Digital Swaraj Fellowship – India

It offers India’s youth the opportunity to become digital change leaders, working hands-on in the rural digital landscape on innovative solutions that provide digital access to underserved, unconnected, and marginalized communities. This immersive experience aims to give fellows a comprehensive understanding of grassroots realities, equipping them to become agents of social change and harness the potential of ‘Digital’ to foster ‘Digital Swaraj. The fellowship aims to facilitate the transition of passionate youth into agents of social change as they embark on their early career paths. Through grassroots exposure, skill-building, and mentorship from project leads, fellows are expected to take ownership of their projects, bridging learning, experience, employment, and entrepreneurship, preparing them for a career in the digital and development sector.

Thematic Areas

• Digital and Information Technology Tools/Solutions
  • Develop IT based solutions for the betterment of the society, creating tools benefiting large number of people.
• Research, Communication & Advocacy for Digital Rights & Development
  • Research on the various aspects of digital development from multiple lenses including the progress, the gaps, the concerns and the opportunities. Provide insights into the different endeavors to bring the digital revolution to the unconnected, underserved & marginalized communities.
• Digital Inclusion for Poverty Alleviation and Fighting Exclusion
  • Build and implement on ground programs at various levels with women, youth, PWDs and other stakeholders, bringing digital access and facilities to the large masses of underserved communities.
• Digital Models for Capacity Building of Institutions, Government, Businesses and Civil Society
  • On ground capacity building and skill development of major stakeholders – Institutions, Government, Businesses and Civil Society personal to create digital change agents at the grassroots level.

Stipend

• The fellows will receive a stipend of Rs. 25,000 per month. Taxes applicable as per government regulations.
• The Fellowship is for a 12-month duration from 1 September, 2024 to 31 August, 2025.

What kind of career opportunities will be accessible to me after the fellowship?

• Digital is becoming one of the most important aspects of development, governance and social sector. The digital ecosystem is growing at a fast pace with a lot of services, delivery and governance moving to the digital space. However, there is still a dearth of digital experts in the sector. The fellowship experience will enable the fellows to grow into digital leaders, having in-depth understanding of the ecosystem, along with the development of requisite skills. This will open up avenues for them to become part of the growing digital ecosystem.

What kind of support will be available to me after fellowship?

• The fellows will become part of the Alumni Programme. They will have access to opportunities from DEF and its partner organizations. There will be a continued relationship with their mentors, providing them guidance and support.

Reimbursement

• Local conveyance will be reimbursed. Travel, food & accommodation reimbursement will be provided in case of any work related movement away from the base location.

Criteria

• The field location of the fellows will be decided based on the project engagement. The exact location will be communicated to the fellows after the Rural Immersion. Fellows working on different projects during the course of the fellowship period may be required to move to multiple locations based on the project requirements. Travel for field visits will also be part of the fellowship.

For more information, visit eNGO Network of Digital Empowerment Foundation.