MoSPI Partners with GRAAM to Launch Development Fellowship for Public Policy Research
Statement of Intent signed to engage research fellows in advancing data governance, innovation and capacity building within the Ministry
Officials from MoSPI and GRAAM exchange the Statement of Intent after signing an agreement to launch the Embark India Development Fellowship, aimed at strengthening research and public policy innovation.
New Delhi: The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has signed a statement of intent (SoI) with the Grassroots Research and Advocacy Movement (GRAAM) to launch the Embark India Development Fellowship Proposal, aimed at strengthening research, innovation and public policy capacity within the ministry.
The agreement provides for the engagement of two Development Fellows, who will work closely with MoSPI on research-driven initiatives, policy innovation and governance-related projects.
The SoI was signed by Dr Basavaraju R. Shreshta, Executive Director of GRAAM, and Prasoon Verma, Director, Training Unit, Capacity Development Division, MoSPI. The signing ceremony was attended by PR Meshram, Director General (Data Governance), MoSPI.
According to the ministry, the fellowship has been designed as a collaborative platform that brings highly motivated researchers into government to contribute to ongoing and new initiatives. The Fellows will undertake research, develop innovative solutions and support programmes focused on development, governance and institutional capacity building.
The initiative seeks to combine academic research with practical governance by allowing Fellows to work alongside ministry officials on real-world policy challenges. At the same time, it offers participants first-hand exposure to public administration, policy formulation and implementation.
MoSPI said the collaboration reflects its commitment to promoting evidence-based policymaking and strengthening institutional capabilities through partnerships with research organisations. By leveraging external expertise, the ministry aims to encourage innovation in governance while creating opportunities for young professionals to contribute to national development.
The Embark India Development Fellowship is expected to support MoSPI’s broader efforts in data governance, capacity development and public sector innovation by fostering collaboration between government institutions and the research community.
