The Ministry of Panchayati Raj, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Amritsar, has launched a five-day residential Management Development Programme (MDP) from September 2 to September 6, 2024.
This program is designed for elected representatives and functionaries of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) from ten states: Arunachal Pradesh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir (UT), Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. The training is being conducted at IIM Amritsar.
Objectives of the Programme:
- Strengthening Leadership and Management Skills: The primary goal is to enhance the leadership, management, and governance skills of Panchayat representatives and officials.
- Improving Local Governance: The program aims to improve the ability of Panchayats to deliver better services to rural communities.
- Covering Key Topics: The curriculum includes leadership, management, ethics, rural innovation, Own Source Revenue (OSR), and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
- Interactive Learning: Participants will engage in expert-led sessions, case studies, and interactive discussions to gain the necessary knowledge and tools for effective leadership.
Importance of the Programme:
- Financial Sustainability: A major focus is on increasing Own Source Revenue (OSR), crucial for financial independence and enabling Panchayats to better address local needs.
- Enhanced Governance: By introducing advanced management theories and tools, the program aims to bring corporate-level professionalism to rural governance.
- Rural Development: Strengthening the capabilities of Panchayats will contribute to faster rural development and improved quality of life for rural citizens.
Background: Launched in January 2024, the Leadership/Management Development Programme has received positive feedback and aims to foster effective governance at the grassroots level. It promotes the exchange of best practices among participants and includes continuous involvement of Ministry officials to refine the training framework. The initiative also raises awareness of the Panchayati Raj system among IIM faculty and students, expanding the reach and impact of the MDP.
This program is expected to significantly enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of local governance in India, leading to accelerated rural development and better service delivery in rural areas.
