HYDERABAD, MAY 01, 2025: The National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRD&PR), Hyderabad, proudly launched a three-day Training cum Exposure Visit program for 149 Mukhiyas (Gram Panchayat Presidents) and three young professionals from the Bihar Institute of Public Administration and Rural Development (BIPARD).
The programme was inaugurated on Thursday, NIRD&PR’s Hyderabad campus by Anjan Kumar Bhanja, Associate Professor & Head, CPRDP&SSD, NIRD&PR. The ceremony was graced by distinguished faculty members, including Rajesh Sinha, Hemant Kumar, Sriniwas Sajja, Mr. Ajit Kumar Singh, and Mr. G Laxmi Narshimha Reddy, former Sarpanch of Kartal Gram Panchayat, Telangana.
In his keynote address, Mr Anjan Kumar Bhanja highlighted NIRD&PR’s leadership in strengthening Gram Panchayats across India through its School of Excellence in Panchayati Raj (SoEPR). He emphasised the institute’s transformative initiatives, including continuous training and e-enablement, development of training modules, eGram Prashikshan, Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) guidelines, and capacity-building programs for ward members as catalysts for change. Mr Bhanja underscored the pivotal role of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through innovative practices such as watershed management, afforestation, renewable energy adoption, and decentralised planning via GPDPs.
Mr Rajesh Sinha delivered the welcome address, urging participants to adopt best practices observed during the program to enhance governance and service delivery in their Gram Panchayats. He emphasized the critical role of PRIs in promoting inclusive development and ensuring effective implementation of national policies at the grassroots level, fostering community-driven progress.
The three-day program, scheduled from 1st to 3rd May 2025, features an exposure visit to award-winning Gram Panchayats in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Coordinated by NIRD&PR faculty and supported by the Department of Panchayati Raj & Rural Development, Government of Telangana, the visit aims to provide practical insights into exemplary governance models. By showcasing innovative practices and success stories, the program seeks to empower Mukhiyas to drive sustainable and impactful change in their communities.
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