India’s Only Grassroots
Public Policy Research & Training Institute
Who we are
Samaira Policy Research Institute is an independent, non-partisan public policy center based in Dehradun. We work exclusively with India’s rural and urban local bodies—empowering them through evidence-based research, grassroots training, and participatory policy education. Founded on the belief that policy must grow from the ground up — not trickle down — SPRI blends academic thinking with real-world immersion. Our programs combine classroom seminars with fieldwork at the Panchayat level, helping participants understand public systems through live data, ethical reflection, and in-depth field engagement.
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What we do
Our approach is to work in places where education, practical work and public systems research meet.
Residential Certificate Programs
“Course Launching Soon”
Policy Research
- Learn how policy research is done using real village data.
- Understand the process of interviewing panchayat leaders.
- Analyze major government schemes.
- Get trained in writing and recommending policy documents.
AI & Public Policy
- Understand how AI impacts governance and ethics.
- Explore applications of AI across different sectors.
- Create your own tech policy lab project.
- Study key ethical and legal frameworks.
Indian Policy Framework
- Learn how policies are made and implemented in India.
- Understand the role of PRIs in ground-level execution.
- Identify and map key stakeholders.
- Analyze real field-based case studies.
Grassroots Immersion
Samaira’s identity lies in field exposure — every course includes a week-long rural Panchayat visit where participants engage directly with local governance.Interact with elected leaders and beneficiaries. Collect qualitative and quantitative data Document their learnings in field diaries. Observe Gram Sabha meetings.
Testimonial
Samaira excels in evidence-based grassroots policy work, uniting academic rigor with local realities to train emerging leaders who can strengthen India’s democratic and developmental systems, advancing more responsive, inclusive, and equitable governance across diverse communities nationwide today.
Samaira’s focus on Panchayats and Municipalities fills a critical gap in policy thinking, and its blend of research, training, and dialogue provides essential tools and insights that strengthen local governance, empower communities, and drive meaningful, sustainable change.
Samaira uniquely bridges rigorous scholarship with grassroots realities, working to empower Panchayats and Municipalities through evidence-based research, field practice, and innovation, delivering timely and transformative impact on India’s local governance systems, institutional capacity, development, and policy-driven change.
Samaira is a rare initiative blending rigorous academic research with deep grassroots sensitivity, dedicated to strengthening Panchayats and Municipalities through evidence, practice, and innovation, making a timely, transformative contribution to India’s evolving local governance ecosystem and impact.
Register With us
You can contact us if you have any questions about our courses, fieldwork, or any involvement opportunities
Frequently Asked Questions
Samaira Policy Research Institute (SPRI) is an independent policy think tank dedicated to research, capacity building, and institutional reform in the areas of public policy, governance, and democratic practice. SPRI focuses on grounding policy analysis in field realities and ethical public leadership.
SPRI works across multiple policy domains, including:
- Public policy and governance
- Rural development and decentralisation
- Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)
- Political institutions and democratic processes
- Social policy, inclusion, and justice
- Capacity building and policy education
SPRI’s programmes are open to:
- Undergraduate and postgraduate students
- Young professionals and researchers
- Civil service aspirants
- Academicians and policy practitioners
- Individuals interested in governance and public service
Eligibility varies by programme and is specified in individual notifications.
Yes. SPRI offers:
- Long-term fellowships (such as rural and governance fellowships)
- Short-term certificate courses and workshops
- Policy research internships
- Lectures, seminars, and capacity-building programmes
Each programme is designed with a strong balance of theory, field exposure, and applied research
This depends on the programme:
- Fellowships are typically full-time and immersive
- Courses and workshops may be part-time or online Programme details are clearly mentioned in the respective prospectus or notification.
Yes. SPRI actively engages with:
- Panchayati Raj Institutions
- Local governance bodies
- Universities and academic institutions
- Policy practitioners and domain experts
These engagements are strictly non-partisan, research-oriented, and ethical.
Some fellowships offered by SPRI include:
- Monthly stipends
- Field or research allowances
- Academic mentorship and institutional support
The financial structure varies by programme and is clearly mentioned in the official notification.
Selection processes are transparent and merit-based, and may include:
- Written examinations
- Application screening
- Interviews or assessments
- Evaluation of motivation and alignment with programme objectives
Final selection decisions rest with the Institute.
Yes. Participants who successfully complete SPRI programmes receive:
- Certificates of completion
- Fellowship credentials (where applicable)
- Letters of recommendation or performance evaluations (subject to programme norms)
No. SPRI is an independent, non-partisan institution. While its programmes draw inspiration from democratic and ethical traditions, the Institute maintains academic neutrality and does not promote any political party or agenda.
Yes. SPRI welcomes collaborations with:
- Universities and colleges
- Research institutions
- Civil society organisations
- CSR and philanthropic partners
Collaborations are based on shared academic and ethical values.
Updates regarding programmes, fellowships, and events are shared through:
- The official SPRI website
- Official email notifications
- Public announcements and outreach channels
Applicants are advised to rely only on official communications.
Samaira’s model impressively connects rigorous research with community needs. Its emphasis on learning-by-doing equips young people with practical skills to design grounded, effective policies that genuinely improve lives and strengthen local development across diverse contexts and communities.