Dream of changing the governance model or policies of the nation? Aim to help those in rural areas or who are under-resourced? Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment gives yan opportunity for the young graduates from the top universities of the country to learn, earn and make a change. For More Details regarding the recruitment, Click HERE
But what does it take to get into the program that tests your critical thinking, social awareness and challenges you to go above and beyond? We spoke to Ms.Saptadipa Mallick, who has done her Bachelor’s from TISS’2018 and Master’s from IIT G’2020, and currently working as State Coordinator-West Bengal and Sikkim, and the answers put into words her journey, her tips and startegies for the future aspirants.
Tell us something about yourself and Why this Job?
- Saptadipa: Hello. Greetings! I am Saptadipa Mallick. I am a Young professional working for the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment as a State Coordinator under their Project Management Unit. I also represented India as a youth participant at the United Nations Office Drugs and Crime in March 2021. I pursued my Bachelor’s in Social Sciences from Tata Institute of Social Sciences 2015-2018 and Masters in Development Studies from Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati 2018-2020.Being a social science student, my interest was to remain engaged in the development sector and work in a constructive manner. The roles assigned under this job profile motivated me to apply for it. After being selected as a PMU, I accepted the opportunity as the first step towards my career.
How did you get to know about this Job Opportunity?
- Saptadipa: I am more than happy to mention that Opportunity Cell was the very platform through which I got to know about the job last year. Will be completing a year in May 2021 being at this designation now.
Current Posting and How was your experience to date?
- Saptadipa: Although I am in charge of coordinating MoSJE funded scheme related affairs in West Bengal and Sikkim, the office is located at National Institute of Social Defence in New Delhi.The experience to date has been enriching in terms of learning and experiences. The batch of 2020-21 is the first batch. The higher officials guided us well through the entire functioning under the orientation program and what is expected of us. There has been constant motivational support from them, which helps to carry out my duties more responsibly, knowing that our higher officials believe in our work. Our inputs or evaluation reports are valued and considered as significant input. When there are challenges involved, I have seen myself growing as a person from those circumstances.
How the states are allocated to the State Coordinators?
- Saptadipa:We were first asked to mention our preferences for the states. The states were then assigned based on our higher officials’ understanding of our interests and calibre. Proficiency in the native language of the state was also considered but not mandatorily.
Tell us something about your daily work life, how you manage your time between your art page art.by.saptadipa and this full time job?
- Saptadipa:My daily life as a state coordinator involves communication with important stakeholders who takes key decisions for the welfare of the states. We are expected primarily to inspect the Grant-in- Aid institutions to analyse and evaluate their functioning, as whenever the directions come. This involves a lot of travelling, few times 10-15 days at a stretch. Time management is very important here to carry out the work assigned within deadlines.There is also an artistic side of me which I take very seriously. It helps me to keep a balance between a professional and a personal life. I earned my Senior Diploma in fine arts. Since then I have always taken out time to get better at my artworks. Practice and consistency makes everything better, isn’t it?
What are the Major Roles and Responsibilities as a State Coordinator?
- Saptadipa:Majority of the job includes monitoring and evaluate the performance of the Grant- in-Aid institutions, finding the potential loopholes and bringing it to the attention of the ministry for them to take further actions. Other roles include working on the concerns related to scheme implementation in our respective states. We also assist in Policy analysis and formulating important documents related to scheme implementations, as per the directions given.The value that I always keep in mind is that I am accountable for the decisions I take. Every decision taken should have a valid reason behind it. At the end, your punctuality, personality and ability to handle challenging situations will reflect in bringing a positive coordination between your assigned state and the respected ministry.
How is the Work Environment
- Saptadipa:The work environment is friendly, enabling and supportive. All the state coordinators have their designated work spaces in office to work during the off-field days. There is a buddy system in place where our assigned fellow colleague helps us out with work in our absence or when we are travelling. The fact that we all have to travel most part of the month leaves us with less time to work directly from the office. But we reach out to each other whenever needed while working on the field.
Pros and Cons of this Job
- Saptadipa:
- Pros: While working under the direct purview of the governmental body, you get an exposure to the functioning under different division heads. You also get to observe functioning of the grant- in- aid organisations working on the field and services they are providing to their beneficiaries. You interact with the beneficiaries and try to analyse the scheme implementation and the scope of improvement. You develop an overall perspective towards your looking at the potential issues. The experience you gain from travelling and communicating with the functionaries provides significant insights for future assignments.
- Cons: The travel becomes really hectic sometimes, as you are handling your on-the-field responsibilities and the other office assignments at the same time. Exhaustion affect the health sometimes. Developing an efficient travel plan and adopting to some self- care routines can help managing time efficiently, without compromising the quality of the work that you bring.
Salary and Allowances
- Saptadipa:75000/- and travel allowances above that as notified under the official advertisement.
Tips for Filing the Application
- Saptadipa:Submit an updated CV, enclosing all the work including your internships relevant to the job post you are applying for. Think mindfully before answering the questions and give relatable examples that you have witnessed or worked in. Keep the answers precise and true to your knowledge.
What kind of questions are asked in the Written Exam? Any tips/books on how to prepare for it?
- Saptadipa:The questions could be possibly analytical in nature, where you might have to support your answers with reasonable data and facts. I did not stick to any specific book or syllabus, but first go through the MoSJE website to read about the initiatives and important documents the ministry has been working on. Read about our constitution and marginalised societies. Also read about sociological concepts, issues and current policy initiatives taking place. I referred and revised my course materials on development studies from my Masters as I had limited time in hand.
What kind of questions are asked in the Interview? Any tips for the Interview?
- Saptadipa:Some of the questions could be situation based. Some could be related to what you have written in your CV or in the written examination to keep the questions individualistic and avoid repetation. Try to stick to what is being asked and respond to it with relevant learnings or experiences. Supporting your answer with some credible data will also help. Have presence of mind. The way you respond to a particular question will be evaluated. The interview panel will consist of highly experienced officials from the ministry who know their subjects very well. So whatever knowledge you have gained so far, try to respond to the questions in a humble and polite manner. Keep your calm and you will be alright.
How tough is the selection process?
- Saptadipa:To give an example, last year out of all the applications received, top 100 CVs were shortlisted.After the written examination, top 30 cleared. After the interview, 15 out of 30 were finally selected as PMU.The intake is 10% of the total applications shortlisted, i.e. 23 candidates out of 230 applications that get shortlisted. As understood, the first step will be a little difficult to get through. Give your best and leave the rest.
Future Prospects
- Saptadipa:As the job provides exposure in multi- sectors to work in, one can decide for themselves afterwards which area to specialise in further. The skill of project management however is beneficial from a future perspective. It will entirely depend on the candidate how they want to utilise this opportunity.
Golden Tips for the Aspirants
- Saptadipa:
- Prepare a good CV. Update it with all the relevant information you have to mention.
- Stick to the questions and respond to what is being asked. Have presence of mind.
- Stay calm and polite in your responses during the interview.
To Watch the QnA Webinar with Ms.Shreya and MsSaptadipa(State Coordinator’s),Ministry of Social Justice , Click HERE
