Vivek Bharadwaj Inaugurates Refresher Training Program for State Nodal Officers and Program Managers

New Delhi: Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, inaugurated a five-day refresher training program for State Nodal Officers (SNOs) and State Program Managers (SPMs) under the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) today at the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA).

In his keynote address, Bharadwaj emphasized the need for participants to bring positive change to rural lives through dedication and quality work. He urged participants to recognize their potential, understand the aspirations of the people, and strive for excellence in their performance. He highlighted the immense human potential, determination, and passionate aspiration required to bring about positive change at the grassroots level in rural areas across the country.

“Panchayats do not lack resources and funds; significant investments are being made in Capacity Building and Training (CBT) initiatives. The real need is to see the positive outcomes of these efforts on the ground,” emphasized Bharadwaj. He advocated for a comprehensive approach, ensuring quality and tangible outcomes through a positive change in mindset. He illustrated how transformative practices, set with a positive mindset, can establish strong and meaningful institutions that are self-sustaining.

Bharadwaj stressed that inaugurating or unveiling projects initiated with grants from the Central Finance Commission would not only earn wide recognition but also inspire other Panchayats. “By implementing the SVAMITVA scheme and aligning the process of property tax collection with Own Source Revenue (OSR) initiatives, we can pave the way for increasing the income of the Panchayats,” he added. Bharadwaj encouraged participants to share their learning and experiences to inspire other Panchayats.

The inaugural session was graced by the presence of S. N. Tripathi, Director General, IIPA; Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar, Additional Secretary, MoPR; Vikas Anand, Joint Secretary, MoPR; and Dr. V. N. Alok, Professor, IIPA. More than 50 State Nodal Officers (SNOs) and State Program Managers (SPMs) from 27 States/UTs are participating in this five-day residential refresher training program from July 1 to July 5, 2024.

In his address, S. N. Tripathi commended the innovative initiatives of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj in the direction of Capacity Building and Training (CBT). He highlighted the MoPR’s visionary efforts in aligning inclusive, holistic, and sustainable development works in villages with global goals through the concept of Localization of Sustainable Development Goals (LSDGs), bringing a global perspective to local action. Tripathi emphasized that the Ministry’s continuous efforts have enabled Panchayats to gain recognition for their commendable work, both nationally and internationally. He commended the initiative of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj to provide training to Panchayat representatives at IIM Ahmedabad as innovative and pioneering.

Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar underlined the importance of such refresher courses as a means of continuous dialogue, handholding, and outreach by the Ministry. He mentioned the positive impacts of digital governance on service delivery, the quality of Panchayat Development Plans (PDP), and financial management through the Public Financial Management System (PFMS).

Vikas Anand highlighted the significance of this first-of-its-kind refresher training, aimed at enhancing capacity, skill development, leadership ability, and performance of the participants. He stressed the need for coordinated efforts and continuous handholding to achieve the vision of an empowered, developed, and self-reliant rural India, as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The five-day training program includes sessions on leadership skills, teamwork, conflict management, communication skills, media relations, community engagement, crisis communication, and practical training on various initiatives like e-GramSwaraj, PFMS, TMP, OSR, and others. The training also covers the preparation of Annual Action Plans, reporting of progress under RGSA, and the use of portals like Audit Online, Meri Panchayat, and Panchayat NIRNAY.