Catalysing excellence in governance: Capacity Building Program for Finance and Planning Officials of Govt of J & K under CITaG inaugurated at IIM Jammu

JAMMU: The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu hosted the inaugural ceremony of the Capacity Building Program (Batch-3) for officials from the Finance and Planning & Monitoring Department, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, at the Vivekananda Classroom, Jagti Campus, on 26th May 2025.The program under the Centre for Innovation and Transformation in Governance (CITaG), is a visionary initiative of the Planning Development & Monitoring Department, Government of J&K.

This center integrates the State Institute of Transformation, NITI Aayog, GoI, the PPP Cell funded by the Department of Economic Affairs, GoI, and the Future Ready Governance initiative of the J&K Government. IIM Jammu serves as the Nodal Knowledge Partner and implementing body for CITaG, guiding its mission to bring transformational change to the region.

The ceremony commenced with a traditional lamp lighting, symbolizing the illumination of knowledge and the commitment to excellence in governance. Shri Talat Parvez Rohella, IAS, Secretary, Planning Development and Monitoring Department, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, and Shri Madan Gopal Sharma, Director, Planning, Govt of Jammu and Kashmir presided over the inaugural ceremony in online mode. The event was graced by Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu.

The training program includes 111 officials from the Finance and Planning & Monitoring Department of Jammu and Kashmir. Present on the occasion were Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean, Faculty and Research; Prof. Nitin Upadhyay, Dean, Academics; Prof. Ravij Seth, Dr. Pradeep K. Tarei, and Dr. Sourav Mondal—all serving as Program DirectorsCapacity Building Program for Finance and Planning Officials under CITaG. Dr. Vivek Mishra and Dr. Prakrit Silal are also the Program Directors for the Capacity Building Program (Batch-3) under CITaG.

In his address, Shri Talat Parvez Rohella, IAS, Secretary, Planning and Monitoring Department, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, emphasized the collaborative governance initiative "Future Ready Governance," led by the State Institute of Transformation with IIM Jammu as the Nodal Knowledge Partner. He stressed the importance of data-driven decision-making and AI integration, with CITaG driving the government’s transformation towards a developed Jammu and Kashmir. He underlined that this training equips officers with advanced IT tools, governance models, and hands-on learning through case studies and real-time projects.

He expressed confidence that the program will strengthen institutional capacity and foster a governance ecosystem that can serve as a role model in driving transformative change in Jammu and Kashmir.

Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, emphasized the role of technology, innovation, and collaboration in driving the development of Jammu and Kashmir. Referring to the recent NITI Aayog meeting chaired by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, he reiterated that national progress stems from the inclusive growth of all regions. He highlighted CITaG’s alignment with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and underscored the importance of public-private partnerships (PPPs), data-driven governance, digital literacy, and transparency under the Future Ready Governance framework. Citing India’s economic rise from a $2 trillion to a $4.187 trillion economy, he urged participants to become change-makers focused on youth empowerment, e-governance, and institutional growth. He commended initiatives like Operation Sindoor and the YUVA Scheme, and acknowledged the support of Shri Atal Dulloo, IAS, Chief Secretary, and Shri Talat Parvez Rohella, IAS, Secretary, Planning and Monitoring Department, Government of J&K, towards CITaG. He encouraged active participation and hands-on, case-based learning from real-time situations to build an empowered, future-ready Jammu and Kashmir that contributes meaningfully to national development.

Shri Madan Gopal Sharma, Director, Planning, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, expressed his pleasure in joining the inaugural session of this collaborative initiative with IIM Jammu. Noting that 200 officials have already completed the training, he encouraged the third batch to make the most of the three-day program. He emphasized the inclusion of new focus areas to ensure the training remains relevant for effective governance.

Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean, Faculty and Research, IIM Jammu, outlined the evolution of CITaG, built on collaboration, transformation, and strategic planning. He highlighted its role in driving economic growth through a Public-Private-Entrepreneurial model and envisioned it as a key governance cell in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. With 200 officials trained and another 200 in progress, he expressed confidence that the three-day training would further strengthen CITaG and foster vibrant campus engagement. He encouraged participants to actively contribute and make the most of this impactful learning opportunity

Prof. Nitin Upadhyay, Dean Academics, IIM Jammu, welcomed participants to the Capacity Building Program, highlighting its role in enhancing process efficiency and economic outcomes in line with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. He outlined IIM Jammu’s academic focus on creating actionable impact and emphasized the need for agility, innovation, and collaboration in modern governance to set new benchmarks.

Prof. Ravij Seth, Program Director, Capacity Building Program for Finance and Planning Officials under CITaG delivered the inaugural address, outlining the program’s objectives, structure, and anticipated outcomes aimed at enhancing the strategic capabilities of participants. He welcomed all attendees to the three-day session, emphasizing the concerted efforts behind the initiative and the valuable learning opportunities it offers.

An audio-visual presentation on the history and achievements of IIM Jammu provided the participants with a comprehensive overview of the institute's journey, milestones, and unwavering commitment to nation-building.

The session also included an introduction of the participants, followed by a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Malay Ranjan Mohapatra, Program Director, Capacity Building Program for Finance and Planning Officials under CITaG. The event culminated with the rendition of the National Anthem, marking a ceremonious beginning to the week-long training initiative.The Centre for Innovation and Transformation in Governance (CITaG) at IIM Jammu stands as a pioneering effort to catalyse positive change and innovation in governance. By focusing on capacity building, fostering public-private partnerships, and developing future-ready governance frameworks, CITaG aims to position Jammu and Kashmir among the top-performing regions across the country.