April Newsletter 2025

INSTITUTE NEWS 

Programme on Public Administration & Governance for OAS

An Induction Training Programme on Public Administration and Governance cum Exposure Visit for Odisha Administrative Service Officers Trainees (OAS) -A (PR) was organised from March 31–April 04, 2025. It was sponsored by Gopabandhu Academy of Administration, Odisha. Dr. Sunil Kumar Barnwal, IAS, Addl. Secretary, Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India delivered a special address on a highly contemporary topic, "Development Dynamics: Changing Profile of Development Administration". Shri S N Tripathi, DG, IIPA, Shri Amitabh Ranjan, Registrar, IIPA and Dr Surabhi Pandey, programme coordinator along with the participants had the privilege of calling on the Hon’ble President of India Smt Draupadi Murmu and interacting with her. Dr Surabhi Pandey coordinated the programme. 

50th APPPA Convocation held 

The convocation ceremony for the participants of the 50th Advanced Professional Programme on Public Administration (APPPA) was organized on April 30, 2025 at TNC Memorial Hall of IIPA. Hon’ble Union Minister and Chairman of IIPA Dr Jitendra Singh was the chief guest for the event. In a candid and wide-ranging address, the Hon’ble Minister emphasized the need for continuous learning and adaptive policy- making in the face of exponential technological advancements. “We could very well see participants of the 50th APPPA returning for refresher courses by the 55th,” he quipped, stressing the need to keep administrative knowledge up to date. Lauding IIPA’s initiative to organize APPPA’s golden jubilee programme, he underscored the importance of civil-military synergy. “Today’s army officers don’t just stay in isolation; they are expected to brief the media, interact with civilians and respond jointly in disaster-affected regions,” he noted, calling for greater focus on communication skills in future iterations of the course. 

Prof Neetu Jain was the Programme Director and Dr Saket Bihari was the Programme Co-Director of the 50th APPPA. During the occasion, the Hon’ble Union Minister along with Ms Chhavi Bhardwaj, IAS, Joint Secretary, DoPT conferred the degree of Master of Arts in Public Policy and Public Administration of Panjab University and Diploma in Public Administration to participants of 49th and 50th APPPA respectively. 

A book on Excellence in Administration by Shri SN Tripathi and Dr Sachin Chowdhry; and the Chronicle of 50th APPPA 2025 (Editor: Brig Pranaya Dangwal) were released during the occasion. 

Shri S. N. Tripathi, Director General, IIPA, Shri Amitabh Ranjan, Registrar, IIPA, Dr Sachin Chowdhry, Dr Sapna Chadah, IIPA faculty and officers of IIPA along with the participants of APPPA were an integral part of the convocation ceremony. Sponsored by the Department of Personnel and Training, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Government of India, the 50th Advanced Professional Programme in Public Administration (APPPA) is a ten months’ programme, designed for senior officers of the All India Services, Central Services, Defence Services, Technical Services and officers of State Governments. Shri Amitabh Ranjan, Registrar, IIPA compered and hosted the programme. 

17th Dr B.R. Ambedkar Memorial Lecture

Dr Ambedkar Chair in Social Justice, IIPA organised the seventeenth Dr B. R. Ambedkar Memorial Lecture on April 17, 2025. The theme of the memorial lecture was Reimagining Dr B.R.Ambedkar’s Vision for Viksit Bharat: Perspectives on Inclusion, Innovation and Sustainability. Hon’ble Dr Justice Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi, Member, National Human Rights Commission delivered the keynote lecture. Prof Nupur Tiwary coordinated the programme. 

Programme for Drug Inspector Officer Trainees, Govt. of Bihar

The third Foundation Training Programmes (FTP) for Drug Inspector Officer Trainees, Govt. of Bihar was organized from April 1-5, 2025. It was sponsored by Bihar Institute of Public Administration and Rural Development, Gaya, Bihar (BIPARD). The objective of the programme was to familiarize the participants with the critical issues in governance with national perspective. Programme Coordinators were Dr. Mamta Pathania and Dr. Amit Kumar Singh.

Programme on Public Administration of Gazetted Officers of Gujarat

A five-day Training Programme on Public Administration & Governance cum Exposure Visit of Gazetted Officers of Gujarat (Class I & II) was organised from April 7-11, 2025. It was sponsored by the Sardar Patel Institute of Public Administration (SPIPA).  Dr Surabhi Pandey was the programme coordinator. 

Programme for empowering women leaders in local governance

The programmes for training of trainers for championing change, empowering women leaders in local governance for State Level Master Trainers (SLMTS) under Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) were organised from April 08-11, April 21-25, 2025 and April 28-May 02, 2025 respectively. They were sponsored by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Government of India. The objective of these programmes was to make participants aware of the Panchayati Raj System, its structures, processes, and functioning. Prof VN Alok was the programme coordinator. 

National seminar on Empowering Consumers for Viksit Bharat @2047

The Centre for Consumer Studies, IIPA organised a national seminar on Empowering Consumers for Viksit Bharat @2047 from April 24-25, 2025. Shri Hem Kumar Pande, Former Secretary, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India was the chief guest during the occasion. Prof Suresh Misra and Dr Sapna Chadah were the programme coordinators. 

 Programme on Financial Management of ULBs

The Centre for Urban Studies, IIPA organised a three-day programme on Financial Management of Urban Local Bodies from April 23-25, 2025. Around 27 Senior Finance officers / Financial Controllers from 16 cities and nine states/ UTs attended the programme. Prof KK Pandey, Dr Kusum Lata and Dr Amit Singh coordinated the programme. 

Programme for probationary officers of Sikkim State Civil Services

A two-week training programme for probationary officers of Sikkim State Civil Services on Excellence in Administration was organised from April 28-May 9, 2025. It was sponsored by the Administrative Training Institute, Department of Personnel, Government of Sikkim. The objective of the programme was to familiarize the participants with the administrative structure, legal framework and governance system and to develop a strong understanding of the unique geographical, cultural and socio-economic characteristics of Sikkim and their administrative implications. Dr Saket Bihari and Dr Manan Dwivedi were the programme coordinators. 

NAMAMI GANGE 

A three-day Faculty Development Programme was organized by IIPA in collaboration with MANIT Bhopal and sponsored by DST from March 25-27, 2025. The programme brought together 32 participants from institutions such as NIT Calicut, SPA Vijayawada, MANIT Bhopal, and RGPV Bhopal. The second day of the workshop also marked the visit to UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sanchi Stupa and Solar Power Plant of Narmada Hydroelectric Development Corporation, making it a valuable learning experience for all participants. The final day featured an insightful experiential learning session where students from the Community Youth Fellowship presented their findings, enriching the discussions with practical perspectives. The event concluded with a valedictory summary by Dr. Shyamli Singh, followed by participant feedback, certificate distribution, and a vote of thanks delivered by Prof. Krishna K. Dhote.

FACULTY/CAMPUS NEWS

 General Upendra Dwivedi, PVSM, AVSM, Chief of the Army Staff delivered a special lecture focusing on “India’s National Security and Emerging Challenges” to the participants of the 50th APPPPA on April 15, 2025.

 Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, PVSM, AVSM, NM, Chief of the Naval Staff delivered a special lecture highlighting the critical convergence of maritime awareness, national governance, and strategic leadership to the participants of the 50th APPPPA on April 21, 2025.

 IIPA has collaborated with Indian Academy of Highway Engineers for enhancing capacity building and research in public policy, administration and highway engineering, infrastructure development. 

 Shri Amitabh Ranjan, Registrar, IIPA delivered a talk on ‘India Towards Viksit Bharat 2047’ at the event organised by the Department of Sciences, Manav Rachna University on April 10, 2025. 

 IIPA welcomed and congratulated Ms Nitisha for securing 133 position in UPSC CSE 2024 on April 25, 2025. She is also the daughter of IIPA faculty and senior Professor Dr Ashok Vishandass. 

Penned by 50th APPPA participants 

In the hallowed hails of I.I.P.A's might 

A milestone reached, a beacon bright. 

The Golden APPPA, a journey grand, 

For senior officers, a learning land. 

Ten months of growth, 

of skill and art, In governance, a new heart. 

From domain to function, they refine, 

Their competencies, a nation's shrine. 

With Mission Karmayogi as their guide, 

They strive for Atmanirbhar Bharat's pride. 

In Amrit Kaal, a vision unfolds, 

Of citizen-centric governance, young and bold. 

From lectures and field visits, 

they roam, Learning from experts, 

making their I.I.P.A their home. 

In I.I.P.A's library, knowledge abounds,

 A treasure trove, where wisdom resounds. 

With camaraderie and fun, they thrive, 

Their bond with the faculty, a lifelong drive. 

Upon completion, 

a degree in public policy they hold, 

Another testament to their growth, a story to be told.

 In the heart of Delhi, this journey begins, 

A legacy of learning, where leaders spin. 

The 50th APPPA, a chapter so bright, 

In I.I.P.A's history, will remain a shining light.

NEWS FROM BRANCHES 

 Karnataka Regional Branch 

 The branch in association with Centre for Research in Social Sciences and Education (CeRSSE), School of Humanities and Social Sciences (SHSS) JAIN (Deemed-to-be University) organised a panel discussion on Evaluation Reports of two women-centric welfare schemes Gruhalakshmi and Shakti of Govt of Karnataka on April 7, 2025. The panel was moderated by Dr. Priyanca Mathur, Head and Associate Professor, CeRSSE, JAIN (Deemed-to-be University). Prof. Sandeep Shastri, Shri T.M Vijay Bhaskar, Dr. Sudeshna Mukherjee, Mr. Thayyil Sethumadhavan presented their views during the session. The branch had sponsored the two studies conducted by students of Bangalore University as an attempt to bridge the gap between administrators and academia and give field experience to students. The session was attended by a diverse audience, including academics, policymakers, students and members of civil society, focused on the evaluation and impact of the Gruhalakshmi and Shakti schemes.

 The branch launched a new initiative titled, “Documenting Oral History of Eminent Civil Servants” on April 12, 2025. The objective of the initiative were: to preserve institutional memory of Public Administration; to create a resource that can motivate and guide aspiring Civil Servants and young professionals by showcasing real-life narratives of integrity, leadership, and public service; to promote research and policy understanding; to highlight the evolution of bureaucratic culture; and to recognize and honour the contributions of distinguished Civil Servants. Shri S. Ramanathan, IAS (Retd.) Chairman Emeritus of the Branch recounted his experience as a civil servant and his service. Shri K. Jairaj, IAS (Retd.) served as Interlocutor. Shri T.M. Vijay Bhaskar, IAS (Retd.) Chairperson of the branch chaired the event. Dr. D. Jeevan Kumar provided a brief profile of Shri S. Ramanathan. Smt. Shameem Banu, IAS (Retd.) President, Metropolitan Club, proposed a vote of thanks.

 The branch organised a day-long training programme for Taluk Nodal Officers of the Karnataka Administrative Service on ‘Resolving Public Grievances and Increasing District Gross Domestic Product’ on April 25, 2025. Dr. Shalini Rajneesh, IAS, Chief Secretary of Karnataka inaugurated the programme. Introductory Remarks were made by Shri S. Ramanathan, Chairman Emeritus of the Branch. Shri T.M. Vijay Bhaskar, IAS (Retd.), former Chief Secretary of Karnataka and Chairperson of the branch presided over the inaugural programme. Smt. Thulasi Maddineni, IAS, Secretary, Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (Administrative Reforms), Government of Karnataka proposed a vote of thanks.

 Tamil Nadu Regional Branch 

 The branch in association with the Hindustan University conducted an awareness program on civil services in the campus of the university at Padur Chennai on April 11, 2025. Shri S S. Jawahar, IAS (Retd), Hony Secretary of the branch spoke on the challenges and rewards of a civil services career to the audience. Around 750 students participated in the programme.

 J & K Regional Branch 

 The branch organised a one-day training program on “Recent Trends in Cyber Crimes: Challenges, Impact and Prevention, & New Laws in J&K” on April 12, 2025. It was organised with an aim to raise awareness among government officials and members of civil society about the rapidly evolving cybercrime landscape and to familiarize them with recent legislative reforms in J&K. Shri B. R. Sharma, State Election Commissioner and Chairman of the branch presided over. Dr. Ashok Bhan, Patron of the branch was also present. SSP Mohd Yaseen Kichloo, Cyber Expert and SSP CICE, J&K presented his opinion. Shri Laeeq Ahmad Dar, Joint Director Prosecution at Crime Headquarters, J&K, also spoke during the occasion. The programme commenced with a welcome address by Prof. Alka Sharma, Honorary Secretary of the branch. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Er. Madan Gupta, Director of the Seminar.