PCGT Internship Experience | Interview by Team LawLex
Please introduce yourself to our readers.
- I am Nehal Jambhale, a first-year law student with a keen interest in human rights as well as corporate law. I recently completed my internship with Public Concern for Governance Trust, where I got exposure to governance-related work, the Right to Information Act, and citizen-focused initiatives. The experience helped me understand how legal concepts connect with real-world systems and institutions.
How did you connect with PCGT for the internship?
- I got this internship opportunity through my university’s Internship and Placement Cell. Along with that, some of my seniors had also oriented us about the work and learning experience at Public Concern for Governance Trust, which made me more interested in applying. Their guidance helped me understand what to expect from the internship and encouraged me to take up this opportunity.
Can you share the kind of work you were assigned at PCGT?
- The internship was very diverse. I attended multiple sessions on governance, corruption, ethics, and the Right to Information (RTI) framework. A major component involved learning to draft RTI applications, learn how to identify real governance issues, and refining drafts through feedback. I also participated in field visits to public institutions like a Cuff parade police station, South cyber police station and the Right to Services office, also volunteered in awareness initiatives, and contributed to outreach activities in school like giving sessions on mental health and wellness.
How was the working environment for the interns?
- The environment was very supportive and friendly. The mentors encouraged us to ask questions and share our thoughts, which made learning easier. The interns also worked well together, and even as a first-year student, I felt comfortable understanding and discussing governance topics.
Did you get exposure to real governance issues faced by citizens? If yes, could you share an example that left an impact on you?
- Yes. I learned how delays in public services can create real problems for ordinary people, and how tools like RTI and the Right to Services Act can help them get solutions. I also realised that many citizens are not aware of their rights or the mechanisms available to them. Through this experience, I could see how awareness and proper guidance can actually make a difference. It showed me the importance of accountability in public authorities and the role citizens can play in demanding it.
Were you involved in research or drafting related to public authorities, policy issues, or accountability mechanisms?
- Yes. I worked on identifying issues related to public authorities and drafted an RTI application to ask for information which is not disclosed. This included doing some basic research, understanding which department was responsible, and making sure the questions were clear and correct.
Did your internship involve working with the Right to Information Act? Please share your experience.
- RTI was a very important part of my internship. We first learned about the provisions of the Right to Information Act, including sections related to citizens’ rights and the duties of public authorities. After that, we were taught how to draft RTI applications properly, like asking for specific information instead of opinions, keeping questions clear, and making sure they fall within the law. I drafted my own RTI in the Chief Electoral Office, asking for the nomination affidavit of the winning candidate of the recent civic body elections in my ward. We had multiple review sessions where our mentor gave feedback and asked us to improve our drafts. We also learned how to file RTIs online and how to choose the correct department. Initially, it was challenging, but with practice and guidance, I became more confident in understanding and using the RTI process.
As a first-year student, what challenges did you face while dealing with public law or governance-related issues, and how did you overcome them?
- The biggest challenge was that I did not have much prior knowledge about public law or how government systems actually work. At first, it was difficult to understand how legal provisions are applied in real life. But with guidance from mentors, practical examples, and regular drafting practice, I slowly started understanding things better and became more confident.
How did this internship shape your understanding of the relationship between citizens and the State?
- The internship made me realise that governance is not a one-sided process. Citizens are not merely recipients of services but active stakeholders with rights and responsibilities. Laws like RTI create a participatory democracy where accountability depends on citizens being aware and proactive.
In your view, why is it important for young law students to engage with governance and public interest work early in their careers?
- I think it is important because it gives students real experience from the beginning. It helps them understand how systems work and how citizens interact with authorities. It also builds confidence and communication skills, which are useful for any area of law they choose later.
What skills or perspectives did this internship help you develop that classroom learning alone could not provide?
- The internship helped me improve my drafting, research, and communication skills. It also helped me think more practically. Most importantly, I understood how the law actually works in real life. In class, we learn what the law says, but through this internship, I saw how it is applied and what the implementation failures are.
Would you recommend public interest and governance-based internships like PCGT to first-year students? Why or why not?
- Yes, I would definitely recommend internships like this to first-year students. Many students feel they don’t know enough in the beginning, but experiences like this help you learn a lot in a short time. It gives practical exposure and builds confidence. It also helps you understand how things work outside the classroom and improves communication and thinking skills. Overall, it is a very good learning experience, especially for students who want to explore different areas of law early on.
Lastly, how has this internship influenced your future academic or career interests in law?
- This internship has made me more inclined towards human rights and social work. Through the sessions, field visits, and outreach activities, I could see how the law can directly impact people’s lives, especially those who are not aware of their rights. It helped me understand the importance of working for society and contributing in a meaningful way. While I am still exploring different areas of law, this experience has definitely increased my interest in fields related to human rights, public service, and social impact work in the future.
Interview by Team LawLex
Curated & edited by Yashika Paraswani, Managing Editor