India is a vast country with complex cultural traditions and a political and socio-economic context. Reading books on India and traveling to its fantastic natural and historical landscapes are certainly rewarding but for those wanting to understand India a bit more closely, working with the government could provide great insights into the functioning of the country. And unlike the olden days, it is actually quite possible for young college graduates as well as experienced professionals to work with various branches of the central and state governments. In the past few years, various state governments and ministries of central governments have started offering 1-2 years fellowships aimed at injecting young energy, expertise and fresh perspectives in the policymaking and implementation process as well as the Indian bureaucracy. These fellowships are full-time and rigorous and expect a high-level work commitment from its young fellows. Such fellowships provide opportunities for the younger generation to take part in the governmental process and make a real impact as well as understand the complexities of state establishment. The fellows are provided with training, institutional support, travel remuneration as well as a decent stipend. Here are four excellent fellowship programmes offering immense opportunities to deepen your understanding of India and its workings:
Chief Minister’s Urban Leader Fellows (CMULF), Govt. of Delhi
With a duration of two years, CMULF provides an opportunity for prospective fellows to work within the Delhi government to address some of the most pressing urban challenges in India, and experience how ‘making change happen’ looks like. Open to outstanding candidates under the age of 35, the programme offer post of Fellows and Associate Fellows, with different requisite qualifications. A stipend of 1,25,000 and 75,000 rupees per month is offered for fellows and associate fellows respectively. For more information about the fellowship, please click here.
Tribal Empowerment Fellowship by the Govt. of Andhra Pradesh
Offered by the department of social welfare, Govt of Andhra Pradesh, the fellowship provides a unique opportunity to young professionals of working exposure to policy design and program implementation. The duration of the fellowship is for two years with half-yearly performance reviews. A stipend of 50,000 to 75,000 rupees per month is offered to young professionals. For more information about the fellowship, please click here.
Aspirational Districts Fellowship, Govt. of India and NITI Aayog
As part of an ambitious national effort to transform backward districts of India by the government, the fellows are supposed to provide technical assistance to 8 districts in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Working with the district administration, the fellows will work upon various policy implementation drives on health and nutrition, education and agriculture and allied activities for a duration of one year. A stipend of 80,000 rupees per month will be given to qualified fellows.
For more information about the fellowship, please click here.
Meghalaya Legislative Research Fellowship, Meghalaya Institute of Governance and Indian Business School
The fellow support member of the Meghalaya State Legislative Assembly through research and data analysis works towards solving complex problems in governance and public policy. The duration of the fellowship is two years and provides a remuneration of 40,000 plus rent and other administrative allowances. For more information about the fellowship, please click here.
