New
Delhi:
Dedicated to the
Strengthening of the Rule of Law, Democratic and Parliamentary Institutions,
and Electoral Processes, O.P. Jindal Global University has launched three new
Degree Programmes in Electoral Analysis & Management, Political
Communication and Legislative Drafting.
The launch
took place in the presence of the Chief Guest Shri Om Birla, Hon’ble Speaker of
the Lok Sabha and the Guest of Honour, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Hon’ble Minister
of State for Law & Justice (Independent Charge), Government of India. Other
distinguished luminaries included Mr. Tushar Mehta, Solicitor General of India
and Mr. Naveen Jindal, Chancellor, O.P. Jindal Global University and Member of
Parliament.
The three
Master’s Degree Programmes are:
•
M.A. in Legislative Drafting
•
M.A. in Electoral Analysis & Management
•
M.A. in Political Communication
Designed as
intensive one-year programmes, the three M.A. degrees respond to the growing
demand for professionally trained experts capable of engaging with the complex
realities of contemporary democracy—ranging from election administration and
political campaigns to strategic communication and high-quality law-making.
In the
Inaugural Address, the Chief Guest, Shri Om Birla, Hon’ble Speaker of the Lok
Sabha said, “In
today's democratic age, when we are the world's largest democracy, and looking
at the current needs and those of the future, these master's degree courses
will improve our democracy. The courses will help prepare young people who will
give a new direction to the political, democratic, technological and literacy
aspects of our country. They will improve our economic systems and give a new
direction to people's participation in democracy. Since 1952, eighteen Lok
Sabha elections have been held and India is the only democratic country where
elections are held in a transparent manner. Our future generation will study
Electoral Analysis & Management and do new research. The more our youth
study this subject, the more they will innovate and active participation in
democracy will also increase. Multicultural communication is necessary today.
The Indian Parliament has also used AI technology to increase the proximity of
the people and the legislators. These courses will prepare the future
generation in a way that their participation will strengthen democratic
institutions, democratic processes and judicial systems.”
In his
Presidential Address, The Guest of Honour, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Hon’ble
Minister of State for Law & Justice (Independent Charge), Government of
India, “The launch of
advanced degree programmes in Legislative Practice, Electoral Analysis and
Management, and Political Communication by O.P. Jindal Global University is a
landmark achievement. In legislative language even a single word can carry
different meanings. Every word in the Constitution has meaning; every concept
has significance. Legislative drafting is extremely important: when any
Ministry prepares a Bill, it is sent for legal vetting and careful drafting.
There is a full institutional mechanism in place to ensure clarity and
precision. Through these courses, JGU students will gain a better understanding
of legislative drafting and governance. This knowledge will benefit society at
large.”
Mr. R.
Venkataramani, Attorney General for India lauded the new courses in a special
message and said, “I
hope these courses attract the brightest talent and they turn out as immaculate
resources for the society. A full-fledged course in legislative drafting is
long overdue. JGU is looking to create talents who can make more credible
communication in political connectivity. We look forward to an exciting journey
in this field of education.”
“It is indeed
a privilege to be a part of this gathering today,” said Mr. Tushar Mehta,
Solicitor General of India. “One of the most ignored subjects in law is
legislative drafting. JGU must be the first-ever institution which offers a
postgraduate course in legislative drafting and this is important because what
we are lacking as a nation is good legislative drafting. Now, we will have able
and committed professionals who are trained in the art of drafting legislation.
Often, we do not consider legislative drafting to be something that can be
taught. But it is a science in itself!
Mr. Naveen
Jindal, the Founding Chancellor of O.P. Jindal Global University and Member of
Parliament, said that
the new courses launched by JGU will help strengthen India's democratic process
and enable young people to pursue three unique programmes for electoral
analysis and legislative drafting at JGU.
In his
Welcome Address, the Founding Vice Chancellor, Prof. (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, O.P.
Jindal Global University said,
“Today we are launching three important academic initiatives and each has a
particular purpose and meaning. Uncertainty and unpredictability in legislative
drafting stage create obvious interventions by courts which may not necessarily
be the best way to approach the very idea of justice. At a time when the faith
in democratic institutions and processes in many countries around the world,
including developed countries, is being questioned and challenged, these new
courses will strengthen the political and legislative process. We need be part
of democratic conversations, creating knowledge, contributing to research and
engaging with civil society as well. Beyond academic training, these programmes
are designed to significantly enhance students’ employability by integrating
hands-on and immersive learning, mentorship from experienced practitioners, and
exposure to real-world policy and governance environments. Through internships,
live projects, simulations, and interaction with policymakers and communication
professionals, students will graduate with practical skills, professional
networks, and domain expertise that are highly valued across government
institutions, political organisations, consulting firms, media houses,
regulatory authorities, and international organisations.”
Introducing
Master’s Degree Programmes, Prof. (Dr.) Upasana Mahanta Dean, Admissions &
Outreach O.P. Jindal Global University said that together, the three programmes reflect JGU’s
commitment to interdisciplinary, practice-oriented education that bridges
academia and real-world governance challenges, while fostering ethical
leadership and democratic values.
The M.A.
in Electoral Analysis & Management (EAM) focuses on the theory and practice of elections, covering
electoral systems, voter behaviour, campaign strategy, election administration,
data analytics, and democratic ethics. The programme prepares graduates for
roles in election management bodies, political parties, campaign organisations,
policy institutions and civil society.
The M.A.
in Political Communication
examines the relationship between politics, media, technology and public
opinion. Combining political theory with communication studies, digital
strategy, campaign simulations, and practitioner-led learning, the programme
equips students to design, analyse, and manage political messaging across
traditional and digital platforms.
The M.A.
in Legislative Drafting
offers specialised training in the drafting of laws and regulations, statutory
interpretation, constitutional principles and policy design. The programme aims
to professionalise legislative drafting by integrating legal precision,
plain-language drafting and comparative best practices, preparing graduates for
careers in legislatures, government departments, regulatory bodies and policy
research.
The Vote of
Thanks was given by Prof. Dabiru Sridhar Patnaik, Registrar O.P. Jindal Global
University.