Cover Letter

Feb 7, 2011

Subject: Enquiry about Research Assistant position after completion of M.Sc. in Habitat Policy and Practice

Dear Sir;

Via online research of the placement cell of our institute I learned about your institute/organisation. Next
March 2011, I will complete my masters of science in Habitat Policy and Practice. From my research on your
web site, I believe there would be a good fit between my skills and interests and your needs. I am interested
in a Research Assistant position upon completion of my degree.

As a post graduate student, I am one of four members on an urban water development team in which we are
writing reports about the accessibility, affordability, equity and financing of urban water projects. My
responsibilities include understanding of investment risks in urban water financing by interacting with
prospective investors, developmental Institutions, Banks, Credit Rating Agencies, Consultants and Parastatal
Agencies involved in Urban Water Projects. I have a strong background in working with MS Office,
Electronics and Telecom engineering, Market research (both qualitative and quantitative), poverty and
urbanization programmes, labour laws and regulation, Climate Change, Urban & Rural Environment, Water
Supply and Sanitation reforms, Watershed, Forestry & Livelihood, Wildlife conservation and believe that
these skills would benefit the designing, formulating, operating and evaluating aspects of a developmental
project. I am very much strong and conversant with the Independent Regulatory Act of Maharashtra and
Uttar Pradesh on water. Enclosed is my resume with further background information.

The syllabus that I have studied in my master’s course is given below.

Syllabus

Semester I Semester III

1.  Understanding Society 1. Sustainable Development and Climate Change

2.  Introduction to Basic Economics
3.  Development Experience, Social
Conflict and Change
4.  Sociological Perspectives on Urban and
Regional Development
5.  Public Policy and Governance: Theory,
Analysis and Advocacy
6.  Ecology and Urban Environment
7.  Basic Technical Capabilities of Habitat
Professionals
8.  Urban Livelihood and Housing – I
9.  Habitat Planning: Theory and Practice
10.  Communication
11.  Quantitative Research Methods
12.  Practical Field Work — Exposure Visit
2. Political Economy of Urbanisation in the South
3. Social Sector Issues in Cities
4. Urban Water and Sanitation and Solid Waste –
II
5. Community Group Work
6. Introduction to GIS
7. Advanced Econo-Financial Analysis
8. Analysis of Legal Instruments
9. Analysis of Macro Data
10. Policy Practicum
11. Purposive Field Visits
12. Concentration Work – I
13. Concentration Work – II

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 Semester II
Semester IV

1. Perspectives on Space
1. Concentration Areas (Project/Dissertation)
2. Qualitative Research Methods
1. Urban Water System
3. Urban Economics and Urban Finance 
2.  Urban Housing 
4. Urban Transport and Infrastructure:
3.  Livelihood/ Planning
Policies and Practices
2. Seminar: Contemporary Issues and Topics in
5. Public Finance
Habitat Sector
6. Urban Livelihood and Housing – II
3. Elective 
7. Urban Water and Sanitation and Solid
1. Disaster Risk Reduction and
Waste – I
Development Planning
8. Urban Governance in India: Policies
2. Urban and Regional Development
and Practices
3. Perspectives on Science Technology
9. Planning Studio – I
and Society
10. Comprehensive Assessments of Projects
4. Project Management
11. Group Field Work
5. Policy Assignment
12. Summer Internship

My areas of interest also include Public Policy and Governance, Healthcare, City Planning, Technology and
Innovation, Urban Infrastructure and Finance, Project Appraisal and Cost Estimation, poverty alleviation and
sustainable development of urban housings.

Along with the strong theoretical, practical and analytical skill on every aspect of water, affordable housing
and planning sectors in India, I am a good communicator, smart worker and a great team member. During my
internships and field visit with various organizations I am always liked by the organization for my dedication
and the leadership qualities I possessed. As a wonderful team member, I take forward the performance of all
my team members. I motivate and cheer them up.

My qualifications equip me to make a contribution to the project areas in which your division of
Institution/Organization is expanding efforts. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss a position with
you, and will contact you in a week or ten days to answer any questions you may have and to see if you need
any other information from me. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Lalit Chakma
Tata Institute of Social Sciences
V.N Purav Marg, Deonar, Mumbai
9323551827
lchakma7@yahoo.com
Resume attached as MS Word document

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