ITANAGAR, Aug 1: In a significant development, the State Institute of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj (SIRD&PR), Arunachal Pradesh on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Shillong to enhance leadership and managerial skills of Panchayat functionaries.
The MoU was formalized with SIRD&PR being represented by Secretary, Panchayati Raj cum President Executive Council, SIRD&PR Dr Sonal Swaroop and SIRD&PR Director Habung Lampung. IIM Shillong was represented by Director Prof DP Goyal and Dr Sanjeev Kumar Ningombam, Centre Head, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Centre for Policy Research and Analysis.
“The primary objective of the MoU is to outline the terms and conditions governing various management and leadership capacity-building programs. These programs will be provided to the elected representatives of Rural Local Bodies, officers, and official functionaries of SIRD&PR and Panchayati Raj institutions.
The initiative aims to equip community leaders and local body members with essential tools to enhance their skills and knowledge, enabling Panchayats to function effectively as the third tier of government and to move towards achieving Localization of Sustainable Development Goals (LSDG) with multi-disciplinary approach and convergence across all sectors,” stated an official press release here today.
Through specialized modules and teaching methodologies, the program will impart leadership and managerial skills to Panchayat functionaries. This will ensure the effective utilization of resources and the efficient management of Panchayat affairs. The initiative is in accordance with the guidelines of the revamped Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Government of India, the release added.