Rajas Kolhatkar

Project Associate, JJM Odisha

Rajas brings a strong commitment to social equity and inclusive development, shaped by his experiences growing up in Pune and Mumbai, where he witnessed how unequal access to essential services reinforces structural divides.

With a background in economics and development studies, he combines analytical depth with a strong interest in state capacity, last-mile delivery, and inclusive governance. His academic work focused on access to water, examining how policy, politics, and local governance shape people’s everyday experiences of the state.

As a LAMP Fellow, Rajas worked in one of the country’s leading political offices, contributing to policy research, parliamentary interventions and legislative strategy. This experience deepened his understanding of how political intent needs to be matched by strong implementation frameworks and sustained engagement with diverse stakeholders.

Rajas also enjoys teaching and sees it as a way to make ideas more accessible while continuing to learn through dialogue. Debating played an important role in shaping how he approaches questions critically, with clarity and curiosity. He also enjoys travelling, especially to places that offer a shift in pace and perspective.

He approaches challenges with the belief that every learning curve can be navigated, and hopes to do his part in building a more grounded, inclusive, and effective governance ecosystem in India.