Empowering Local Governance: IIM Jammu and Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Govt. of India inaugurate five-day MDP for Elected Representatives and Functionaries of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)

By India Education Diary Bureau Admin On Sep 10, 2024

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.

The inaugural ceremony commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp, symbolizing the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom. Present on the occasion was Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean Academics and Program Director, IIM Jammu. Dr. Sarbjit Singh, Program Director, IIM Jammu proposed the vote of thanks.

During the inaugural session at IIM Jammu, 32 participants from 11 states and UTs introduced themselves and discussed challenges in governance, their expectations from the MDP, and their hopes for enhancing their learning and skills through this 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.