In 2021, a groundbreaking partnership between the Government of Meghalaya and the Indian School of Business (ISB) heralded the inception of a transformative initiative – the ‘Meghalaya Legislative Research Fellowship (MLRF)’. Guiding this ambitious venture are two eminent institutions – the Bharti Institute of Public Policy (BIPP) from ISB and the Meghalaya Institute of Governance (MIG) from the Government of Meghalaya – acting as the driving forces behind the conception and realisation of the fellowship.

This collaborative effort epitomizes the state government's commitment to research driven policy formulation and implementation, ushering in a new era of informed decision-making and effective governance through research and advocacy by empowering the legislators of Meghalaya.

Distinguished by its comprehensive approach, the Meghalaya Legislative Research Fellowship operates as a dynamic two-year program with well-defined objectives:

1. Empowering the Legislative Assembly: To empower the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly by providing its members with a structured, immersive learning experience. The program fosters a deeper understanding of the intricacies underlying policy formulation and implementation by equipping legislators with research-based insights.
2. Research and Data Analysis Support: To provide robust research and data analysis support to the esteemed members of the legislative assembly. This data-driven approach enhances the quality and effectiveness of legislative deliberations, enabling lawmakers to make more informed and impactful decisions.
3. Evidence-Based Policy Insights: To assist the legislators access evidence-based policy insights that are the bedrock of well-informed decision-making. By grounding policy discussions and implementations in empirical research, the program elevates the rigor and effectiveness of governance.
4. Direct Support for Legislative Business: To actively engage with the legislators in the legislative process and offering direct support in crafting pertinent questions, adjournment motions, calling attention notices, and private member bills wherein enhancing the lawmakers' capacity to contribute meaningfully to the legislative agenda.
5. Legislative Capacity Building: To provide capacity building of elected representatives of Meghalaya Legislative Assembly through short term in-person trainings at ISB Mohali and Hyderabad campuses.

This initiative promises to reshape governance in Meghalaya, ushering in a future characterized by well-informed decisions, effective policies, and a more empowered legislative landscape.

The Meghalaya Legislative Research Fellowship (MLRF) program is currently in the second phase of its scheduled cohort of two-years which began in March, 2024 after the successful completion of the first cohort in January, 2024.