•
•
bullet CBSE > Career Options in India > Career In Politics In India

Career in Politics in India

Politics

It is wonderful that young people like you are showing an interest in participating in our country’s political process. The number of people taking part in the panchayats or other local or municipal bodies in the past few years has grown more than ever before.Sure, belonging to a political family helps you to get your foot in the door but beyond that it is entirely up to your performance and capability. If you are not up to the job, no party or voters will re-elect you.Here is a good opportunity to test the waters and get close to the scene of action.Designed for exceptional young Indians like you who are seeking opportunities to widen their understanding of the nature of politics and policy-making in India, the legislative assistants to members of parliament programme is based on the lines of similar exposure offered to youth in other democracies such as the US and UK.Besides providing valuable experience, the opportunity to assist MPs in their work in the Parliament will serve as a launch-pad for future careers in management, law, public policy, journalism, among others.Each Legislative Assistant (LA) would be assigned to a specific MP, catering to their individual research needs and duties. They will help the MP frame questions, raise issues and prepare for committee meetings and speeches. The Indian Parliament has about 790 members affiliated to over 40 political parties. Each Member of Parliament (MP) represents close to two million citizens.MPs pass about 60 bills a year on an average, but do not have a dedicated research staff or institutional support to help them understand the implications of various legislations. This makes it difficult for them to prepare for debates and committee meetings.The programme is coordinated by PRS Legislative Research, an independent research initiative that works with Members of Parliament (MPs) across party lines to provide research support on legislative and policy issues. As the focus of the programme is on Parliament, the LAs need to be based in Delhi for the entire period of the programme: 10 months full-time (July 2010 – May 2011).You will receive a stipend of Rs 10,000 pm + Rs 2,000 pm for internet, telephone and conveyance costs. Motivated fresh graduates in any discipline can send in their CV along with a 500-word description of why you would like to participate in the programme to talent@prsindia.org with ‘Legislative Assistants for MPs Programme’ in the subject line. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in the week starting June 21. Offers will be made on June 28. The programme commences on July 12. The application deadline is June 16.Pervin Malhotra