Patna: The Ministry of Panchayati Raj, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Management Bodh Gaya (IIM BG), is organising a transformative 5-day residential Management Development Programme (MDP) from September 2 to September 6, 2024. This programme is designed for the elected representatives and functionaries of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), including Presidents and Vice Presidents of District Panchayats, Pramukhs of Panchayat Samitis, Sarpanches, and various Panchayat officials.

Elected representatives and functionaries from Panchayati Raj Institutions across eight states—Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal—are participating in the training programme at the Indian Institute of Management, Bodh Gaya.

The programme aims to enhance the leadership, management, and governance skills of the elected representatives and functionaries of Panchayati Raj Institutions. This initiative underscores the Ministry of Panchayati Raj's commitment to strengthening local governance and empowering Panchayats to deliver better services to the rural population.

The five-day intensive programme will cover various aspects of leadership, management, ethics, rural innovation, Own Source Revenue (OSR), and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Participants will benefit from expert-led sessions, case studies, and interactive discussions designed to equip them with the knowledge and tools needed to lead their communities more effectively. It is expected that this programme will significantly contribute to improving the effectiveness and efficiency of local governance in India.

Panchayats are the grassroots-level agencies responsible for providing basic amenities and governance to the rural population. Their elected representatives and officials are key stakeholders in fulfilling constitutionally mandated duties and making the vision of "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India) a reality. This programme recognises their crucial role and aims to enhance their capabilities to serve their communities better.

A key focus of the programme is on augmenting Own Source Revenue (OSR), which is essential for attaining financial sustainability and transforming Panchayats into "Saksham" (capable) Panchayats. By strengthening their financial independence, Panchayats can better address local needs and drive rural development.

The programme also introduces participants to the latest management theories, tools, and skills. This approach aims to bring corporate-level professionalism to rural governance, ensuring effective and efficient utilisation of resources. By adopting these advanced practices, Panchayats can significantly contribute to bringing prosperity to rural India.

It is expected that this programme will significantly contribute to improving the effectiveness and efficiency of local governance in India, ultimately leading to accelerated rural development and an improved quality of life for rural citizens. /BI