The Centre for Financial Accountability (CFA) has announced applications for the 9th Smitu Kothari Fellowship 2026, inviting young writers, researchers, journalists, and visual storytellers across India to examine the financial forces shaping the country’s rapidly evolving urban landscape.
Now in its ninth year, the fellowship continues its mission of supporting critical, evidence-based storytelling on issues of financial accountability, democratic governance, environmental justice, and social equity. Inspired by the legacy of renowned environmentalist and scholar-activist Smitu Kothari, the programme encourages participants to challenge conventional narratives around development and investigate how finance influences people’s lives, livelihoods, and access to essential services.
Applications are open until 25 July 2026.
About the Smitu Kothari Fellowship
Launched in 2018, the Smitu Kothari Fellowship has provided emerging researchers and storytellers with opportunities to produce investigative work that explores the relationship between finance, governance, and social justice.
The 2026 edition focuses on the theme “Cities, Finance & the People,” reflecting the growing influence of public and private finance on India’s urban transformation.
As cities continue to expand through infrastructure investments, housing developments, and technological innovations, the fellowship seeks to answer critical questions:
- Who benefits from urban growth?
- Who bears the social and environmental costs?
- Which communities remain excluded from development?
Through in-depth research and compelling storytelling, fellows will contribute to public understanding of the financial systems shaping India’s cities.
Fellowship Theme: Cities, Finance & the People
Participants are encouraged to investigate how financial mechanisms influence urban governance, infrastructure, housing, climate resilience, public services, and livelihoods.
The fellowship welcomes proposals that highlight voices and experiences often overlooked in mainstream discussions on urban development.
Key Research Areas
Applicants may explore a wide range of topics, including:
Urban Finance and City Budgets
Potential areas include:
- Municipal finance
- City budgeting and fiscal priorities
- Infrastructure financing
- Municipal debt
- Smart city financing models
Housing and Urban Displacement
Research topics may examine:
- Real estate financing
- Housing affordability
- Forced evictions
- Urban resettlement
- Informal settlements
- Land rights
Urban Commons and Inclusive Cities
Applicants can investigate issues relating to:
- Public transport
- Water resources
- Parks and public spaces
- Urban governance
- Equity in service delivery
- Inclusive urbanisation
Informal Economy
Possible focus areas include:
- Street vendors
- Gig economy workers
- Informal labour markets
- Financial inclusion
- Access to insurance and credit
- Urban policy impacts
Climate, Risk and Urban Inequality
Research proposals may cover:
- Urban flooding
- Drainage failures
- Heat stress
- Coastal vulnerability
- Climate finance
- Climate adaptation
- Environmental justice
Digital Cities
Topics may include:
- Surveillance technologies
- Data governance
- Fintech solutions
- Digital public services
- Privacy rights
- Digital exclusion
Infrastructure Accountability
Applicants may investigate:
- Infrastructure failures
- Public procurement
- Construction quality
- Contract management
- Cost overruns
- Public accountability
Urban Governance
Suggested themes include:
- The Right to the City
- Citizen participation
- Local governance
- Urban decentralisation
- Financial transparency
- Governance reforms
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows will receive:
- A fellowship grant of ₹20,000
- Two months of structured mentorship
- Editorial guidance from experienced journalists and sector experts
- Opportunities to publish investigative work
- A platform to present research findings to the Centre for Financial Accountability
The fellowship will begin in August 2026 and run for two months.
Mentorship
Participants will receive mentorship from Rakesh Dewan, Senior Journalist and Editor of Sarvodaya Press Service, who has previously held senior editorial positions at Dainik Bhaskar, Tehelka, and other leading publications.
In addition, fellows will benefit from thematic guidance provided by sector-specific experts throughout the programme.
Eligibility Criteria
The fellowship is open to:
- Indian citizens below the age of 40 years
- Writers working in English or any Indian language
- Journalists
- Researchers
- Independent writers
- Visual storytellers
The Centre particularly encourages applications from:
- Women
- Dalit communities
- Muslim communities
- Other disadvantaged groups
- Regional language writers and researchers
Application Requirements
Applicants are required to submit their applications through the official online application form.
Each application should include a research proposal or story idea outlining:
- Tentative title
- Research focus
- Key questions to be explored
- Proposed storytelling approach
Applicants wishing to submit multiple proposals may complete the application form more than once.
Fellowship Deliverables
Selected fellows will be expected to produce one of the following:
- A comprehensive analytical article of 1,000–1,500 words, or
- A photo essay, or
- A short documentary based on the approved proposal
In addition, fellows will:
- Seek publication of their work in mainstream media after receiving CFA approval
- Present their findings to the Centre upon completion of the fellowship
Authors will retain copyright ownership of their work, while CFA reserves the right to publish and translate the material with appropriate attribution.
Important Dates
Prospective applicants should note the following timeline:
- Application deadline: 25 July 2026
- Selection announcement: 5 August 2026
- Submission of final work: 15 October 2026
- Publication deadline: By 30 November 2026
Why Apply?
The Smitu Kothari Fellowship provides an excellent platform for emerging journalists, writers, and researchers to investigate pressing issues affecting India’s cities while strengthening their investigative, analytical, and storytelling skills.
Beyond financial support, participants gain expert mentorship, publication opportunities, and the chance to contribute meaningful public discourse on urban governance, financial accountability, environmental justice, and inclusive development.
Young professionals committed to producing impactful public-interest journalism and research are encouraged to submit their applications before the 25 July 2026 deadline.
VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY
