Sheikh-ul-Alam MLA Fellowship

The Sheikh-ul-Alam MLA Fellowship is a prestigious 13-month public policy and legislative affairs fellowship designed to nurture a new generation of policy professionals from Jammu and Kashmir. The Fellowship seeks to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical governance by placing highly motivated young graduates directly within the offices of Members of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly (MLAs). The Fellowship is administered by the Samaira Policy Research Institute (SPRI), Dehradun in collaboration with Jammu & Kashmir Centre for Peace, Research and Sustainable Development (JKCPRS) and provides selected Fellows with intensive training, practical exposure to legislative functioning, policy formulation, constituency management, governance monitoring, and evidence-based policymaking. The programme is intended to develop future leaders who possess a deep understanding of democratic institutions, legislative processes, public administration, and grassroots governance.

Vision

The Sheikh-ul-Alam MLA Fellowship is a first-of-its-kind public leadership, governance, and legislative fellowship in Jammu & Kashmir that seeks to bridge the gap between intellectual capital and public service by placing talented young professionals, researchers, policy enthusiasts, social innovators, and emerging leaders alongside Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs).
Inspired by the timeless ideals of Sheikh-ul-Alam(RA)—service, compassion, wisdom, inclusivity, ethical leadership, and public welfare—the Fellowship seeks to nurture a generation of informed, responsible, and service-oriented leaders committed to strengthening democratic institutions, advancing evidence-based policymaking, and contributing to the socio-economic development of Jammu & Kashmir.
The Fellowship is founded on the belief that some of the brightest minds in academia, research institutions, civil society, and professional sectors often remain disconnected from governance processes. By creating structured opportunities for engagement with elected representatives and public institutions, the programme seeks to transform ideas into action, research into policy, and knowledge into meaningful impact on the ground.
At its core, the Fellowship aims to strengthen the relationship between citizens and institutions, promote democratic participation, and create pathways for young people to contribute constructively to governance and public life.

Mission

To provide emerging leaders with direct exposure to legislative functioning, governance systems, public administration, constituency development, and policymaking while supporting elected representatives through research, innovation, stakeholder engagement, and evidence-based policy support.

Objectives

The Fellowship seeks to:

Bridge the gap between youth and governance by providing direct exposure to democratic institutions and public administration.
Strengthen evidence-based policymaking through rigorous research, data analysis, and policy support.
Convert intellectual capital into measurable developmental outcomes and public impact.
Enhance the capacity of elected representatives through dedicated legislative and constituency support.
Foster ethical leadership, civic responsibility, and public service among young professionals.
Promote innovation, research, and problem-solving in governance.
Encourage constructive youth participation in democratic processes and public affairs.
Build a cadre of future leaders, policymakers, administrators, researchers, and changemakers committed to the welfare of society.

Fellowship Structure

Phase I: Foundational Training
Duration: One Month
Location: Samaira Policy Research Institute, Dehradun
Nature: Mandatory Residential Training
During the training phase, Fellows shall receive instruction in:

Indian Constitution
Legislative Procedures
Public Policy Analysis
Public Administration
Government Schemes and Programmes
Policy Monitoring and Evaluation
Data Analysis and Interpretation
Budget Analysis
Legislative Drafting
Constituency Research
Report Writing
Stakeholder Engagement
Governance and Ethics
Leadership and Professional Conduct
Completion of the training programme is mandatory before placement.

Phase II: Legislative Placement
Duration: Twelve Months Following successful completion of training, Fellows shall be assigned to the office of a Member of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly.

Residential Requirement

During the placement period, Fellows shall ordinarily reside with, or in accommodation arranged by, the office of the assigned MLA, subject to local arrangements and mutual convenience. Fellows shall remain available for official assignments, constituency visits, legislative sessions, public consultations, meetings, and policy-related engagements as directed by the MLA.

Fellowship Stipend

Selected Fellows will receive a monthly stipend of ₹20,000 for the duration of the fellowship. However, continuation of the fellowship shall be subject to the fellow’s satisfactory performance, and adherence to the fellowship guidelines and code of conduct.

Role and Responsibilities of Fellows

Fellows shall work under the guidance of their assigned MLA and contribute to areas including legislative research, constituency development, policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, and public service delivery.
Their responsibilities may include:

Conducting research on Bills, policies, government schemes, and legislative matters.
Preparing briefing notes, policy papers, speeches, issue briefs, and analytical reports.
Supporting MLAs during Assembly sessions and legislative proceedings.
Assisting in constituency outreach, citizen engagement, and grievance documentation.
Undertaking field visits, surveys, consultations, and developmental assessments.
Monitoring implementation of public welfare schemes and development initiatives.
Preparing constituency profiles, development gap assessments, and progress reports.
Facilitating stakeholder consultations involving government departments, local institutions, civil society organisations, academic institutions, and community representatives.
Documenting best practices, success stories, and innovative governance interventions.

Collectively, Fellows shall function as a knowledge and research network capable of generating high-quality policy insights, constituency-level assessments, and development-oriented recommendations.

Legislative and Committee Engagement

The Fellowship shall provide participants with exposure to legislative functioning and committee systems.
Where appropriate, Fellows may assist MLAs in matters relating to Assembly proceedings, Question Hour, budget discussions, committee reviews, policy oversight, legislative research, and public policy evaluation.
Fellows may also support research related to Standing Committees, Subject Committees, Public Accounts Committees, Estimates Committees, Public Undertakings Committees, and other legislative bodies by preparing background notes, comparative analyses, policy briefs, and research inputs.

Research, Innovation and Development

Research and innovation constitute a central pillar of the Fellowship.
Fellows shall undertake policy studies, field assessments, constituency profiling exercises, stakeholder consultations, and evidence-based research aimed at addressing developmental challenges facing Jammu & Kashmir.
Special emphasis shall be placed on education, healthcare, youth development, entrepreneurship, employment generation, environmental sustainability, climate resilience, digital governance, social welfare, gender inclusion, public service delivery, rural development, urban planning, institutional strengthening, and community empowerment.
The Fellowship seeks to encourage innovative thinking and practical solutions capable of contributing to more responsive, efficient, and accountable governance.

Engagement Beyond Constituency Boundaries

While Fellows shall primarily work within the jurisdiction of their assigned constituency, they may also contribute to broader initiatives of public importance that transcend constituency boundaries.
Such engagement may include state-level policy issues, regional development planning, educational reforms, youth empowerment initiatives, environmental sustainability, digital governance, healthcare, social welfare, public administration reforms, institutional strengthening, and developmental projects undertaken by the Fellowship Secretariat or participating MLAs.
This broader engagement is intended to provide Fellows with a comprehensive understanding of governance challenges and opportunities across Jammu & Kashmir.

Non-Partisan Character of the Fellowship

The Sheikh-ul-Alam MLA Fellowship is a professional, educational, and public-service-oriented programme.
While Fellows will work closely with elected representatives and gain exposure to political institutions and democratic processes, the Fellowship shall remain strictly non-partisan and non-political in nature.
Fellows shall not participate in electoral campaigns, party organisational activities, election management, political mobilization, partisan advocacy, or any activity intended to
advance the interests of a political party or candidate.The Fellowship shall not be used as a platform for political advancement, ideological promotion, or partisan engagement.
All Fellows shall uphold constitutional values, democratic norms, professionalism, impartiality, integrity, confidentiality, and ethical standards throughout their tenure.

Role of Participating MLAs

Participating MLAs shall serve as mentors and institutional guides to Fellows.
They shall provide opportunities for meaningful engagement in governance, policymaking, constituency development, legislative affairs, and public service.
MLAs shall facilitate learning, assign substantive responsibilities, review progress periodically, provide constructive feedback, encourage independent thinking, and expose Fellows to legislative proceedings, public consultations, administrative processes, and constituency-level governance mechanisms.

Expected Outcomes

The Fellowship seeks to create measurable impact at multiple levels.
For Fellows, it will provide practical exposure to governance, policymaking, legislative affairs, leadership, research, and public administration while equipping them with the skills, networks, and experience required to contribute effectively to public life.
For MLAs, it will provide dedicated research and policy support, improve constituency engagement, strengthen legislative preparation, enhance documentation systems, and contribute to evidence-based decision-making.
For society, it will strengthen democratic participation, improve governance outcomes, encourage youth engagement in public affairs, promote innovation in policymaking, and create stronger linkages between academia, government, civil society, and communities.

Long-Term Impact

The Sheikh-ul-Alam MLA Fellowship is not merely a fellowship programme; it is an investment in the future leadership of Jammu & Kashmir.
By creating a bridge between knowledge and governance, institutions and citizens, research and implementation, and aspiration and public service, the Fellowship seeks to build a cadre of ethical, competent, and service-oriented leaders capable of contributing to governance, policymaking, institution-building, and social transformation.
The ultimate success of the Fellowship will be measured not by the number of Fellows trained, but by the quality of leadership nurtured, the strength of democratic institutions reinforced, and the lasting impact created in the lives of the people of Jammu & Kashmir.

Selection Process

The Sheikh-ul-Alam MLA Fellowship follows a rigorous multi-stage selection process.

Stage I: Application Submission

Interested candidates shall submit:
1. Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
2. Statement of Purpose (SOP) of 800–1,200 words explaining:
○ Motivation for applying.
○ Interest in governance and policymaking.
○ Career aspirations.
○ How the Fellowship aligns with their professional goals.

Stage II: Application Screening

Applications shall be reviewed by a Selection Committee. Shortlisting shall be based upon:
● Academic achievements.
● Quality of Statement of Purpose.
● Leadership potential.
● Demonstrated interest in public affairs and governance.

Stage III: First Round Interview

Shortlisted candidates shall appear before a Fellowship Interview Panel.
● The interview shall assess:
● Communication skills.
● Analytical thinking.
● Understanding of governance and public policy.
● Motivation for joining the Fellowship

Stage IV: Final Interview

Candidates successful in the first round shall be invited for a second and final interview.
The final interview shall evaluate:
● Leadership potential.
● Professional maturity.
● Adaptability and field readiness.
● Commitment to public service.
Interviews for both the rounds would be conducted online.

Final Selection

Only candidates successfully clearing both rounds of interviews shall be offered admission to the Fellowship. The decision of the Selection Committee shall be final and binding.

Shape the Future of Governance

Gain hands-on experience in legislative affairs, public policy, and constituency governance while working closely with Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) in Jammu & Kashmir.

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