SHILLONG: The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Shillong has organised a five-day Management Development Programme (MDP) for elected members and officials of the Rural Development (Panchayat) Department, Government of Tripura, aimed at strengthening grassroots governance and enhancing administrative efficiency in rural local bodies.
The programme is being conducted by the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Centre for Policy Research and Analysis, IIM Shillong, with the objective of equipping elected representatives and officials of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) with the knowledge and skills required for effective rural development planning and service delivery.
Inaugurating the programme, Prof. Rohit Dwivedi of IIM Shillong highlighted the critical role played by Panchayats in achieving inclusive and sustainable rural development. He stressed the need for transparency, accountability, participatory planning, and efficient implementation of government schemes at the grassroots level. Prof. Dwivedi urged participants to apply the learnings from the programme for the holistic development of their respective constituencies.
The five-day MDP will focus on several key thematic areas, including planning and financial management of PRIs, social inclusion, gender equity, community participation, e-governance, conflict management, leadership, design thinking, and community resource management. The programme will also feature interactions with local Panchayat leaders and communities.
Senior government officials, subject-matter experts, and experienced resource persons will lead interactive sessions, case studies, and group discussions throughout the programme.
A total of 38 elected Panchayat members and officials from across Tripura are participating, reflecting the Government of Tripura’s continued commitment to strengthening grassroots democracy and improving rural governance mechanisms.