Public policy isn’t just about documents, debates, or big reports. It’s about people. About finding what’s broken and working with governments, nonprofits, and communities to fix it. And sometimes, it’s these behind-the-scenes efforts that create real change.
If you’ve ever wondered what public policy consulting looks like in practice, here are five real projects that had a serious impact on lives, neighborhoods, and futures. Some made headlines. Others didn’t. But each one mattered.
At Rebounce Careers, we’re constantly helping people step into roles that involve this kind of work. Whether through policy design, field research, data analysis, or strategy, our fellows and learners work on projects like these every day.
1. The Aspirational Districts Programme – NITI Aayog
This was one of India’s boldest attempts to tackle inequality at the district level. Launched in 2018, it targeted 112 of the country’s most underdeveloped districts. Public policy consultants worked with government officers to improve health, education, agriculture, and more.
They set up real-time dashboards. Built data tracking systems. Identified gaps that were invisible before. And through performance-based competition between districts, change happened faster than expected.
One example? In Kupwara, Jammu and Kashmir, policy consultants helped redesign Anganwadi services. Child nutrition levels improved within months. This wasn’t a policy idea sitting in Delhi—it was people on the ground figuring things out, one step at a time.
2. Delhi’s Switch to Electric Buses
Pollution in Delhi was out of control. The government had tried everything. But in 2021, something finally moved—electric buses.
This wasn’t just a transport project. It needed coordination between ministries, funding agencies, OEMs, and public opinion. Public policy consulting firms worked with Delhi’s transport department to plan routes, charging infrastructure, vendor contracts, and more.
They also shaped the communication strategy—why clean buses matter, how they affect public health, and what it means for the average commuter.
Today, hundreds of electric buses run across Delhi. And the policy model is being replicated by other states, too.
3. Swachh Bharat Mission – Behavior Change That Worked
You’ve seen the ads. You’ve seen the toilets. But here’s what most people miss—building toilets is easy. Getting people to use them is the hard part.
That’s where public policy consulting teams stepped in. Especially in places like Bihar, Rajasthan, and Odisha.
These consultants created local campaigns using behavioral science. They trained block officers and village heads. They used data to identify where people were slipping back into old habits. And they kept things local—no jargon, no preaching. Just results.
The result? More than 10 crore toilets built. But more importantly, a shift in behavior across rural India.
4. The Mohalla Clinics Model in Delhi
Healthcare in cities usually favors the rich. Fancy hospitals, expensive clinics. But in 2015, Delhi did something new—Mohalla Clinics.
These were free clinics in low-income neighborhoods. No appointments. No long waits. Just basic care, close to home.
Policy consultants helped structure everything—from budget planning and land use permissions to data collection and patient feedback loops. They also worked on scaling the model and preparing reports for replication in other states.
By 2023, over 500 Mohalla Clinics were active. And states like Punjab and Tamil Nadu have started planning similar models.
5. Millet Inclusion in Mid-Day Meals – Karnataka & Odisha
Malnutrition is a silent crisis. But the solution isn’t always more rice and wheat. In Karnataka and Odisha, public policy consultants worked with state officials to reintroduce millets—ragi, bajra, jowar—into school meals.
They coordinated with farmers, local mills, nutritionists, and schools. They ensured the supply chain didn’t break. They got feedback from kids and parents. And most of all, they made sure it was affordable.
The results? Better nutrition scores. Happier students. And a big boost to millet farming across tribal regions.
Want to work on things like this?
If these stories make you want to be part of the action, not just read about it, then you’re not alone.
At Rebounce Careers, we’ve created the Applied Public Policy Lab for exactly this reason. It’s a 6-month, project-based learning program. You don’t just learn policy theory. You work on actual problems. You build real-world skills.
From research to writing to strategy—you’ll do what public policy consultants do. You’ll get guidance, feedback, and support from people who’ve worked in think tanks, government projects, and consulting firms.
And by the end, you won’t just have a certificate. You’ll have proof. A portfolio. Confidence. And connections.
Public policy consulting isn’t about PowerPoint and papers. It’s about listening to people. Testing ideas. Adjusting fast. Making something better than it was yesterday.
So if you’re ready to stop spectating and start building, come join us.