Nikita Bhandari

I undertook a research residency under Researching Reality 2025, the Centre for Civil Society’s flagship public policy programme. This full-time, in-person residency brought together early-career researchers and students for rigorous training in public policy, legal reform, and governance. The 25th edition focused on trust-based governance and the decriminalization of economic laws, aligned with the Jan Vishwas Bill 2.0 and CCS’s broader regulatory reform initiatives. I was part of the Maharashtra research team, where we conducted a detailed analysis of state-level economic laws, applying legal analysis, policy evaluation, and regulatory impact assessment. This involved close statutory reading, comparative policy analysis, and quantitative scoring frameworks to assess the reform potential of laws for improving ease of doing business, with particular attention to compliance burden analysis, decriminalization frameworks, and evidence-based policy reform. As part of the residency, I engaged in field-based policy research and stakeholder exposure, including a visit to the Ministry of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). I attended a conference session chaired by Ms. Himani Pande, Additional Secretary, DPIIT, and curated by Dr. Jivisha Joshi Gangopadhyay, Deputy Secretary, DPIIT, which emphasized governance analysis, trust-based regulation, and institutional reform. The programme included a ten-day intensive training at the Indian School of Public Policy, through which I obtained an iPolicy certification, strengthening my grounding in public policy design, regulatory governance, and policy communication. In addition to my core research work, I contributed to a documentary as a supplementary component of the programme, building research communication and public-facing policy storytelling skills.

Guest Author at Spontaneous Order | Wrote “Sarojini Nagar Reveals the Gap Between Law and Livelihood,” exploring how law intersects with informal-sector livelihoods. https://spontaneousorder.in/sarojini-nagar-reveals-the-gap-between-law-and-livelihood/

I developed and managed content across various platforms to boost engagement and marketed web design services. My role also involved conducting interviews, identifying potential clients, and strategizing outreach efforts to expand our client base. Additionally, I assisted in refining branding and communication strategies to enhance the company's online presence.

As an editorial head, my role involved overseeing content planning, ensuring quality control, and managing a team of writers and editors. I was responsible for assigning topics, setting deadlines, and maintaining consistency in style and tone. Editing and fact-checking were key aspects, ensuring accuracy and coherence in all publications. I coordinated with designers, marketing teams, and external contributors to streamline workflow and enhance content presentation. Additionally, I conducted brainstorming sessions to introduce innovative formats and keep content engaging. Balancing creativity with structure, I ensured timely publication while fostering a collaborative and productive team environment.

As a Contributing Editor at Social Vibgyor, I played a key role in curating and refining content that reflected diverse social perspectives. I contributed by writing, editing, and shaping articles, ensuring clarity, coherence, and impactful storytelling. My responsibilities included collaborating with writers, enhancing the narrative quality of submissions, and maintaining the publication’s editorial standards. Additionally, I worked on thematic pieces that explored contemporary social issues, helping foster critical discussions. This experience strengthened my editing, content curation, and analytical skills, allowing me to contribute meaningfully to a platform dedicated to social discourse.

As a sports volunteer at Erobern, the Miranda House sports fest, I actively contributed to event organization and management. My key role was hosting the Sports Quiz, where I engaged participants, ensured smooth execution, and maintained an energetic atmosphere. Beyond the quiz, I assisted in coordinating various sporting events, handling logistics, and ensuring seamless scheduling. Working closely with teams and organizers, I helped create an inclusive and competitive environment. This experience enhanced my event management, public speaking, and teamwork skills, allowing me to contribute to the success of one of the college’s major sports events.

As Head Girl during the pandemic, my role extended beyond traditional responsibilities to adapting leadership in a virtual environment. I acted as a bridge between students and the administration, ensuring smooth communication despite remote learning challenges. I organized virtual assemblies, student engagement activities, and online events to maintain school spirit. Supporting my peers' mental well-being was crucial, so I helped create initiatives to foster connection and motivation. Coordinating with teachers, I facilitated seamless communication regarding academic concerns. Leading in such uncertain times strengthened my adaptability, problem-solving, and digital communication skills, making the experience uniquely challenging yet rewarding.

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