New Delhi: The Congress has launched a fellowship programme to develop political leadership among experienced professionals. The fellowship has been instituted in memory of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. Under this initiative, the party will select 50 mid-career professionals from across the states every year.
While announcing the fellowship programme, Praveen Chakravarty, chairman of All India Professionals’ Congress and Data Analytics, said, “Under this programme, 50 mid-career professionals will be chosen every year and mentored by senior party leaders from professional backgrounds with an aim of building a modern and progressive India.”
There is no minimum qualification required to apply for this programme, but a candidate should have at least 10 years of professional experience.
While speaking to media persons at Congress headquarters, Chakravarty stated that 50 professionals from across the country would be selected each year by an eminent panel through a carefully designed process. The chosen fellows will be mentored by the top leadership of the Congress party, including Rahul Gandhi, Ajay Maken, and Shashi Tharoor, among others. “These professionals will get opportunities to work on important assignments across the various departments, undergo intensive training and be placed on the path to political leadership of the Congress party and the nation.”
ThePrint has learnt that the party has planned this programme to cultivate experienced professionals who have an interest in politics. According to Chakravarty, experienced professionals often have financial backing as well. This programme will help them transition from a professional career to one in politics. It may aid them in building a career in political life.
K. Raju (AICC in-charge of Jharkhand; Head of OBC, SC, ST & Minority Dept.), who was also present at the launch of this fellowship, said, “This is a program targeted at working class professionals that have a passion for public service and societal change. Lakhs of professionals with a strong sense of purpose and duty wishing to join politics often feel overawed, confused and intimidated. This Program will be the bridge for such professionals to transition to a career in politics in a smooth and structured manner.”
To celebrate and honour Dr Manmohan Singh’s legacy and contributions to the nation, the Professionals’ Congress has planned this fellowship after discussions with the party’s top leadership, ThePrint has learnt. Since the death of the former minister last year, the senior leadership had been keen to launch a programme dedicated to the former PM. When asked, Chakravarty also clarified that the party had received the consent of the former PM’s family.
(Edited by Radifah Kabir)
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