Empowering Local Governance: IIM Jammu and Ministry of Panchayati Raj inaugurate five-day MDP for Elected Representatives and Functionaries of Panchayati Raj Institutions

JAMMU: The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) inaugurated the 5-day residential Management Development Programme (MDP) aimed at enhancing the leadership, management, and governance skills of Elected Representatives and Functionaries of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). The program organized by Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Govt. of India at IIM Jammu Jagti Campus from September 9 to 13, 2024, is hosting 32 participants from 11 States and Union Territories, including Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, and Jammu & Kashmir.

The inaugural ceremony was graced by Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu. The event was presided over by Ms. Rachna Sharma, JKAS, Secretary, Dept. of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, J&K, along with Shri Sham Lal, JKAS, Director, Panchayati Raj, J&K, and Ms. Kiran Jyoti, Consultant, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Government of India.

The MDP is a pioneering initiative designed to empower PRI leaders—Presidents and Vice Presidents of District Panchayats, Block Panchayat Samitis, and other Panchayat officials—with the knowledge and tools necessary to drive community leadership effectively. The five-day intensive program covers critical topics such as leadership, management and ethics, resource mobilization and convergence, rural innovation, effective project management, and the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in governance.

Ms. Rachna Sharma, JKAS, Secretary, Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, J&K, underscored the pivotal role of Panchayats as the foundation of rural governance in India. She emphasized the importance of effectively tagging assets, managing panchayat finances, and adhering to best practices, highlighting the need for meticulous documentation and adherence to due procedures. She remarked that this program is not merely about acquiring knowledge but also about leading with integrity, inclusivity, and innovation. She stressed that participants should fulfill their responsibilities while actively contributing to the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat.’ The program is designed to provide actionable takeaways that will empower participants to drive substantial and meaningful change in their respective regions, enhancing their ability to lead and manage rural development effectively.

Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, welcomed the participants, emphasizing the need for clear goals and strong networking. He encouraged learning best practices from various states and applying them for regional transformation. Highlighting the importance of bridging the rural-urban divide for ‘Viksit Bharat 2047, He reiterated on IIM Jammu's role as the Nodal Knowledge Partner for the Centre for Innovation and Transformation in Governance (CITaG), established by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir in collaboration with NITI Aayog GoI, PPP Cell-funded by Department of Economic Affairs, Govt. of India. He stressed that this Management Development Program is crucial for creating 'Saksham' Panchayats—capable, financially independent entities for rural development—and urged participants to fully utilize the training opportunity.

Shri Sham Lal, JKAS, Director, Panchayati Raj, J&K, emphasized that strengthening the financial independence of Panchayats is crucial for effectively addressing local needs and driving sustainable rural development.He highlighted that the program would enable Panchayats to manage local resources more effectively, address community needs directly and implement development projects with increased efficiency.

Ms. Kiran Jyoti, Consultant, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Govt. of India expressed her gratitude and enthusiasm for the program. She noted that this is the fifth MDP of the year, co-organized by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj in collaboration with IIMs, focused on enhancing the Leadership, management and communication skills of elected representatives and officials of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) for the holistic development of Panchayats. She encouraged participants to fully engage with the training.

Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean Academics and Program Director, IIM Jammu, emphasized the need to strengthen local governance for 'Viksit Bharat 2047,' highlighting IIM Jammu's collaboration with the Govt. of Jammu and Kashmir and the establishment of CITAG. He encouraged participants to fully engage with the program, designed to enhance leadership and governance in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).

The inaugural ceremony commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp, symbolizing the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom. Dr. Sarbjit Singh, Program Director, extended a warm welcome to the participants, emphasizing the significance of the program in empowering PRI officials to drive change in their respective communities.

During the inaugural session at IIM Jammu, 32 participants from 11 states and UTs introduced themselves and discussed challenges in grassroots governance, their expectations from the MDP, and their hopes for enhancing their learning and skills through the initiative. The program’s curriculum, featuring expert-led sessions, case studies, and interactive discussions, is designed to foster collaborative governance and effective local administration. Participants are expected to return to their communities with enhanced capabilities to deliver better services and improve the quality of life for rural citizens.