Our journey
Our Mission
Samaira aims to design and promote evidence-based policies tailored for India’s Panchayats and Municipalities. Our goal is to conduct rigorous, field-rooted research that meaningfully bridges academic knowledge with community realities on the ground. We offer transformative learning experiences through policy courses, immersive field labs, and hands-on internships, equipping learners with practical governance insights. Samaira also serves as an open platform where young graduates, civil servants, researchers, and community actors can actively engage in dialogue, discovery, and co-creation. By combining theory with grassroots understanding, we foster a collaborative ecosystem that nurtures future policy leaders deeply connected to local governance challenges and innovations.
Our Vision
Samaira aspires to become India’s leading grassroots public policy research and training institute, fully committed to strengthening democratic governance at the third tier—where policy truly meets people. Our vision is to build a trusted, impact-driven institution that bridges the gap between policy frameworks and on-ground realities of Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies. By focusing on research, capacity building, and hands-on learning, we aim to empower local governance actors across India. Samaira envisions a future where policies are shaped not just in capitals, but also in villages, towns, and communities—through inclusive dialogue, evidence, and participation rooted deeply in grassroots democracy.
Our Origin Story
Samaira was born out of a growing realization that local governments—though closest to the people—remain under-researched, under-trained, and largely overlooked in mainstream policy dialogues. With centralization continuing to dominate India’s policy discourse, SPRI was established to reverse the lens—to view governance from the bottom up, rather than the top down. The founding team—comprising policy practitioners, researchers, educators, and community mobilizers—envisioned an inclusive and vibrant space that would serve both as a policy think tank and a practical training hub. It aimed to bring together young professionals, civil servants, and grassroots leaders to engage, collaborate, and learn from one another through real-world, lived governance challenges.
Our Core Programs
Policy Research and Advisory
SPRI undertakes independent and commissioned research on key issues affecting local governance and service delivery. Our research is interdisciplinary, participatory, and focused on tangible policy impact. We also provide evidence-based inputs to local bodies and government departments.
Training and Capacity Building
Certificate Courses in Local Governance and Policy Design Elected Representative Orientation Programs Workshops on Data Use, Budget Analysis, and Public Service Delivery Customised Training Modules for PRIs and ULB Staf
Policy Education & Field Immersion
Dialogue and Dissemination
Our Methodology
Who we work with
Why spri?
Future Goals
Important Links
- Registration certificate
- MoU, University of Bologna, Italy
- Recruitment Policy for Group A & B Administrative and Management Staff
- Recruitment SOP for Group A & B Staff
- Recruitment Policy for Group C & D Staff
- Contractual Recruitment Policy for Teaching Faculty
- Policy on Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace (POSH Policy)
Begin Your Journey to Effective Policy Leadership
Engage with actual individuals, face genuine challenges, and understand true governance, all through a program that links policy to real-life experiences.