JKSA, JKCPRS sign MoU with Samaira Policy Institute, launch first-ever MLA fellowship in J&K

Srinagar: The Jammu & Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) and the J&K Centre for Peace, Research & Sustainable Development (JKCPRS) have signed an MoU with the Samaira Policy Institute (SPI), Dehradun, to launch the ‘Sheikh-ul-Alam MLA Fellowship’. This is the first structured legislative fellowship programme in Jammu & Kashmir, designed to train young graduates in policymaking, public administration, and legislative work.
Named after the revered Kashmiri saint Sheikh-ul-Alam (Nund Rishi), the 13-month fellowship aims to bridge the gap between academia and public service. The inaugural cohort of 22 fellows will begin in July 2026. Each fellow will be attached to a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) across party lines, while two fellows will be placed directly with the Office of the Chief Minister.
Prior to their placement, the selected fellows will undergo a one-month intensive residential training programme at the SPI Campus in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand. Under the partnership, SPI will handle curriculum design and technical training, while JKSA and JKCPRS will manage on-ground implementation and coordination with legislators.
The spokespersons and leadership highlighted the core vision of the initiative through their statements:
“By placing motivated graduates and young professionals within the offices of Members of the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly, it aims to nurture a new generation of policy professionals, public leaders and changemakers from Jammu & Kashmir,” he said.
“The inaugural cohort, expected to commence in July 2026, will consist of approximately 22 Fellows selected through a highly competitive process from diverse academic, professiona and social backgrounds. Each Fellow will be attached to a Member of the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly and will work closely with the legislator for a period of 13 months,” he said.
“Participants will also gain first-hand experience of real-world governance challenges and contemporary policy issues, enabling them to contribute effectively during their legislative placements,” he said.
Applications for the inaugural cohort are scheduled to open on June 12, 2026, with the programme officially commencing in the last week of July.