National Urban Youth Fellowship Programme : Praja

Apply by 5th February 25

Praja is a non-partisan organisation working towards enabling accountable governance since 1997. Praja empowers citizens to participate in governance by providing knowledge and perspective so that they can become politically active and involved beyond the ballot box.

We are pleased to announce Praja’s Fellowship programme for the year 2025 in Mumbai, Delhi and Lucknow. This iteration of the fellowship will be physically held and college students/ youth will have an opportunity to work with the administration and elected representatives in Mumbai, Delhi & Lucknow. The fellowship will give the students/ youth an in-depth understanding of the ground-level realities of urban governance and help government for better governed cities.

Concept Note:
Praja’s National Urban Youth Fellowship Programme (For Mumbai, Delhi and Lucknow)

Over the last 26 years, Praja Foundation has been dedicated to foster accountable governance through extensive data-driven research on civic issues. The Governance Fellowship Programme is a unique and exciting opportunity for young citizens to learn how city governments function and be part of running their cities. It is organised by the Praja Foundation with support from Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies.

Objectives:
Praja’s Fellowship Programme will build understanding on urban governance, various powers and functions of the elected representatives through comprehensive fieldwork and encourage youth participation in democracy. This program is designed to raise awareness among participating fellows about the realities of urban governance, service deliveries and the roles & functions of elected representatives in raising matters of public concern and raising questions on issues on the floor of the legislative forums and committees. In this process, fellows will undertake extensive research and data-collection work on civic, public health, education and other issues which broadens their horizons
towards understanding their cities better and continue to take actions towards improving the city.

Fellowship Format:
The Fellowship Programme will begin in February 2025. 22 youth will be selected for the role, through a structured selection process. Cohort-size at city level will be 10 in Mumbai, 6 in Delhi and 6 in Lucknow)

The fellows will go through a comprehensive orientation programme to build a foundational understanding of urban governance concepts and the structure of local city governance. Following this, they will be involved in research on urban governance reforms, municipal finance, service delivery, citizen participation etc. Besides, they will provide support in organising capacity-building workshops for elected representative and administration, Prajatantra- National Youth Festival, amongst other event. . During the period of the fellowship, the fellows will engage with various stakeholders in the process of governance including but not limited to elected representatives, administration and other field experts.

Praja will organise capacity building sessions facilitated by experts, weekly and monthly review meetings with the fellows to ensure active peer learning within the cohort. Coordinators will also share their feedback as well as guide them in their upcoming tasks

Learning Outcomes:

Understanding of the process of data collection and research in different government departments
Build knowledge of the Right to Information Act and its functions,
Experience and comfortability in interacting with government officials
Understanding of data entry, data analysis and the process of creating white papers/reports
Knowledge of the process of outreach with elected representatives and other stakeholders
Understanding of Urban Governance and Municipal Finance in other cities in India
Understanding the importance of media and communications in outreach and advocacy.
Hands-on experience of participating in the governance process with mentorship from experts and changemakers.
Networking with professionals and experts in their field, expanding the professional network and developing prospective career opportunities.
Develop hard and soft skills i.e. interpersonal communications, time management, research and others.

Note: Note: Praja’s Fellowship Programme, will be an offline fellowship for the period of 8 months, extended up to 10 months. Fellowship will start from February 2025.

Paid 8-Month On-site Fellowship.
Opportunity to Work with Elected Representatives and Administration
Last Date to Apply: 5th February 2025

Link for application form: https://forms.gle/9TyuU6GNWSWCtc438

For Enquiries Contact:

• Mumbai:- eknath@praja.org or pratik@praja.org

+91 99301 99110 or +91 95275 13545

• Delhi:- pooja@praja.org or shubham@praja.org

+91 96540 98994 or +91 96543 66222

• Lucknow:- abhishek.singh@praja.org or ayushi@praja.org

+91 96485 54656 or +91 91408 18522