Law-Making Process Is an Enriching Experience: Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

Mumbai : Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that while studying law in college provides an understanding of its application, the actual process of drafting laws, the principles behind them, and the mechanisms involved are experiences that law students will gain through the Legislative Internship Program. This enriching process will offer invaluable insights into the essence of lawmaking and greatly benefit students in understanding its practical implications. Fadnavis urged the participating interns to make the most of this unique opportunity.

To provide students pursuing legal education in the state with an understanding of the Department of Law and Judiciary’s legislative operations, the government has decided to conduct a six-week internship program for ten students at the department’s legislative branch. The first session of the “Legislative Internship” program, which commenced today, was inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister Fadnavis via video conferencing. During the session, Fadnavis addressed and guided the selected interns.

Present at the committee room in the Deputy CM’s office at the Secretariat were Principal Secretary of the Department of Law and Judiciary, Suvarna Kevale; Secretary of Legislative Affairs, Satish Waghole; Secretary of Legal and Consultation, Amogh Kaloti; Deputy CM’s Secretary, Dr. Shrikar Pardeshi; and other officials.

Maharashtra is the only state in the country to launch such an initiative for law students, Fadnavis noted. Highlighting the success of the CM Fellowship Program, which aimed to connect the youth directly with governance, Fadnavis said this internship program was approved immediately upon its proposal by the Department of Law and Judiciary. He congratulated the department for initiating this commendable endeavor.

Fadnavis explained that drafting a law requires careful consideration to avoid conflicts with existing laws, ensure clarity, and align with Supreme Court directives. Understanding and being part of this process is a significant learning experience. Students will also gain insights into the functioning of the Department of Law and Judiciary and the differing opinions that shape governance. He emphasized that the department serves as the backbone of governance, with India’s Constitution establishing a robust framework of decentralization and checks and balances.

From 600 applicants, 10 students were selected for this program. Fadnavis extended his best wishes to them, encouraging them to make the most of the practical experience and lectures by experienced officials. The interns will also have the opportunity to observe the preparation of critical bills, such as the Appropriation Bill, during the upcoming legislative session.

Fadnavis suggested that the department explore ways to include more students in the program in the future.

The participating interns expressed gratitude to the government for initiating the program. The selected interns included Priyanka Bora, Pranita Girdekar, Saurabh Patil, Mihir Mondkar, Vaishwik Kare, Bhargavi Munde, Saniya Sawant, Krishna Shelke, Akash Pyati, and Vedanti Jadhav.

Secretary Waghole elaborated on the objectives of the program, while Deputy Secretary Supriya Dhawre conducted the event, and Deputy Secretary Mugdha Sawant delivered the vote of thanks.