Praja’s Fellowship Programme
Application deadline 11th FEB 24
Praja is a non-partisan organisation enabling accountable governance. 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. It undertakes extensive research and highlights civic issues to build the awareness of, and mobilise action by the government and elected representatives. Praja believes that uninformed and disengaged elected representatives and administration, rather than existing systems or policies, are responsible for the lack of good governance. Additionally, there is a paucity of tools to facilitate effective interaction between citizens and the local government. Praja conducts data driven research and provides information on civic issues to citizens, media, and government administration and works with elected representatives to identify and address inefficiencies in their work processes, bridge the information gaps, and aid them in taking corrective measures.
Over the last 25 years, Praja Foundation has been dedicated to foster accountable governance through extensive data-driven research on civic issues. The Fellowship Programme is a unique and exciting opportunity for young citizens to learn how city government functions and be part of running their cities.
Praja is excited to start Fellowship Programme in Mumbai, Delhi and Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh). The Uttar Pradesh fellowship would be based out of Lucknow. With the support of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom South Asia, the Fellows will closely work with the administration and elected representatives of the respective cities and state.
Paid, full-time fellowship for Students+Freshers across India in Urban policy and management!
Location: Mumbai, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh
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 2024. Following a rigorous selection process fellows will be selected. 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.
The fellows will get an opportunity to work on urban governance reforms, municipal finance reforms, service delivery, help in organising capacity-building workshops for Elected Representative andn administration, and organise Prajatantra- National Youth Festival. They will closely work with city administration and elected representatives.
Praja will organize 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.
The research conducted by Praja Fellows and their assistance in raising matters of public concern on the legislative forums has resulted in action from local governments to improve public services for the city. It leads urban governance reform like awareness and facilitating of distribution of Corporation Procedure Rule, strengthening e-Governance etc.
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 of closely working with state and city administration and elected representative
- Experience & comfortability in interacting with government officials
- Understanding of data entry, data analysis and the process of creating reports
- Knowledge of the process of outreach with administration, elected representatives and other stakeholders
- Understanding of Urban Governance and Municipal Finance
- Hands-on experience in understanding how governance process works in a practical and on-ground level
- Connection with professionals and experts in their field, expanding the professional network and creating opportunities for future prospect
- Develop both personal & professional skills i.e., interpersonal communications skill, time management skill, leadership skill, build constitutional values etc.
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 2024.
Important Dates for the Fellowship:
Application Form Date: 22nd January 2024 – 11th February 2024
Boot Camp: 12th February 2024
Interviews: 13 th and 14 th February 2024
Fellowship Start & Orientation: 16th – 18th February 2024
Link for application form: APPLY HERE
