From Theory to Practice: Summer Internship at NITI Aayog

Summer is a season synonymous with vacations and relaxation for many, but for me, this past summer was a time of discovery and growth. I had the incredible opportunity to intern at NITI Aayog, the premier policy think tank of the Government of India. This internship was more than a professional experience; it was a transformative journey that deepened my understanding of public policy and laid the groundwork for my future career. 

About NITI Aayog: The Visionary Engine of India’s Development
NITI Aayog, established in 2015, represents a significant shift from the Planning Commission era. Imagine it as the nation’s grand think tank, designed to propel India towards sustainable and inclusive economic growth. Built on seven robust pillars of effective governance-pro-people policies, proactive engagement, citizen participation, empowerment, inclusivity, equal opportunities, and transparency. NITI Aayog is not just a policy-making body; it’s a visionary institution fostering cooperative federalism and shaping India’s developmental trajectory from the ground up.

NITI Aayog’s mission is clear: to create a shared vision of national priorities and strategies with active state involvement. This approach recognizes that strong states lead to a strong nation. 

About the Aspirational Districts Programme/Aspirational Block Programme: The Champions of Change
In January 2018, the Hon'ble Prime Minister launched the Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) to transform 112 of India’s most underdeveloped districts into thriving centres of growth. Picture ADP as a dynamic programme where districts improve by leveraging their strengths and meeting 49 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) across five themes: Health & Nutrition, Education, Agriculture & Water Resources, Financial Inclusion & Skill Development, and Infrastructure. 

Following ADP’s success, the Aspirational Block Programme (ABP) was introduced in January 2023 to extend this approach to 500 blocks of the nation, focusing on essential services like health, education, and sanitation. ABP empowers Block-Level Officials (BLOs) as “Leaders of Change” to drive improvements and align efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), making it a key element of India’s development strategy.

The Nature of My Internship From Data Analysis to Creative Outreach
My summer internship at NITI Aayog took me to the heart of the Aspirational Block Programme (ABP). Working under the mentorship of the ABP Team Members, I was given a variety of responsibilities.

My role was to assist in developing the 40th Key Performance Indicator for the ABP, “Vocal for Local,” which focused on promoting local products and enterprises. My work further involved preparing comprehensive presentations, analyzing and visualizing ‘Key Performance Indicator Data for Aspirational Blocks’ across various states, and managing detailed databases to track the status of the strategies made to develop the blocks. I also had the opportunity to contribute to NITI Aayog’s ‘Viksit Bharat Strategy Room’, engage in creative branding and outreach efforts, and map the ‘Aakanksha’ products.

Working alongside leaders at NITI Aayog like the Mission Head and the Additional Mission Director, I learned the intricacies of policy implementation and the importance of collaboration and strategic decision-making. This hands-on experience allowed me to see the real-world impact of policies and the significance of fostering a supportive environment for effective governance.

Connecting the Dots: Bringing Theory to Practice
During my internship, I became a data wizard, gathering, organizing, and interpreting complex datasets. These skills are pure gold for policy analysis, evidence-based policy formulation, and strategic planning-skills that directly tie into my public policy and economics coursework and future career in policy research, analysis, and advocacy.

One of the most eye-opening experiences was engaging and thinking at the grassroots level. Engaging with communities and stakeholders in aspirational blocks, I saw how policies impact individuals and localities differently. This taught me the importance of understanding local contexts, needs, and aspirations when formulating effective policies. It’s all about driving meaningful change from the ground up.
Navigating the complexities of policy formulation highlighted the multifaceted nature of societal challenges. Breaking down issues into their smallest components to identify root causes and develop targeted interventions requires not only analytical rigor but also a holistic perspective that considers economic, social, and cultural factors. It’s like solving a giant Jigsaw puzzle!

Effective communication emerged as another superpower. Crafting narratives that resonate with different audiences is essential for advocating change and mobilizing support for initiatives aimed at societal improvement.  Observing leaders at NITI Aayog reinforced the importance of decisive action and effective delegation in driving transformative initiatives forward. Leaders demonstrated how strategic decision-making and empowering team members can accelerate progress towards goals. NITI Aayog's role as a facilitator, which converges various elements and stakeholders, showcased the strength of leveraging existing structures and resources effectively.  It’s like watching a masterclass in leadership!

The idea of empathizing and persevering to make policies successful struck a chord with me. I discovered that the real magic happens when you lift others, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment. This internship fueled my passion for creating positive change through thoughtful policy work and gave me the tools to tackle societal challenges head-on. I'm excited to channel this energy into a career dedicated to advancing inclusive development, evidence-based policies, and impactful leadership.

How My Learnings at FLAME Enhanced My Internship Experience
My university courses in Public Policy and Economics were my secret weapons during my internship. Concepts from courses like Planning and Policy Making in India, Fundamentals of Statistical Data Analysis, and Introduction to Demography were directly applicable and made my work engaging and fulfilling. Skills in data analytics, management, and visualization, as well as crafting clear and concise presentations, were invaluable.

My previous experience at the Centre for Knowledge Alternatives at the university familiarized me with similar tasks and environments, facilitating a smoother transition into my responsibilities at NITI Aayog. Additionally, the skills honed during the Discover India Program (DIP), such as budget management, planning, fieldwork, and stakeholder engagement, were instrumental. Notably, my DIP project focused on the handloom industry, providing insights that proved invaluable when contributing to discussions related to initiatives like Vocal for Local at NITI Aayog.

Participation in the Developmental Activities Program (DAP) at university, where I worked with an NGO focused on education, offered firsthand experience of grassroots-level challenges. This enriched my understanding of local contexts, particularly beneficial when discussing KPIs for education themes in aspirational blocks during my internship.

A Journey of Growth and Reflection
Throughout my internship at NITI Aayog, I explored policy, leadership, and societal change. From the Aspirational Districts Programme/Aspirational Block Programme to Vocal for Local, I learned that effective policy-making isn't just about crunching numbers - it's about empathy, analytical rigor, and a commitment to diverse perspectives.

As I look back on these 7 weeks, I'm filled with gratitude for the chance to contribute to initiatives that uplift communities and promote sustainable growth. This experience has given me a sense of responsibility and purpose-to use my skills and knowledge to advocate for policies that champion equity, opportunity, and well-being for everyone.

I leave this internship with a renewed dedication to pursuing a career path that aligns with my values and aspirations - to be a catalyst for positive development and be a ‘Champion of Change’. As Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." With this inspiring mantra, I'm ready to continue my journey of learning, growth, and service, aiming to make a meaningful impact in the world around me.

(Author: Kriti Bhargava, Undergraduate Student)

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