Internship with CM office inspires them to work with Govt administration

By Kartik Lokhande 
They are from diverse backgrounds and different locations across Maharashtra, have varied interests. Four months ago, they joined the internship programme with mixed feelings -- different perception and curiosity about the Government functioning. With seven months remaining to complete the internship, they are a group of youngsters motivated to join the administrative services in Government domain.
They are the ones chosen for the first batch of 11-month internship programme launched by none other than Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Taking a cue from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Fadnavis had floated the idea of appointing the interns from among screened youngsters and attaching them to work with various establishments including Chief Minister’s Office, Chief Minister’s War Room for projects, different Collector offices, and other agencies. Fadnavis had said some time ago, that the youths full of innovative ideas could help the Government in bringing about the much-needed change in functioning to make it more people-friendly.
“We have developed a new perspective about Government functioning. I am motivated to join Government administrative services after completing internship programme,” said Apurv Pethkar from Nagpur, during an interaction of interns with a select group of journalists at Hyderabad House here on Tuesday evening. In fact, his comments represent the feelings of most of the interns. Apurv worked with a renowned consultancy firm for two years before joining as intern with CM’s War Room.
Sagar Shirke from Pune had ‘black and white’ impression about Government functioning covering political and administrative realms. “However, after joining the internship programme, I got to know a lot many things. Now, I know that there are lot many things in grey areas,” he opined. Obviously, he was referring to difficult areas of Government functioning.
But, what about good and bad ones in the Government? Tushar Tadas, an Engineering graduate, replies, “Not all are black sheeps. I am observing the people in the Government from close quarters, and I have realised that there are umpteen number of people who work honestly.” Yes, added Priyanka Kulkarni from Solapur, many things in the Government or public service are positive. Priyanka Gomkar from Nagpur, Mahesh Waghole from Pune also nod in agreement.
Bhavika Onkar, an engineering student from Amravati, appreciated the credible leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. “He is enthusiastic and wants youth to join the public service,” she observed. Though many of the interns are from engineering background, one is a doctor. “I was inclined towards social life. And, I am happy to have joined as an intern. For, I have learnt a lot many things and have developed a deeper understanding about social responsibility,” he observed.
Which area of the Government do they like to join -- political or administrative? “Administrative side motivates youngsters more. For, there, one can really play vital role in Government functioning more effectively,” said Shoaib Sheikh from Aurangabad. He referred to administrative effectiveness playing a key role in success of ‘Jalyukta Shivar Abhiyan’ in Jalna district. Gandhar Desai from Dombivali echoes Shoaib’s opinion, “Most of us wish to work in administration. For, there is scope for infusing lot many new ideas and enthusiasm.” Apurv Pethkar adds to their statements saying that youngsters could usher in several technological interventions to help things move faster.
Priya Khan, Officer on Special Duty with CM Office, said that all interns were students under 25 years of age and were excellent in academics. “We received 5,000 applications. After online tests and interviews, 36 were shortlisted. Now, some of them are with CM Office, some with Collectors, and other establishments. Of 11 months of the internship programme, they have completed four. The experience is wonderful for them as well as us,” she said.
According to Ketan Pathak, Officer on Special Duty with CM Office, the idea of Chief Minister was to acquaint youngsters with Government functioning, to get new ideas, and also to widen a social connect. “In five years, over 100 students will undergo the intership programme. And, wherever they go after completing the programme, they will have a better understanding of the Government, administration, public service, policy planning. This will help create better future leaders of the society, whether in Government or in private sector,” he added. 

(08-12-15)