Catalyzing excellence in governance: IIM Jammu inaugurates Capacity Building Program for Finance and Planning Officials of Govt. of J&K (Batch-4) under CITaG at SKUAST Kashmir, Srinagar

SRINAGAR: The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu under the leadership of Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu inaugurated the Capacity Building Program (Batch-4) for Finance and Planning & Monitoring Department officials of the Government of Jammu and Kashmir on 10th June 2025. The inaugural ceremony took place at the Vice Chancellor’s Conference Hall, SKUAST Kashmir, Srinagar.

This program is conducted under the aegis of the Centre for Innovation and Transformation in Governance (CITaG) — a visionary initiative of the Planning, Development & Monitoring Department, Government of J&K. CITaG integrates multiple national and state-level frameworks including the State Institute of Transformation (NITI Aayog, GoI), the PPP Cell (funded by the Department of Economic Affairs, GoI), and the Future Ready Governance initiative of the UT Government. IIM Jammu serves as the Nodal Knowledge Partner and implementing body for CITaG, driving its mission to catalyse innovation-led governance and transformational change across the region.

The ceremony began with the traditional lighting of the lamp, symbolizing the pursuit of knowledge and commitment to excellence in governance. Shri Talat Parvez Rohella, IAS, Secretary, Planning Development and Monitoring Department, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, and Shri Madan Gopal Sharma, Director, Planning, Government of Jammu and Kashmir (attending virtually), presided over the inaugural ceremony. The event was graced by the presence of Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Kashmir.

The Capacity Building Program features 94 participants from officials of the Finance and Planning & Monitoring Department of the Government of Jammu and Kashmir. Also present on the occasion were Dr. Sanjay Pathak, Chairperson, Executive Education & Consultancy (joining virtually), along with Program Directors Prof. Ravij Seth, Dr. GuangpuanangKahmei, and Dr. Garima Maurya. Dr. Kapil Gumte and Dr. Chinmaya Kumar Swain are also serving as Program Directors for the training program under CITaG.

In his address, Shri Talat Parvez Rohella, IAS, Secretary, Planning and Monitoring Department, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, emphasized the importance of the collaborative governance initiative Future Ready Governance, led by the State Institute of Transformation with IIM Jammu as the Nodal Knowledge Partner. He highlighted the role of CITaG in driving the government's vision of a developed Jammu and Kashmir through data-driven decision-making, AI integration, and innovative governance practices. He noted that the training equips officials with advanced IT tools, governance models, and real-world case studies, aimed at strengthening institutional capacity. He also underlined the value of leveraging IIM Jammu’s academic excellence and mentorship in executing the CITaG project to build a robust, transformative governance ecosystem in the region.

Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Kashmir, welcomed all participants and emphasized the need for Jammu and Kashmir to transition from a primarily agrarian economy to a diversified, innovation-driven one. Referring to the long absence of tourism in the region, he underscored the importance of moving from primary to secondary agriculture to boost per capita income. He highlighted the role of capacity-building programs in preparing officers to actively contribute to India’s vision of becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047. Stressing the importance of critical thinking and purposeful participation, he encouraged self-reflection among officials through structured assessments. He also outlined SKUAST-Kashmir’s innovation-led progress and lauded Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, for establishing the institute’s permanent campus in record time—calling it a model of visionary leadership and efficient execution.

Shri Madan Gopal Sharma, Director, Planning, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, expressed his pleasure in joining the inaugural session of the fourth batch under the collaborative initiative with IIM Jammu. Acknowledging the successful completion of training for previous batches, he urged current participants to attend all sessions, actively engage, and contribute innovative ideas—especially in areas such as PPP models, revenue generation, and emerging technologies like AI and machine learning. He extended his gratitude to IIM Jammu for its pivotal role in training officials from the Finance and Planning & Monitoring Department through this impactful program.

Prof. Sanjay Pathak, Chairperson, Executive Education and Consultancy, IIM Jammu, welcomed all participants and expressed his privilege in being part of the program. He emphasized the significance of the three-day learning experience and encouraged participants to apply the financial and strategic insights gained to strengthen governance and contribute towards making Jammu and Kashmir a leading Union Territory in the country.

Prof. Ravij Seth, Program Director, Capacity Building Program for Finance and Planning Officials under CITaG, delivered the inaugural address, outlining the program’s objectives, structure, and expected outcomes. He emphasized the need to enhance strategic and analytical capabilities among officials across all districts of Jammu & Kashmir and encouraged active participation. He also shared an overview of CITaG’s mission to promote innovation and drive transformative governance in the region.

Dr. Garima Maurya, Program Director, Capacity Building Program for Finance and Planning Officials under CITaG, extended a warm welcome to all participants of the fourth batch. She set the tone for the three-day program by expressing optimism about the enriching insights and meaningful discussions that would unfold throughout the sessions.

An audio-visual presentation showcasing IIM Jammu’s history, achievements, and contributions to nation-building provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of the institute's journey and impact.

The session featured participant introductions, followed by a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. GuangpuanangKahmei, Program Director, Capacity Building Program under CITaG. The ceremony culminated with the National Anthem, marking a dignified start to the week-long training initiative.The Centre for Innovation and Transformation in Governance (CITaG) at IIM Jammu remains a pioneering initiative aimed at catalyzing transformative change in governance. Through focused efforts in capacity building, public-private partnerships, and future-ready governance frameworks, CITaG aspires to position Jammu and Kashmir among the most progressive and high-performing regions in the nation.