Building stronger villages: IIM-V trains 500 gazetted officers

Visakhapatnam: The Indian Institute of Management Visakhapatnam (IIM-V) completed the training of 500 gazetted officers from the Andhra Pradesh panchayat raj and rural development department under the State Institute of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj. The objective of this ‘Leadership and Management Development Training Programme' was to equip participants with leadership skills, effective governance practices, and digital tools to enable efficient local administration, participatory decision-making, and sustainable rural development.Under the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) 2025–26 capacity building framework, the programme trained 504 officers across nine residential batches, surpassing the target of 500. The programme was led by Prof Vijaya Marisetty and Prof Kalyan Kolukuluri, achieving an average feedback score of 4.76/5. The programme was launched with the first cohort of 50 officers on Dec 1, 2025, in the presence of Shashi Bhushan Kumar, principal secretary, AP PR & RD and rural water supply; Mutyalaraju Revu, commissioner, APSIRD≺ and Krishna Teja Mylavarapu, commissioner, Panchayat Raj. The training groups comprised gazetted officers drawn from mandal, division, and district-level administrations.IIM Visakhapatnam director Prof M Chandrasekhar said the programme is designed to strengthen leadership and governance capabilities among participants through a comprehensive curriculum blending foundational knowledge, practical skills, and digital literacy. "Participants explored the core principles of local governance, including the significance of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment, the devolution of powers, and the broader Panchayati Raj vision. They also examined different leadership styles—transformational and transactional—supported by case studies. The programme further equips trainees with tools for effective planning, budgeting, and financial management," said Prof Chandrasekhar."Sessions on Panchayat finances covered grants, revenue sources, and principles of efficient budgeting. Digital governance was a major focus, with hands-on exposure to platforms such as e-Gram Swaraj, Gram Manchitra, SVAMITVA, ServicePlus, BharatNet, and MIS tools to enhance transparency and service delivery. Participants also developed essential leadership skills in communication, dispute resolution, and stakeholder engagement. They learned about the Panchayat's role in public health, education, sanitation, and water management, along with strategies for climate-resilient village planning, disaster preparedness, and renewable energy adoption," Prof. Chandrasekhar added.