Leadership and Management Development Programme commences at SoB, Central University of Jammu

JAMMU:  Director, Department of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Government of Jammu and Kashmir Mr. Sham Lal and Ms. Sheetal Pandita  Deputy Secretary, RD & PR inaugurated residential training programme under Leadership/ Management Development Programme for Elected Representatives and Functionaries of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)  organised by the School of Business Studies, Central University of Jammu under the patronage and mentorship of Prof. Sanjeev Jain, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Central University of Jammu and Mr Mohammad Aijaz Asad, IAS, Secretary to the Government of Jammu and Kashmir, Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

This programme is aimed to enhance the leadership and management capacity at grassroot level where elected representatives and functionaries of Panchayati Raj Institutions, including DDCs/ ACD and ACPs are being trained on various institutional and functional issues and thematic issues of Sustainable Development Goals.  With a view to enhance the leadership capacity at the grassroots and to give an impetus to the strengthening and capacity building of Panchayati Raj Institutions across the UT of J&K, Department of RD & PR has conceptualized a programme for leadership development among the Panchayat Leaders who are leading the change at the grassroots level under the supervision of Secretary, Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, UT of J&K Sh. Md. Aijaz Asad, IAS, for infusing professional leadership skills. Under this initiative the Department of RD & PR in collaboration with SBS, CUJ is organising a Programme for beneficiaries for developing leadership skills among the Panchayati Raj representatives for better and informed decision making and governance.

Speaking on the occasion Prof. Jaya Bhasin, Dean, School of Business Studies informed the august gathering that the programme aims to equip the attendees with leadership and managerial skills for effective utilization of resources and functioning of Panchayati Raj Institutions.  The programme has been meticulously designed under the mentorship of the Secretary, RDD and PR which encompasses various modules covering Leadership and Teamwork, Financial Management and Panchayat Finances, Effective Communication, Project Management and Monitoring, Digital Transformation, ICT, and more. 

Under the dynamic leadership of the Secretary, RDD and PR, the Department is set to usher in a new era of grassroots governance by prioritizing the training, handholding and equipping of Panchayat representatives. Recognizing the pivotal role these grassroots leaders play in local governance, RD & PR aims to elevate their capabilities to compete with the highest standards of public service delivery.  Panchayats are the bedrock of our democratic system, serving as the primary interface between citizens and the government.

The training modules will cover a wide array of topics, including effective leadership, financial management, community engagement, digital literacy, sustainable development – instilling leadership qualities to inspire and guide communities towards achieving Localized Sustainable Development Goals (LSDGs). By investing in the development of panchayat representatives and functionaries, the RD & PR envisions a ripple effect that will positively impact communities across the UT of JK. The ultimate goal is to create a cadre of grassroots leaders who not only meet but exceed the highest standards of public service, driving positive change at the grassroots level.

Speaking on the occasion Director, RDD and PR Sh Sham Lal highlighted the importance of capacity building endeavours in government functionaries and elected representatives are deemed necessary because of the importance of service delivery and service quality in recent times. He talked about Creativity and Open Innovation for Village Development citing local success stories.  The keynote address was delivered by Sh B R Sharam, IAS, Former Chief Secretary, JK Govt. and Chairman IIPA, Jammu Chapter.

Three sessions were conducted during the day by Ms. Chitrakshi Vij, eminent personality development trainer, Prof. Dipanker Sen Gupta, Senior Professor from University of Jammu and Dr. Asif Ali. The MDP organising team comprises Prof. Jaya Bhasin, Dr. Neelika Arora, Dr. Shahid Mushtaq and Dr. Asif Ali faculty members from School of Business Studies.  Earlier Prof. Jaya Bhasin welcomed the gathering and briefed about the agenda for next three days and Dr. Asif Ali proposed formal vote of thanks. Dr Shahid Mushtaq conducted the proceeding of the programme and Ms. Riya Gandotra and Mr. Jatin Bhagat coordinated the registration desk.