Union govt joins initiative to engage corporate titans in public service

In Karnataka, fellows worked in sectors like agriculture, finance, industries and commerce, rural development and Panchayat Raj.

The Indian Administrative Fellowship (IAF), initially launched in Karnataka and Punjab by the state governments and The/Nudge Institute in July 2021, has now expanded to the Union government.

Buoyed by its success, the Union Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MoSJE) is now joining hands with The/Nudge Institute for an 18-month programme.

The fellowship, as earlier, will be open to candidates from Punjab and Karnataka.

Senior executives (CXOs/VPs/GMs) from the private sector will be able to work with civil servants in the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment to accelerate data and technology-based innovative solutions for livelihood programmes.

The initial attempt in Karnataka had attracted senior professionals like the CEO of Airtel’s retail business and the CFO of Fidelity Investments.

Candidates will receive a certification from the Indian School of Business upon completion of the programme.

"Facilitated by the National Institute of Social Defence (NISD), this fellowship aims to strengthen livelihood access, governance reforms, and citizen service delivery," said Sudha Srinivasan, CEO of The/Nudge Centre for Social Innovation.

Emphasising the value of public-private partnership anchored in the programme, Saurabh Garg, secretary of MoSJE, said, “MoSJE has the mandate to ensure social justice, welfare, and the empowerment of the most vulnerable sections in society. In line with this vision, this collaboration is poised to bring fresh approaches to policy design, technology integration, and improved services for our focus communities."

Earlier fellows worked on strategic projects such as the Jal Jeevan Mission and set up an innovation cell for strengthening farmers' welfare. They also worked for the facilitation of the second Karnataka Administrative Reforms Commission.

“Our initial experience with the fellowship in state governments has demonstrated the transformative power of technology in public systems, leading to sustainable development for millions of citizens. This success has inspired us to expand the fellowship to Union ministries. This opportunity with the Department of Social Justice enables us to serve some of the most under-served segments of India’s population,” said Garg.

Fellows at Indian Administrative Fellowship

In Karnataka, fellows worked in sectors like agriculture, finance, industries and commerce, rural development and Panchayat Raj.

In the Karnataka 2021 cohort, there were 10 fellows, nine in Punjab, and nine in the Karnataka 2023 cohort.

In Karnataka, according to The/Nudge Institute, the cohort collectively mobilised Rs 800 crore for various developmental projects and proposed 283 administrative reforms over 36 projects in 10 state departments.