Gujarat CM’s fellows to get class I officer status

Those young and bright professionals who have been selected for chief minister Narendra Modi's ambitious fellowship project will get the status of a Class I officer and almost all benefits
enjoyed by such officer.

Highly placed government sources said:  "In all, 20 professionals have been selected for the CM's fellowship program. These 20 fellows will be given the status equivalent to a class I government officer. They will get fixed pay of Rs35,000 per month, a new laptop worth Rs50,000, and office space in the government department they work in. Vehicle facility to move in the state wherever they wish to go and housing facility if they require will also be given.''

According to sources, the work of these fellows will be monitored by a panel of three senior bureaucrats - principal secretary (PS)/additional chief secretary - GAD), PS-GAD (planning), and PS to chief minister. The committee of these three officials will review the work of the fellows and decide whether to renew the contract of these fellows after 11 months. Fellows will have to maintain secrecy of their project and cannot disclose it outside the government. All the fellows will have to file an affidavit.

The CM's fellowship program has been charted out to harness youth energy, promote social service and elevate the future development of the country. The program aims to youth to advance as managers of excellence.

This program is a chance for the youth to experience govt functioning first-hand and immerse themselves in working for a better society. The program is meant for addressing areas of highest priority for the government, especially improving the Human Development Index (HDI) of the State.

Creative and innovative thinking from the youth is required to address issues like raising the quality of education, improving child nutrition, reducing maternal mortality and strengthening progress in rural areas through mitigation of poverty and creating livelihood opportunities.