—No Poverty, Zero Hunger, and Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure—by targeting improvements in resource efficiency, agricultural productivity, and economic growth.

The toy industry in India is expecting a major upward growth. It is essential for Indian academia and research institutes to help the toy industry to achieve the targets and become self-dependent. Moreover, Government of India is envisaging the Indian toy industry to become one of the major exporters of quality education and entertainment toys. The main objective of the center of excellence is to enhance the productivity and creativity of Indian Toy industry. The center will primarily carry out systematic and comprehensive research and development activities pertaining to design and manufacturing of toys thru innovations in designs, materials and manufacturing related activities. It is envisaged that the center will create world-class sustainable technologies and will develop required skilled manpower to cater the needs of Indian toy industry. The center will develop innovative toy designs by conducting systematic studies of Indian traditional toys and contemporary international toys. Scientific and established design protocols will be employed to develop state-of-the art toy designs which will be easily manufacturable, sustainable and cost effective. IIT Guwahati has a dedicated Design department which carry out Industrial design activities since last 25 years. A dedicated team of experienced faculty members with a pool of enthusiastic research scholars will involve in the innovative toy design module. A team of material science experts with diverse background such polymers, metals, bio-materials will put their sincere efforts in development of novel and eco-friendly materials required for the toys. A group of manufacturing engineers with a wide spectrum of experience in advanced manufacturing processes, finishing processes, additive manufacturing (3D printing), mechatronics and manufacturing automation will come up with cost-effective and sustainable manufacturing solutions to our toy manufacturers located at urban as well as rural areas. State-of-the art skill-development, training and awareness programs will be developed to help of the toy industry.

Strategic Design Management activities in the Centre of Excellence (CoE), SUNDAR TOYS

There is a prime module of Marketing, Business Design and Entrepreneurship in this CoE. The prime objective of this module is to explore, create and deliver value in Toy Business in India. It will be done through strategic design management and entrepreneurship development.

• Enterprise creation in toy business with the spark of design and innovation is one major aspect of this.
• Other aspect is revitalizing existing enterprises in toy industry with creativity, innovation and design thinking.

100% Physical & concurrent verification of the enterprises established under the PMEGP scheme. Study was done through field survey with structured questionnaire and interview.

The project primarily focuses on the study of the existing Design Value Chain of Eri and Muga Silk in Assam, starting from weaving (supply side – value creation) to marketing (demand side – value delivery), and formulation of Design Management Strategy to align demand and supply. The survey, which encompassed 1,282 weavers, was carried out with primary data collected through structured questionnaire for weavers, sellers, cluster level designers, dyers and yarn suppliers. The study reached out to weavers in eight districts: Jorhat, Kamrup, Majuli, Lakhimpur, Sivasagar, Sonitpur, Charaideu and Biswanath. Such an in-depth study with extensive scientific field research from design management perspective has been conducted for the first time, with the research output likely to play significant role in this sector. We have identified five strategic design management strategies for the sector viz (i) skill development and skill-up gradation strategy, (ii) design studio and digital design bank, (iii) system design solution for integrated supply chain management, (iv) fame loom and a new semi-automatic loom to improve productivity and quality, and (v) attracting weavers for Eri-Muga weaving.

The Mizoram KVI Board invited Department of Design, IIT Guwahati to conduct Techno Economic Feasibility Study of the proposed Khadi Plaza/ Hut at Aizawl, Mizoram. Our team inspected the proposed project site at the new capital complex, Aizawl . Interactive Sessions and Focused Group Discussions were organized with various stakeholders of the proposed Khadi Plaza. The team also visited the work sheds, retail outlets and showrooms of various enterprises and entrepreneurs around Aizawl. The report of the Techno Economic Feasibility Study has been prepared based on the findings of the Site Visits, Focus Group Discussion, interactions with stakeholders of Mizoram KVI Board and desktop research of achievements and track- records of Mizoram KVI Board. The proposal for Khadi Plaza at Mizoram, Aizawl has been found to be ‘Technically and Economically Feasible’.

Extraction of bamboo short micron fibers (BMFs) from locally available bamboo column. Treatment of BMFs to reduce environment effect. Preparation of bamboo bricks and laminated boards. Investigation of bamboo bricks/laminated board performance with climate change. Sustainability analysis of bamboo bricks/laminated boards from BMFs. Techno economic analysis of bamboo bricks/laminate boards. Demonstration of low cost and durable model house using bamboo bricks/laminates

We completed this project in collaboration with Faculty of Home Science, Assam Agricultural University. They have done the background research. We are assisting them in design intervention in developing a multimedia tool kit for Assamese Alphabet Learning.

Collaborative approach in design thinking to evolve socially responsible design is the prime focus of this study. The major scopes of design interventions identified are (i) cart design to reduce load, increase mobility, ensure hygiene and attractive display; (ii) packaging design to ensure hygiene, environment friendly disposal and customer delight; (iii) utensil design for promotion of traditional street food of Assam (iv) space design to create business opportunity and (v) system design intervention in street food vending.

This project connects health centers, help administrators to gather patient data, track them in real time and monitor DOTS consumption. The three  major components of the system are (a) centralized web & mobile phone based information system for health administrators (b) SMS based service for patients to update medicine consumption and (c) audio-visual animation and video based training modules for DOTS providers. This is an iterative human-centric design approach; and we have developed an ICT enabled service to reduce defaulters in TB treatment.

As CMTA-Sivasagar Mega Handloom Cluster, we has proactively worked with the cluster stakeholders and the SPVs in implementation of the interventions viz. design, technical and managerial. The basic scope of work was to provide managerial technical and design consultancy to the SPVs and other stakeholders. We had physical presence in the cluster by setting up an office in the cluster with suitable manpower. The consultancy services include diagnostic study, preparation of DPR, sensitizing and mobilizing the stakeholders to be part of the proposed project, assisting the Ministry/SPV in releasing/mobilizing funds for the project, assisting the SPV in identification and engagement of service providers/ consultants for various services related to specific handloom technology, processing, designing, skill development, marketing, financing etc, implementation/execution of the interventions outlined in the DPR, providing interfacing support and linkages between the SPV and various other stakeholders, particularly the Government organizations, buyers and financial institutions, providing periodical progress reports to the Ministry of Textiles with respect to achievements of the stated outcomes.

All together thirteen projects were considered for the impact evaluation study. There were total five road projects, four bridge projects and four irrigation projects. Districts covered were Kamrup, Nagaon, Jorhat, Darang, Golaghat, Sonitpur Hailakandi, Cachar, Chirang, Sivsagar and Dibrugarh. Sample Size for roads and bridges projects together was1876 and for irrigation projects sample size was 642. Instruments and tools used for the study were Structured Questionnaires, Data sheets, Focus Group Discussions, Ethnography etc. The interrelationships of projects and various elements responsible for impact were identified. Systems approach to project management has been suggested. Socio economic impact in terms of improvement in quality of life has been measured. Significant impact has been observed in creating better access to education, health, administration, financial institution and marketplace. The final report has been accepted by NABARD.

This project aims to cultivate and encourage creativity and innovation among school children. Feasibility study and programme design has been completed.

Organizational Behaviour study, employee survey, skill gap assessment, organizational structure design and projective manpower planning for ten years.

Determination ‘Suzuki’ brand status in the Guwahati Two Wheeler Market Space and formulation of a design strategy to increase the ‘visibility’ of brand Suzuki.

Strategy development for design and marketing of handloom and handicraft products in Pragyotika.

The socio-economic impact of SJSRY was carried out. The prime focus of the study was to asses the impact on improvement in quality of life. Study was done through field survey with structured questionnaire, interview and focus group discussions. 

Impact assessment of Sarva Siksha Abhiyan project in Assam. Various experiments were carried out with school children to assess the impact of SSA. Quantitative data analysis was carried out in SPSS on the basis of the data gathered through the experiments.

To study the Urban and Rural Market of Assam and North East and export potential to Bangladesh and Myanmar of Low Cost Branded & Non Branded Undergarments for Ladies & Gents. The project aims to study various issues related to Low Cost Branded & Non Branded Undergarments for Ladies & Gents viz. consumer behavior, design, branding, supply chain, distribution, market share, business opportunity, challenges etc.

It is an online integrated approach to application of various design methods viz. Marketing-Research-Finding Sensitive Visualisation (Outcome of the PhD), Quality Function Deployment, Kano Model and Stuart Pugh’s method of Idea Screening. The online tool attempts to bring designers, technologists, design managers and users in a common platform for design ideation.

Strategy formulation with desktop research. Based on the strategy, IIE has taken several projects from CSR fund of Oil India Limited for entrepreneurship development.

The study aims to explore the opportunity and possibility of setting up a hub of micro and small enterprises in Assam. Responses were gathered from the existing entrepreneurs and budding entrepreneurs.

Study of Assamese film, viewers’ behavior, strength, weakness, opportunities and threat analysis, strategy formulation.

Study of the simulation exercise of ICS and formulating customized system design in the context of Assam. The customized disaster management system is Incident Response System (IRS). Several disaster management simulations have been carried out by the Assam State Disaster Management Authority on IRS.

100% Physical & concurrent verification of the enterprises established under the PMEGP scheme. Study was done through field survey with structured questionnaire and interview.

The study was carried out to formulate business strategy for dairy development in Assam. The comprehensive study included consumer behaviour study in all the districts of Assam through primary research. Strategy formulation.