Abhijit Sen Rural Internship by The National Foundation for India: Apply by Dec 31

About Prof. Abhijit Sen

Professor Abhijit Sen was a trailblazing development economist, an inspiring teacher, and a visionary policymaker in India. His profound contributions shaped critical national policies, including recommendations for fair Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for agricultural produce and the establishment of a universal Public Distribution System (PDS).

Prof. Sen played an instrumental role in the formulation of landmark legislation such as the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA), the National Food Security Act (NFSA), and the Forest Rights Act (FRA). His unwavering commitment to equitable growth and decentralized governance left an indelible mark on India’s development landscape.

Beyond policymaking, Prof. Sen was a mentor to countless students, encouraging them to delve into developmental issues with intellectual rigor and a grounded approach, fostering research that combined academic excellence with grassroots realities.

About the Internship Program

The Abhijit Sen Rural Internship offers a 50-day immersive field-based research experience designed to uncover the intricacies of rural India. This initiative pays homage to Prof. Abhijit Sen’s lifelong dedication to rural development by encouraging young minds to engage deeply with socio-economic challenges in underserved communities.

Objectives

This program seeks to instill in university students the importance of meticulous academic research while sensitizing them to the struggles and resilience of India’s rural populace.

Interns will:

• Visit rural regions to gain firsthand exposure to community life.
• Engage in qualitative and quantitative research through surveys, interviews, and group discussions.
• Develop essential skills in research methodology, critical analysis, and report writing.

Through these activities, participants will produce meaningful insights into the socio-economic realities of rural communities. The research findings will be compiled into comprehensive reports that can potentially inform policy and development initiatives.

Program Structure

1. Orientation and Cohort Formation (5 Days):
   Participants will undergo an intensive in-person orientation to familiarize themselves with research objectives, methodologies, and ethical considerations.
2. Fieldwork (30 Days):
   Interns will travel to selected rural areas, interact with local communities, and collect primary data.
3. Report Writing (15 Days):
   Participants will analyze their findings and prepare a detailed research report under the guidance of mentors.

7th GD Goenka-CIArb (India) International Commercial Arbitration Moot 2025: Register by Jan 15

Eligibility

The internship is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students enrolled in any recognized Indian university, college, or technical institution. Applications from women, as well as students from Dalit, Adivasi, Tribal, and minority communities, are strongly encouraged.

Key Details

• Number of Vacancies: Up to 100 internships available.
• Locations: Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra.
• Important Dates:
  • Application Deadline: 11:59 PM, 31 December 2024 (Tuesday)
  • Shortlisted Candidates Announcement: February 2025
  • Orientation Program (Delhi): May 2025
  • Fieldwork Commences: June 2025

Application Process

To apply, follow the link provided at the end of this announcement. The selection process includes:

1. Submission of a written application.
2. Completion of a brief essay assessment.
3. Final in-person interview.

Contact Information

For any inquiries, please reach out to internship@nfi.org.in.

This internship is an excellent opportunity to contribute to meaningful rural development while honing your research skills and gaining unique exposure to the challenges and opportunities in rural India.