Jammu: The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu, in collaboration with the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Government of India, here on Friday successfully concluded the five-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). T
he program, held from September 9 to 13, 2024, at IIM Jammu Jagti Campus, saw active participation from 32 delegates representing 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 valedictory ceremony was graced by Shri Vikas Anand, Joint Secretary, Capacity Building, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Govt. of India, Shri Vipul Ujwal, Director, Capacity Building, IIM Jammu, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Govt. of India on online mode. Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, graced the occasion. Present on the occasion were Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean Academics, IIM Jammu and Program Director, IIM Jammu and Dr. Sarbjit Singh, Program Director, IIM Jammu. Vikas Anand, Joint Secretary, Capacity Building, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Govt. of India joining on online mode, during the valedictory ceremony invited the feedback from the participants from various states and UTs of India and engaged with them.
He also spoke about the conceptualization of the program by him a year ago and emphasized on liquid waste management. He also commended the integration of AI in the knowledge filled five-day program expressing hope that it sparked curiosity among participants. He extended his gratitude to IIM Jammu and acknowledged the support of Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu for conducting this program in a grand way. Vipul Ujwal, Director, Capacity Building, IIM Jammu, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Govt. of India, emphasized the importance of bringing professionalism to Panchayati Raj by collaborating with institutions of eminence like IIM Jammu. He highlighted the program’s journey, noting that it aims to impart professional management tools and a new perspective to participants. He drew an analogy with Lord Buddha, explaining that just as Siddhartha became Buddha through a change in perspective, the program seeks to instill a similar shift in how participants approach their work. The goal is to ignite curiosity, foster excellence, and encourage a fresh outlook after years of service. Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, commended the participants for their commitment and active involvement in the program, noting their diverse backgrounds and eagerness to learn. He emphasized the importance of leadership, innovation, and community engagement in achieving the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047,’ with a focus on the principle of ‘Nation First’ in all initiatives. He highlighted IIM Jammu’s five Centres of Excellence, including the Centre for Small Business Development, and reiterated the institute’s commitment to working closely with the Ministry of Panchayati Raj to empower local governance. He encouraged participants to apply the insights gained in their Panchayats and continue their leadership journey with the knowledge and skills acquired. Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean Academics, IIM Jammu, expressed satisfaction with the participant’s eagerness and zeal to learn and excel. He highlighted that IIM Jammu’s training module included insights from ministry data and CSR activities, with feedback used to improve grassroots governance learning, further demonstrated through a field visit to Palli Panchayat, Jammu.
Dr. Sarabjit Singh, Program Director, IIM Jammu, highlighted the emphasis on peer learning within the classroom, where a mix of experienced individuals is brought together to enhance discussions. He also welcomed participants to share insights and continue their learning through WhatsApp discussions after the training program. Participants engaged in a rigorous curriculum that included expert-led sessions, case studies, and interactive discussions on leadership, resource mobilization, rural innovation, project management, and the integration of AI in governance. The program fostered a spirit of collaborative governance, with participants sharing diverse perspectives and best practices.
During the valedictory session, participants reflected on their experiences, discussing the challenges they face in grassroots governance and the strategies they plan to implement. The program’s actionable takeaways are expected to empower the participants to enhance service delivery and improve the quality of life in their rural communities. The ceremony concluded with the distribution of certificates to the participants, symbolizing their commitment to applying the skills and knowledge gained during the program to their Panchayats. The event culminated with the national anthem.
