Empowering Local Governance: IIM Jammu and Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Govt. of India Hosts valedictory ceremony of 5-day Residential Management Development Program for elected representatives and officials of PRIs

JAMMU: The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu concluded the 5-day Residential Management Development Program (MDP) for Elected Representatives and Officials of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) at the Vedanta MDP Centre, IIM Jammu on 08^th Aug 2025. The program, held from 4th to 8th August 2025, consisted of 24 participants aimed at enhancing leadership, governance, and administrative capabilities of PRI members and officials, enabling them to deliver more effectively at the grassroots level.

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.

Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, joining online in his address, invited participants to share their reflections on the programme, appreciating their enthusiastic participation. He credited the success of the programme to the relentless efforts of the faculty and the participants. He highlighted that the vision of Shri Narendra Modi, The Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, is to strengthen the Panchayati Raj system and emphasised the need to improve services so that elected PRIs are well-informed and empowered.Expressing his appreciation for the use of AI during the programme, he noted its representation from various states and UTs and encouraged exploring ways to utilise it beyond classroom learning.

He expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Government of India, for their support and suggested a vertical integration programme from the village to the district level, stressing that the journey towards a Viksit Bharat will remain incomplete until the rural India themselves progress. He called upon everyone to join the clarion movement of Viksit Bharat 2047 with full commitment and dedication.

Shri Sham Lal, JKAS, Director, Department of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, expressed delight at the positive feedback and affirmed that the training will instil renewed vigour and energy in participants. He emphasized that while capacity building has occurred, its real impact must now be visible in local body governance, and he encouraged future collaborations and programmes with IIM Jammu in the campus’s conducive environment.

Prof. Nitin Upadhyay, Dean Academics, IIM Jammu, said the programme marks the foundation of a new journey and thanked the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Government of India, for its support. He assured participants that IIM Jammu will always be there to assist them and encouraged exploring ideas to integrate the Panchayati Raj into a holistic ecosystem tailored to the needs of diverse regions.

Prof. Rajesh Sikka, Co-Chairperson, Executive Education and Consultancy, IIM Jammu, highlighted that the training offered valuable networking opportunities and stressed the need to learn, unlearn, and relearn. He added that empowering PRI representatives with modern management practices would enhance their ability to serve communities effectively.

The valedictory ceremony commenced with a welcome and program report by Dr. Archana Sharma, Program Director, followed by reflections from participants highlighting the program’s relevance in addressing contemporary challenges in local governance.

The ceremony concluded with the distribution of certificates, followed by a vote of thanks by Prof. Sanjay Gupta, Program Director, and culminated with the National Anthem. The program served as a dynamic platform for exchanging ideas, strengthening governance practices, and paving the way for impactful local development initiatives. This MDP marks a significant stride in IIM Jammu’s mission to nurture transformational leaders and empower grassroots institutions, in line with India’s vision for inclusive and sustainable development.