JAMMU: The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu inaugurated the Leadership/Management Development Program for Elected Representatives and Officials of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) of Jammu & Kashmir. The three-day program, held from July 15 to 17, 2024, aims to equip participants with advanced management and leadership skills essential for effective governance and administration.
The inaugural ceremony, held at the Aryabhatta Classroom, Ground Floor, Academic Block, commenced with the lighting of the inaugural lamp at 9:00 AM, symbolizing the dispelling of ignorance and the ushering in of knowledge and wisdom. Participants formally introduced themselves, fostering a sense of community and collaboration among the attendees
Dr. Manu Bansal, the Program Director, IIM Jammu delivered the welcome address and provided an overview of the program, highlighting its objectives and expected outcomes. Dr. Ateeque Shaikh, Chairperson, Executive Education and Consultancy (EE &C), IIM Jammu stated that their training programs are designed to be uniquely impactful, focusing on essential aspects such as village planning, development, and resource mobilization. He emphasized that these modules are not just theoretical; they provide practical knowledge that can be directly applied to improve rural communities.
Shri Sham Lal, Director, Panchayati Raj, J&K, mentioned that addressing the field challenges in rural development and Panchayati Raj is imperative. He highlighted the need to unite and work diligently to achieve significant progress in villages over the next 20-30 years. He firmly believes that programs like this are pivotal in bringing closer to development goals by equipping participants with the right knowledge.
Shri Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, IAS, Secretary, Department of Rural Development and Local Self Government, J&K, (Joined Online) noted that data and analytics play a crucial role in formulating effective policies and facilitating informed decision-making. He also stressed the importance of financial management and project management. He commended the experienced faculty at IIM Jammu for their readiness to assist in mastering these vital skills. He also shared his insights on the critical role of PRIs in grassroots governance and the importance of effective leadership.
Present on the occasion was Ms. Sheetal Pandita, Deputy Secretary to Govt J & K was also present on the occasion. The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Vedika Saxena, Program Director, IIM Jammu. The ceremony concluded with the national anthem, fostering a sense of patriotism and unity among all attendees.
IIM Jammu remains committed to its vision of nurturing leadership and fostering excellence in management education. The Leadership/Management Development Program for Elected Representatives and Officials of PRIs of J&K is a testament to the institute's dedication to contributing to the socio-economic development of the region through capacity building and knowledge dissemination.
