The Department was established by Government of Uttar Pradesh in 1984. The teaching and research activities commenced from academic session 1985-86. While the department has skilled faculty members it is also equipped with computer facility and statistical laboratory. The department undertakes research projects sponsored by UGC, ICSSR, IGFCC, Government of India, State Government etc. Seminars, symposia, workshops, 'Ambedkar, Lohia and Pt. Deendyal Upadhyaya memorial annual lecture series are organized from time to time. Eminent economists and academicians like Prof Y. K. Alagh, Prof G. K. Chaddha, Prof G. Thimaya, Prof T.S. Papola, Prof A.M. Khusro, Prof. G. Nancharaiya, Prof L. Marla, Prof S.R. Hashim, Prof. V. R. Panchmukhi, Prof, Neel Kanth Rath, Prof. B. L. Mungekar, Prof D. K. Nauriyal, Prof. A.D.N. Bajpai, Prof. T.C.A. Anant, Prof. B.K. Chaturvedi have visited and delivered lectures in the department. The department till date has organized fifteen National level Seminars & Conferences with one National Webinar (E-Seminar). Two National workshops on selfemployment in rural development sponsored by the Ministry of Rural Development Government of India and eight National level workshops of various discipline have also been organized.
The Department of Economics and Rural Development offers Post Graduation program in Economics with specialization in Rural Development. Economics governs the life of the individual, society and modern states. It integrates the study of Economics with that of organizational and institutional aspects of effective management and addresses key policy issues in Rural Development. This program is also suitable for personal working in various Governments –Non-government Departments/ Agencies, NGO'S and all sectors of economy.
The department is continuously involved in quality research and project work sponsored by UGC / ICSSR / Various Ministries of Union & State Department respectively. Several students from the department have qualified UGC/NET exam and faculty members have publication in reputed National & International journals.
The department has academic collaborations with Indian Association of Population Studies and Institute of Economic Growth, New Delhi. The students are exposed to field work for getting and imparting training in different socially useful projects of various ministries of center and state governments. The department has an academic collaboration with Indian Economic Association (IEA), Indian Society of Labour Economics (ISLE), Association of Socio-Economic Development Studies (ASEDS), Uttar Pradesh Uttarakhand Economic Association (UPUEA), Avadh Economic Association Ayodhya (AEAA), Indian Association of Population Studies and Institute of Economic Growth, New Delhi.
Research Chairs& Government Consultancies:
Dr. B.R.Ambedkar Chair has been established in the department by the Government of U.P. which is involved in quality research associated to economic ideas and thoughts of Dr. B.R.Ambedkar and related issues of contemporary relevance. Pt. Deendyal Upadhyaya Research Chair has also been established by Government of U.P.in year 2018. In year 2019 the Department has established “Dr. Rammanohar Lohia Center for Economic Policy and Development Study (Lohia Chair)” in University Campus.Presently Prof. Vinod Kumar Srivastava, provides consultancy services as Chairman and Resettlement Expert,Bahushakhiya Visheshagya Samooh, Land Acquisition Committee, Bundelkhand Expressway, Poorvanchal Expressway, Gorakhpur Link Expressway and Ganga Expressway, Government of Uttar Pradesh.