Internship Experience @ Kerala Information Commission, Kerala

Name of the Organisation

Kerala State Information Commission, TC 14, 2071, Punnen Rd, Near Jacobs Junction, Vanross, Palayam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695001.

Duration of Internship

May 12, 2025 – May 28, 2025

How did you Apply?

I visited the commission in person and enquired about internship vacancies. I was allotted a slot and asked to bring an internship approval form from my college. The process was informal and straightforward.

First-Day Formalities, Infrastructure, and First Impression

On my first day, I reported directly to the internship officer. After entering my personal details into a register, I was given a handbook outlining the commission’s structure, purpose, and functions. This was required reading for the day.

The commission has two dedicated halls for interns. Before entering the main hall, the internship officer briefed me on maintaining discipline, decorum, and professionalism. My first impression was very positive, the office was organized, the environment was professional, and the staff were welcoming.

The overall atmosphere reflected the seriousness of the institution’s role in promoting transparency and public accountability, which made me feel motivated and eager to learn.

Main Tasks

Starting from the second day, I was tasked with reading and analyzing complaint and appeal petitions. This involved understanding their structure and the types of grievances, most commonly, the non-receipt or denial of accurate public information.

Each day, I received new petitions to study, which greatly improved my familiarity with information-related issues. I was also responsible for writing detailed internship reports summarizing the cases I analyzed.

A major highlight was attending two hearings conducted by the commission. One of these was presided over by the Chief Information Commissioner, V. Hari Nair Sir. Observing these sessions allowed me to understand how citizens present their cases and how government officials respond to information requests.

On the final day, I submitted my internship report and received my completion certificate, concluding a very informative and structured internship.

Work Environment

The work environment was professional, quiet, and focused. Interns were expected to maintain silence and concentrate on the petitions they were assigned. There was a strong emphasis on maintaining discipline and respect for the formal setting.

The office atmosphere allowed for concentrated legal reading and analysis, free from distractions. Observing the hearings added a practical dimension to the internship and offered a window into real administrative procedures and dispute resolution.

The highlight of the environment was the opportunity to witness hearings led by the Chief Information Commissioner. These sessions were eye-opening, showing how ordinary citizens engage with the system and how public authorities respond to their claims.

Overall, the atmosphere was respectful, orderly, and ideal for anyone interested in public administration and governance.

Good Things about the Internship

This internship was an enriching learning experience. One of the most valuable aspects was the chance to observe real hearings and see how the commission facilitates transparency through citizen engagement.

Working under a formal government setup taught me discipline, patience, and the importance of maintaining professional conduct. Reading petitions every day helped me understand administrative processes, how appeals are filed, and the kind of legal reasoning involved in resolving public information disputes.

The exposure to government proceedings boosted my confidence and analytical skills. The opportunity to interact with other college interns and share learning also made the experience enjoyable. This internship deepened my interest in public service and administrative law, giving me a better understanding of governance and accountability mechanisms.

Bad Things about the Internship

While the internship was insightful, it had its limitations. Much of the work was repetitive, mainly reading petitions and writing reports, without much variation in task types. The formal environment, while professional, sometimes limited open dialogue and made it difficult to ask questions freely.

Despite these challenges, the experience still provided strong foundational insights into the role and functioning of the commission.

Monthly Stipend

None

Details about the Accommodation, Commuting to the Office

As a local resident, I commuted daily from home using public transportation. The commute was manageable and helped me maintain a good routine.

Buses were reliable, and the location was easy to access from most parts of the city.

Anything else you want to share?

I gained practical insights into how the commission works and learned important professional skills like attention to detail, patience, and clear communication. I also made friends with other interns, which made the experience more social and collaborative.

This internship taught me that public institutions, while formal, play a crucial role in upholding democratic principles. It left me with a greater appreciation for administrative law and the right to information as a tool for empowerment.

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