Prof. B. S. Sahay DIRECTOR, IIM JAMMU

The Mahatma Gandhi National Fellowship is a two year program that seeks to combine an accelerated academic training offered by 9 IIMs (IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Jammu, IIM Kozhikode, IIM Lucknow, IIM Nagpur, IIM Ranchi, IIM Udaipur and IIM Visakhapatnam) with intensive field work at district level towards improving the local skill ecosystem, that promotes livelihood and economic output. The project has been conceived by MSDE under SANKALP and has been successfully implemented in collaboration with IIMs. Since its inception, IIM Jammu has given high importance to skill development and entrepreneurship, as both are essential for economic growth and sustainable livelihoods. While we strive to contribute in this direction as an institute of National Importance, this fellowship paves a way forward to ascertain and connect with the ground realities. I am sure that with the passage of time, our fellows will have many interesting and diverse insights garnered from multiple stakeholders of their respective districts. I take this opportunity to congratulate the entire team of MGNF, especially the Program Directors along with the State Resource Associates, MSDE officials, district officials and faculty mentors of IIM Jammu, for their enduring support and successful launch of the fellowship. My best wishes to all the fellows in their journey ahead, and I hope they shall prove to be pivotal in bringing forth transformative developments instilled with Gandhian values of holistic and multidimensional upliftment of communities.

Prof. Jabir Ali PROGRAMME DIRECTOR, MGNF

MGNF is a unique public policy programme that aims to bridge the gap between research and practice. The core objective of this fellowship is to train a batch of individuals who shall strive towards evolving a dynamic paradigm for evidence based policymaking. Under, IIM-J, districts of Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Chandigarh, West Bengal and Puducherry have been anointed. The fellows will be instrumental in promoting and strengthening the skill ecosystem at the district level. The challenges ahead involve not only the barriers to skill development and employment but also establishing a decentralized mode of governance. Since only then the true Gandhian spirit of a bottom-up approach to development is attainable, aiming to empower the lowest strata of society. Through mentorship support from both the IIM and the District Administration, the fellows shall explore and aid in creating niche opportunities for employment and sustainable livelihoods that address the uniqueness of their districts.

Prof. Muqbil Burhan PROGRAMME DIRECTOR, MGNF

It gives me immense pleasure to see our MGNF fellows conceive and execute the idea of a newsletter. Mahatma Gandhi National Fellowship under SANKALP by MSDE is among the notable public policy programmes, bringing IIMs in partnership with the MSDE. The programme aims to improve the skill ecosystem of the country from a bottom-up approach, with the districts being the focal point for policy interventions. Sharing diverse experiences of their districts will motivate the replication of best practices. I am sure that their collective efforts in bringing cohesion not only at the state/UT level but also across the state/UT will help the fellows grow over this period of time. An improved skill ecosystem is essential in inculcating the youth's entrepreneurial zeal and the nation's economic development. While many places in J&K, West Bengal, Puducherry, Ladakh and Chandigarh present typical developmental challenges, our MGNF fellows have shown tremendous conviction and strength in handling them. I am sure that with more experience in their respective districts, our fellows will significantly contribute to the planned direction of improving the skill ecosystem at their district and state/ UT level. I also take this opportunity to congratulate the fellows, our SRCs and Prof. Jabir Ali, for all their efforts in coordinating and channelling their energy in the right direction. I would also thank MSDE for their constant support and guidance in executing the fellowship and showing confidence in IIM Jammu to deliver this vital project.