Management Development Programme on LEAD-ART commences at School of Business Studies, CUJ

Jammu, 1 August 2024:  Director, Department of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Government of Jammu and Kashmir Mr. Sham Lal, Ms. Sheetal Pandita, Deputy Secretary, RD & PR and Prof. Yashwant Singh, Registrar, CUJ inaugurated a residential training programme under leadership/ Management Development Programme for elected representatives and functionaries of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) being organised by School of Business Studies, Central University of Jammu. The programme was organized under the Patronage and mentorship of Prof. Sanjeev Jain, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, CUJ from 1-3 August 2024. This programme aimed to enhance the leadership and management capacity at grassroot level where elected representatives and functionaries of Panchayati Raj Institutions, including Chairpersons /BDOs are being trained on various institutional and functional issues and thematic issues of sustainable development goals.  

With a view to enhance the leadership capacity at the grassroots and to give an impetus to the strengthening and capacity building of Panchayati Raj Institutions across the UT of J&K, Department of RD & PR has conceptualized a programme for leadership development among the panchayat leaders who are leading the change at the grassroots level under the supervision of Secretary, Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, UT of J&K.  Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary for infusing professional leadership skills. 

Under this initiative the Department of RD & PR in collaboration with SBS, CUJ will organise the programme for beneficiaries for developing leadership skills among the Panchayati Raj representatives for better and informed decision making and governance. In the first batch the chairpersons/members and BDOs of RD & PR will be participating. This 3–day residential programme is a pioneering initiative with an objective to enhance the skills and knowledge of panchayat leaders, enabling them to function effectively as the third tier of government.  

Speaking on the occasion Prof. Jaya Bhasin, Dean, School of Business Studies informed the august gathering that the programme aims to equip the attendees with leadership and managerial skills for effective utilization of resources and functioning of Panchayati Raj Institutions.  The first of its kind training programme Leadership/ Management Development Programme encompasses various modules covering leadership and teamwork, Financial Management and Panchayat Finances, Effective Communication, Project Management and Monitoring, Digital Transformation, ICT, and more. Department of RD & PR, UT of J&K is set to usher in a new era of grassroots governance by prioritizing the training, handholding and equipping of Panchayat representatives. Recognizing the pivotal role these grassroots leaders play in local governance, RD & PR aims to elevate their capabilities to compete with the highest standards of public service delivery.  Panchayats are the bedrock of our democratic system, serving as the primary interface between citizens and the government. To bring about substantial transformative change at the grassroots level, it is imperative that Panchayat representatives and functionaries are not only well intentioned but also equipped with the knowledge and skills required to address the multifaceted challenges of local self-governance. The training modules will cover a wide array of topics, including effective leadership, financial management, community engagement, digital literacy, sustainable development  instilling leadership qualities to inspire and guide communities towards achieving Localized Sustainable Development Goals (LSDGs). By investing in the development of panchayat representatives and functionaries, the RD & PR envision s a ripple effect that will positively impact communities across the UT of JK. The ultimate goal is to create a cadre of grassroots leaders who not only meet but exceed the highest standards of public service, driving positive change at the grassroots level.

Speaking on the occasion Prof. Anil Gupta from IIM-Ahmedabad highlighted the importance of capacity building endeavours in government functionaries and elected representatives are deemed necessary because of the importance of service delivery and service quality in recent times. He talked about Creativity and Open Innovation for village development citing local success stories.  Three more sessions by eminent speakers were conducted during the day. The MDP organising team comprises Prof. Jaya Bhasin, Dr. Neelika Arora, Dr. Shahid Mushtaq, Dr. Asif Ali faculty members from School of Business Studies.  Earlier Dr. Neelika Arora welcomed the gathering and briefed about the agenda for next three days and Dr. Asif Ali proposed formal vote of thanks. Ms. Riya Gandotra conducted the proceedings of the programme and Ms. Rashmi Srivastva and Sh Lovekesh Raina coordinated the registration desk.