IIM-Sirmaur hosts leadership programme to strengthen PRIs

The Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Sirmaur, conducted a four-day Management Development Programme (MDP) titled “Leadership Programme on Strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions and Grassroots Governance” from February 3 to 6. The programme aimed to enhance the leadership and managerial capabilities of elected representatives and officials from the Department of Panchayati Raj, Himachal Pradesh.

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The initiative was part of a broader effort to strengthen local governance by equipping panchayat leaders with the necessary skills in leadership, technology integration, communication, rural entrepreneurship, procurement and conflict resolution. The sessions focused on public leadership, the role of technology in governance, project management and data-based decision-making. Special emphasis was given to conflict resolution, recognising the challenges panchayat representatives face within gram sabhas due to opposition from various stakeholders.

A key highlight of the programme was the active involvement of students from IIM-Sirmaur, who interacted with the participants as part of their research projects and for the documentation of best governance practices. This initiative provided an opportunity for both students and panchayat officials to engage in a process of co-learning, ensuring a broader perspective on governance challenges and solutions.

The training programme witnessed participation from elected representatives and officials across nine districts — Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Kullu, Lahaul, Shimla, Sirmaur, Solan and Una. The participants included representatives from various levels of governance, such as village pradhans, Gram Panchayat Secretaries, Panchayat Samiti (PS) Chairpersons and Members, Block Development Officers (BDOs), PS Vice-Chairpersons, Zila Parishad (ZP) Members, Zila Parishad Chairpersons and District Panchayat Officers (DPOs). This wide representation ensured that the discussions and training sessions were relevant to different levels of local governance.

The programme was made possible through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between IIM-Sirmaur and the Department of Panchayati Raj. This agreement laid the foundation for future collaborations in governance training, research and capacity-building initiatives aimed at improving the effectiveness of Panchayati Raj Institutions.

Speaking on the occasion, IIM-Sirmaur Director Prafulla Agnihotri emphasised the importance of equipping panchayat leaders with a strategic vision and decision-making capabilities. He stated, "Effective local governance requires leadership with a vision beyond immediate challenges. Panchayat leaders must be equipped to resolve conflicts, leverage technology for data-driven decision-making and expand their perspective on possibilities for their villages, all while upholding strong character." His remarks underscored the need for panchayat representatives to move beyond traditional governance models and adopt a more dynamic and technology-driven approach.

Prof Debashish Bhattacharjee, a co-coordinator of the programme, highlighted the link between grassroots governance and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He remarked, “Effective leadership at the local government level is integral to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through a process of co-learning, we are empowering panchayat leaders to address local challenges while contributing to the broader global agenda of inclusive, sustainable development for all.”

The training programme was an initiative of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Government of India, conducted in collaboration with the Department of Panchayati Raj, Himachal Pradesh. The initiative received strong support from key state officials, including Rajesh Sharma (Secretary, Panchayati Raj), Raghav Sharma (Director, Panchayati Raj), Niraj Chandla (Joint Secretary, Panchayati Raj), and Sambhav Ramaul (State Consultant, Panchayati Raj).

The successful completion of the leadership programme reflects IIM-Sirmaur’s and the Himachal Pradesh Government’s commitment to strengthening panchayati raj institutions (PRIs) through capacity-building initiatives.