5. (1) The aims and objects of the Protishthan shall be -(a) to function as an agency for undertaking and promoting study, research and dissemination of knowledge in the field of development economics, demography and other social sciences relating to planning for national development and social welfare;(b) to collect information, conduct investigations and undertake research projects for purposes of assistance in planning, and formulation of policy, and implementation of plans and policies;(c) to provide facilities for training in economics, demography and other social sciences;(d) to provide information and offer advice on modern research techniques and methodology in economics, demography and other social sciences. (2) In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the above aims and objects, the Protishthan shall have power-(a) to conduct survey, experiment, demonstration, to hold meetings and to arrange lectures, seminars, discussions and conferences on economics, demography and other social sciences relating to studies of problems of national development and social welfare, hereinafter referred to as the studies;(b) to publish books, periodicals, reports and research and working papers on the studies;(c) to undertake investigations including field work on the studies on its own behalf or on behalf of, or in collaboration with, the Government or any institution;(d) to establish and maintain contact with foreign scholars and their works on the studies through co-operative studies, seminars and exchange of visits or otherwise;(e) to maintain libraries and reading rooms and equipment and instruments, such as printing presses, computational and other research and office equipment, photographic and other reproduction instruments for its proper functioning;(f) to institute Research Associateships, Fellowships of different categories including National Research Fellowships for professional workers on the studies;(g) to create within itself from time to time branches, divisions, sections, centres and other units for the proper and efficient conduct of the activities of the Protishthan in different fields of the studies;(h) to accept endowments, gifts, donations, grants and other funds and payments in lieu of services rendered;(i) to take such other actions as may further the aims and objects of the Protishthan.