New Delhi: The National Institute of Social Defence (NISD), in collaboration with The/Nudge Institute, has initiated a pioneering public-private partnership named the ‘Social Defence Fellowship.’ This unique fellowship aims to harness the expertise of seasoned private sector professionals and align it with the vision of senior civil servants, working collectively to uplift marginalized communities.
After a rigorous selection process, five Social Defence Fellows were chosen from a pool of over 840 applicants nationwide. These Fellows, boasting an average experience of over 25 years, bring a wealth of knowledge from spearheading transformative initiatives across diverse sectors. Over the next 18 months, they will immerse themselves in full-time roles within the government system, providing strategic and implementation support. Their focus will involve identifying challenges, exploring opportunities, and designing final project charters.
The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, serving as the nodal Ministry for the welfare of marginalized and vulnerable sections of society, plays a pivotal role in this collaborative endeavor.
Each Fellow will collaborate closely with senior officials, concentrating on priority areas such as fostering entrepreneurship and innovation within marginalized communities, improving the access of specified groups to welfare schemes and services, and championing education empowerment initiatives.
The Social Defence Fellowship aligns seamlessly with the Ministry’s commitment to advancing social justice and empowerment. Through initiatives like this fellowship, the Ministry aims to encourage collaboration, foster innovation, and drive positive change. These transformative partnerships seek to build a future where every citizen, irrespective of background or circumstance, can realize their full potential and lead lives of dignity and fulfillment.