Abhijit Sen Rural Internship Programme: The National Foundation for India (NFI) invites undergraduate and postgraduate students to apply for the prestigious third cohort of the Abhijit Sen Rural Internship Programme (ASRI-III). This 50-day field-based research internship offers participants an unparalleled opportunity to delve into the socio-economic realities of rural India while contributing to meaningful change.
Honoring the legacy of Professor Abhijit Sen, one of India’s most celebrated development economists, this program combines academic rigor with hands-on experience. It aims to foster research-driven insights and empower students to understand and address the multifaceted challenges faced by rural communities.
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About the Abhijit Sen Rural Internship Programme (ASRI-III)
This internship is more than an academic exercise—it is a gateway to understanding the diverse and dynamic rural landscape of India. Named after Professor Sen, who championed equity, dignity, and grassroots governance, the program aspires to instill his vision in a new generation of scholars.
Participants will gain first-hand exposure to rural communities, conduct field research, and build actionable insights. From designing surveys to compiling reports, interns will hone their research skills under expert mentorship while exploring the intersection of theory and practice.
Key Highlights
- Duration: 50 days, encompassing orientation, fieldwork, and report writing.
- Field Sites: Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh.
- Stipend: ₹20,000, along with coverage of travel, food, and accommodation expenses.
- Opportunity for Publication: Selected reports may be published to amplify findings.
Why Join ASRI-III?
1. Immerse Yourself in Rural Realities
This program offers an authentic glimpse into the challenges and opportunities within rural India. Engage with local communities, understand their struggles, and contribute to their narratives through your research.
2. Build Research Expertise
Develop advanced research skills, including survey design, data collection, and critical analysis. With mentorship from seasoned academics and field experts, you’ll refine your ability to conduct impactful studies.
3. Gain Valuable Field Experience
Field visits are central to the internship, offering hands-on experience in collecting primary data through interviews, group discussions, and community interactions.
4. Contribute to Transformative Change
Your research will not only enhance your academic understanding but also provide actionable insights into the socio-economic conditions of rural areas.
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5. Recognition and Financial Support
Apart from the stipend, the program covers essential expenses, ensuring a financially accessible experience for all participants.
Legacy of Professor Abhijit Sen
Professor Abhijit Sen’s contributions to rural development and policymaking remain unparalleled. Known for advocating Minimum Support Prices (MSP), the Public Distribution System (PDS), and key legislations like the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA), his work emphasized equitable growth and participatory governance.
As a passionate educator, Professor Sen inspired countless students to explore rural issues with academic rigor and social commitment. The ASRI-III program is a tribute to his unwavering dedication to the empowerment of India’s rural communities.
What You’ll Gain
- Academic Growth
- Exposure to advanced research methodologies.
- Access to secondary literature for deeper analysis.
- Field Exposure
- Direct interaction with rural communities.
- Insights into grassroots challenges and innovative solutions.
- Professional Development
- Skills in report writing and data presentation.
- Mentorship from academic and field experts.
- Networking Opportunities
- Collaboration with like-minded peers and community organizations.
- Financial Benefits
- Full coverage of travel, food, and accommodation expenses.
- A stipend of ₹20,000 upon successful completion.
Program Structure
1. In-Person Orientation (5 Days)
Participants will gather in Delhi for an intensive orientation program designed to introduce them to the research themes, methodologies, and expectations.
2. Field Visit (30 Days)
Interns will travel to assigned rural locations, where they will interact with communities, collect data, and document their observations. Local organizations will provide logistical support.
3. Report Writing (15 Days)
Post-fieldwork, participants will synthesize their findings into a comprehensive research report under the guidance of mentors.
Eligibility Criteria
- Who Can Apply:
- Undergraduate and postgraduate students from any Indian university, college, or technical institute.
- Women and individuals from Dalit, Adivasi, Tribal, and minority communities are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Selection Process:
- Written application.
- Brief essay examination.
- Final in-person interview.
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Broad Research Areas
Participants can choose research topics within these seven thematic areas:
- Agriculture and Rural Livelihoods
- Farming practices and productivity.
- Livestock, dairy, and fisheries.
- Gender and caste dynamics in agriculture.
- Non-Farm Sector and Rural Economy Diversification
- Explore alternative rural livelihoods beyond agriculture.
- Labour, Livelihoods, and Employment
- Study wage patterns, informal labor markets, and employment policies.
- Migration and Mobility
- Analyze rural-urban migration trends and their socio-economic impact.
- Social Identity and Inequality
- Investigate issues related to caste, gender, and marginalized communities.
- Environment and Climate Change
- Examine how climate change affects rural livelihoods.
- Governance, Decentralization, and Policy
- Evaluate the effectiveness of local governance structures and policies.
Tentative Timeline
- Application Deadline: December 31, 2024 (11:59 PM)
- Shortlisted Candidates Announcement: February 2025
- Orientation in Delhi: May 2025
- Fieldwork Commences: June 2025
How to Apply
- Visit the Official Portal
- Navigate to the National Foundation for India’s official website.
- Complete the Application Form
- Provide detailed personal and academic information.
- Submit a well-thought-out research proposal aligned with the program’s themes.
- Prepare for Selection Stages
- Focus on presenting a genuine, well-researched essay response.
- Submit Before the Deadline
- Make sure to submit your application by December 31, 2024.
Why This Program Matters
The Abhijit Sen Rural Internship Programme 2025 is more than an internship—it is a stepping stone toward building a socially conscious career. By immersing yourself in the realities of rural India, you’ll not only contribute to the nation’s development but also gain invaluable skills and experiences that will shape your academic and professional journey.
Apply now and become a part of Professor Abhijit Sen’s legacy of equity and empowerment.