Jammu | The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) under the leadership of Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu Monday inaugurated the 5-day residential Management Development Programme (MDP) (Batch-II) 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 Vedanta MDP Classroom, Academic Block from 4th of August to 8th Aug 2025, is hosting 24 participants from states and UTs ranging from Jammu and Kashmir, Leh and Ladakh, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Punjab.
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 was graced by Sham Lal, Director Panchayati Raj; Prof. Nitin Upadhyay, Dean Academics, IIM Jammu; Prof. Sanjeev Pathak, Chairperson, Executive Education and Consultancy, IIM Jammu; Prof. Sanjay Gupta, Program Director, IIM Jammu and Dr. Archana Sharma, Program Director, IIM Jammu.
Sham Lal, Director, Panchayati Raj welcomed participants and expressed his delight in interacting with them. Reflecting on previous successful programs, he emphasized the evolving challenges in scheme implementation and the need for continuous learning and adaptation.
He underscored the importance of cultivating leadership among BDOs and Sarpanches through cross-learning and collaboration. Highlighting the critical role of financial independence for Panchayats, he noted that the program would empower them to manage resources effectively, respond to local needs, and drive sustainable rural development.
Prof. Nitin Upadhyay, Dean Academics, IIM Jammu highlighted the Institute’s journey from 47 to over 1200 students. He emphasized IIM Jammu’s unique positioning, including its unique MBA in healthcare and collaboration with three Institutes ranging from IIT Jammu, AIIMS Jammu of national importance.
Prof. Sanjeev Pathak, Chairperson, Executive Education & Consultancy (EE &C), IIM Jammu, outlined the broader vision of Executive Education and Consultancy, IIM Jammu, emphasizing its relevance beyond corporates to include government officials and personnel from various ministries. He highlighted that the program is designed for impactful learning through peer interaction, enriched by the campus environment and learning beyond classrooms, reinforcing IIM Jammu’s commitment to inclusive and responsive governance.
The welcome address was delivered by Prof. Sanjay Gupta, Program Director, IIM Jammu who provided an overview of the training program, emphasizing its relevance to decentralized governance and rural transformation.
The vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. Archana Sharma, Program Director, IIM Jammu who expressed gratitude to all dignitaries, participants and the organizing team for their support.
