Kolkata, July 14 (IANS) The foundation stone of the Amartya Sen Research Centre of Pratichi Institute set up by the nobel laureate was Thursday laid in his presence by five grassroot level workers associated with the body.

Sen said the institute, which has been doing empirical research in primary education and health in Bengal and Jharkhand besides coming out with some reports on Bihar recently, fared much better than what he had expected while establishing it in 1999 with his Nobel prize money.

The renowned economist said some of the recommendations of the institute have been acted upon by the West Bengal government. "Some of the recommendations have not been acted upon also, but we will continue to work the way we have all these years".

"We have never gone to the Writers' Buildings (state secretariat) to hand over the reports. We have always brought them in the public domain first," said the Harvard University professor.

He refused to spell out the new areas of research, saying it will be decided by those involved in its day to day functioning.

Sen parried a question on the state government's recent proposal to make examinations optional. "I cannot comment on it unless I do some research on the subject. Some have been highlighting its positive aspects.

Some others have been stressing on the negatives. We need to think over it. There are advantages either way."