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New Delhi: Uthara
Ganesh, 22, always thought being an MP in India was all about
making speeches and winning electoral battles. Until she decided
to work with one.
Her mindset underwent a stark change once she landed up an
11-month fellowship to work with Kalikesh Singh Deo, MP from
Bolangir in Orissa. The programme was conceptualised by New
Delhi-based organisation PRS Legislative Research (www.prsindia.org)
"Our idea of politicians is very hazy. We often mix policy and
politics, but I realised the deep difference only when I
experienced this programme," said Ganesh, a sociology student.
"Just like other youth of my age, I always had this opinion of
dealing with social and civic problems through college debates and
papers. I finally decided to get a hang of what policy making and
being a parliamentarian is all about," Ganesh told IANS.
PRS Legislative Research's programme, called Legislative
Assistants to Members of Parliament (LAMP) Fellowship, is gaining
popularity among those who are concerned about public life and
want to contribute in some way.
"We already have over 1,000 applications for this year's
fellowship and application submission closes March 20," C.V.
Madhukar, director of PRS, told IANS.
Deo observed a similar practice on his visit to the US in 2009. He
saw Senator John Kerry being assisted in briefings by young
interns.
The parliamentarians feel the initiative will add quality to their
work.
"Having legislative assistants helps MPs with parliamentary
research which they can't do. And at the same time the LAMPs get a
first-hand experience on policy making at the constituency level,"
Deo told IANS.
Apart from helping MPs in background research, the LAMP fellows
help them source statistics and information and assist them in
day-to-day affairs during parliament sessions.
"It is a very positive move to have young minds accompanying
parliamentarians in their day-to-day work. When we talk about
change in our political system, this is how we can witness it,"
N.K. Singh, Janata Dal-United MP from the Rajya Sabha, told IANS.
"The quality of research work which the legislative assistants
provide us is exemplary. It also gives the MP a sense of
satisfaction for helping a youngster understand parliamentary
affairs," said Singh, who is being assisted by Aparajita Bharti, a
21-year-old graduate of business studies.
For Bharti, the fellowship has been a life-altering move. "I think
I can openly say that to be an MP in India is a thankless job. He
is representing over a million citizens," Bharti said.
PRS conducted two pilot programmes in 2007 and 2008 in which a few
MPs were provided research assistants. The minimum educational
qualification required to be an MP's assistant is graduation. The
candidate has to fill an online application form available on the
PRS website, that is followed by an interview.
A selected intern is paid Rs.12,000 per month as fellowship and an
additional Rs.3,000 for other expenses.
The year 2010 was uncertain for the legislative assistants because
of disruptions over the opposition's demand for a Joint
Parliamentary Committee probe into the 2G spectrum scam.
"We, as youngsters, wanted to witness the smooth functioning of
parliament. To see it being adjourned every day was not a good
sign for democracy," admitted Bharti.
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