February Newsletter 2025

INSTITUTE NEWS

Programme on Urban Development: Status, Issues and Strategies

The Centre for Urban Studies in IIPA organised a five-day comprehensive training programme on Urban Development: Status, Issues and Strategies from February 3-7, 2025. The objective of the programme was to identify role of People Centric Urban Planning and to examine adequacy of Municipal Services among others. Prof. K.K. Pandey, Dr. Kusum Lata, Dr. Sachin Chowdhry and Dr. Amit Kr. Singh were the programme coordinators. 

Programme on Public Administration for Officer Trainees of IDES

Training Programme on Public Administration for Officer Trainees of Indian Defence Estates Service (IDES) was organized from February 3-7, 2025. It was sponsored by National Institute of Defence Estates Management (NIDEM), Ministry of Defence, Government of India, New Delhi. The objective of the programme was to give the participants an overview of public administration, structure, functioning of Indian government and administration and understanding of contemporary governance issues. Prof. Suresh Misra and Dr. Mamta Pathania were programme coordinators. 

Programme for Provincial Civil Service Officer Trainees, Govt. of Bihar

The Third Foundation Training Programmes (FTP) for Provincial Civil Service Officer Trainees, Govt. of Bihar were organized from February 3-7, 2025 and February 24-28, 2025 respectively. 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 Urban Governance

A two-day special training programme on Urban Governance was ogranised by the Centre for Urban Studies, IIPA from February 11-12, 2025. It was sponsored by Mandi Municipal Corporation and UD Department, Govt. of Himachal Pradesh. Around 42 elected representatives and officers from one Municipal Corporations, six Municipal Councils/Nagar Panchayats from the state. Programme Coordinators was Dr Amit Kumar Singh.  

Programme for Officers of Directorate General of Civil Aviation

A week-long training programme for Officers of Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Promoting Excellence through Administrative Skills was organised from February 24- 28, 2025. It was sponsored by Directorate General of Civil Aviation. Dr Saket Bihari and Dr Manan Dwivedi coordinated the programme. 

Training Programme on Science and Technology

The thirteenth Training Programme on Science and Technology for Rural Societies for Women Scientists and Technologists was organized from February 24-28, 2025. It was sponsored by Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. Prof Charru Malhotra and Prof VK Sharma coordinated the programme. 

Training 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 was organised by IIPA from February 17-21, 2025. It was sponsored by Sardar Patel Institute of Public Administration (SPIPA).  Dr Surabhi Pandey was the programme coordinator. 

Immersive Learning Workshop

IIPA organized an Immersive Learning Workshop under the project Capacity Building Programme for Climate Smart Governance, sponsored by the Department of Science and Technology on February 25, 2025. Shri Surendra Nath Tripathi, DG, IIPA, delivered the presidential remarks, emphasizing the importance of design thinking over systematic thinking, advocating for a people-centric approach in governance. Dr. Nisha Mendiratta, Executive Director of the Indo-U.S. Science and Technology Forum, delivered the chief guest address, enlightening participants on various factors affecting governance and stressing the need for decentralized policy schemes. Dr. Shyamli Singh conducted a session on Climate Smart Governance in Action: Milestones, Impact, and Future Pathways, providing insights into the progress and future directions in climate governance. Prof. Vinod K. Sharma shared his expertise on India’s position in global climate-smart initiatives, offering a comparative perspective on India’s role in addressing climate challenges. Shri Amitabh Ranjan, Registrar, IIPA, delivered the valedictory address, highlighting loopholes and bottlenecks across various sectors and discussing the government’s climate-smart initiatives aimed at overcoming these challenges. The workshop saw active participation from 27 representatives from various academic institutions, fostering discussions on climate challenges and the need for effective solutions through governance and policy reforms. 

Management Development Capacity Building Programme for the Scientists

A Management Development Capacity Building Programme for the Scientists of DAE was organised by IIPA. It was sponsored by Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership GCNEP on their site. 25 Scientists from all over India are participated in the one week programme. Dr Surabhi Pandey coordinated the programme.

International Training Programme on Project and Risk Management for Public Works

A two-week International Training Programme on Project and Risk Management for Public Works was organized from February 12-25, 2025. It was sponsored by Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme, Ministry of External Affairs, (MEA), Govt. of India. Dr. Roma M. Debnath & Dr. Pawan K. Taneja were the programme coordinators. 

NAMAMI GANGE 

 The 48th Capacity Building Programme for Stakeholders of River Ganga – Phase II for the second year which was organised from February 3-6, 2025. The Capacity Building Programme includes 200 students and 20 master trainers from Long View Public School, Nainital, Uttarakhand. Project Investigators were Prof. V. K. Sharma and Dr. Shyamli Singh.

 The 49th Capacity Building Programme for Stakeholders of River Ganga – Phase II for the second year was organised from February 4-7, 2025. The Capacity Building Programme includes 85 students and 5 master trainers from DAV Public School, Pushpanjali Enclave, Pitampura, New Delhi. 

 The 50th Capacity Building Programme for Stakeholders of River Ganga – Phase II for the second year was organised from February 10-12, 2025. The Capacity Building Programme includes 82 students and 14 master trainers from Bal Bharti Public School, Nabinagar, Bihar. 

 IIPA hosted a webinar on "Ganga Conservation: Role of Educators" under the leadership of Shri S.N. Tripathi (IAS) – Director General, IIPA. This Capacity Building Program for Master Trainers was aimed to empower educators in driving change for Nirmal Ganga and Aviral Ganga. The session highlighted the role of AI & ML in water conservation and the importance of resilience building in institutions for sustainable water management.

 IIPA successfully conducted one day offline school training programme at Swami Bhajnand School, Kannaij, Uttar Pradesh under the project 'Blended capacity building programme for stakeholders of river Ganga, Phase II' sponsored by NMCG in collaboration with Gulshan welfare society, Varanasi. The programme witnessed participation from over 100 students.

 IIPA successfully conducted one day school capacity building programme under the project ‘Blended capacity building programme for stakeholders of river Ganga, Phase II’ in collaboration with Ramdulare Radhelal Memorial Public School, Unnao, Uttar Pradesh. The programme witnessed participation from over 100 students.

 IIPA successfully conducted one day school capacity building programme under the project ‘Blended capacity building programme for stakeholders of river Ganga’ in collaboration with Kamla Gram Vikas Sansthan at Maa Purna Inter college, Unnao, Uttar Pradesh. The programme witnessed participation from over 100 students.

 IIPA successfully conducted one day school capacity building programme under the project ‘Blended capacity building programme for stakeholders of river Ganga’ in collaboration with Dr L P Lal Memorial College, Lucknow and S S International School BKT, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. The programme witnessed participation from over 100 students from different classes.

FACULTY/CAMPUS NEWS

 Report titled “Status of Devolution to Panchayats in States – An Indicative Evidence Based Ranking” by Prof VN Alok was unveiled by the Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj, Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel, in IIPA on February 14, 2025. 

 Shri SN Tripathi, DG, IIPA represented IIPA in the IIAS-DARPG Conference 2025 held from February 10-14, 2025 at Bharat Mandapam themed on Next Generation Administrative Reforms: Empowering Citizens and Reaching the Last Mile. He shared remarks on IIPA research activities at the meeting with IIAS dignitaries. IIPA Publications on Public Administration were also placed on display at the conference. Hon’ble Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh inaugurated one of the sessions during the conference. 

 Delegation of Bavarian Parliament Members Germany visited IIPA on February 11, 2025. Prof VN Alok coordinated the visit. 

 The Centre of Urban Studies in IIPA partnered with MoHUA, ITPI (Odisha) and SARAS (Smart Cities Academia Towards Action and Research) in a Summit from February 13-14, 2025 on Sustainable Urban Futures organised by XIM University being attended by 55 Professionals presenting content rich innovative papers on contemporary urban issues. Dr KK Pandey also participated.

 IIPA welcomed Shri Vijay Handoo, an Officer of Indian Broadcasting Service (IBS) (Retd.) and a long time Life Member of IIPA, now based at Sydney, Australia on February 6, 2025. He appreciated the recent Infrastructure and intellectual developments in IIPA.

 Shri Amitabh Ranjan, Registrar, IIPA was invited as a guest of honour at the 9th Business Summit 2025 on ‘Future of Business: Unlocking the Potential of AI ML’. The event was organised by ITS - The Education Group, Ghaziabad in collaboration with Business Standard at ITS Mohan Nagar Ghaziabad. He also moderated a panel discussion on ‘Harnessing Innovation in Business Decision-Making: The Power of AI & ML’. 

 Shri Amitabh Ranjan, Registrar, IIPA was invited as a Keynote speaker in the HR Impact Governance Summit 2025 on February 12, 2025. The event was organised by PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry. 

 Shri Amitabh Ranjan, Registrar, IIPA was invited as a keynote speaker at three day Fest “36’ Wall Street” organised by Finance Club, IIT Madras. 

 Shri Amitabh Ranjan, Registrar, IIPA and an alumnus of IIT IIT(ISM) Dhanbad, B. Tech, Petroleum Engineering has been incorporated as a Member of the Advisory Board of Solar Futures Alliance. 

 Shri Amitabh Ranjan, Registrar, IIPA was invited as a special guest and a speaker at the ‘Banaras Lit Fest: Dil se Dilli’ organised by PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He spoke about thought-provoking insights on India’s Cultural capital, its “Soft Power” and literature’s role in shaping society. 

 Shri Amitabh Ranjan, Registrar, IIPA was invited to be a part of the Pre-Budget Consultation meeting of Puducherry (Erstwhile Pondicherry State Planning Board) for FY25-26 under the Chairmanship of Hon’ble Lt. Governor Puducherry, Shri K Kailashnathan with Hon’ble CM Shri N Rangaswamy as the Vice Chairman. The meeting was attended by the Chief Secretary Dr. Sharat Chauhan, IAS, Director General of Police, Ms Shalini Singh, IPS and the Members like Cabinet Ministers of Puducherry, Member of Parliament, Leader of Opposition and Secretaries of different departments of Puducherry. He also gifted a copy of Indian Journal of Public Administration (IJPA) to the Chief Secretary as well as met the Vice chancellor of Pondicherry University, Prof Dr.Tharanikkarasu K, and also interacted with young budding MBA students.

 Shri Amitabh Ranjan, Registrar, IIPA delivered a talk on NetZero @2070: Clean and Affordable Energy for sustainable environment for a batch of around 30 Faculty members who have come from Universities all over India to attend a one month Faculty Department Programme in Malviya Mission Teacher Training Centre, Jamia Millia. 

 IIPA signed an MoU with O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) for Academic collaboration in the field of Research and Capacity Building. It was signed in the presence of Shri SN Tripathi, DG IIPA, Prof. Dabiru Sridhar Patnaik , Registrar of JGU, Prof. Naresh Singh , Prof. Vinod Sharma , Dr. Neetu Jain Dr Saket Bihari Dr. Pooja Sharma Devesh Gupta and other team members of JGU.  Additionally, a workshop was also conducted by them for our Participants of APPPA course on Leadership which was appreciated by the Senior Civil Servants and Defence Forces Officers participating in this 10 month long flagship course of IIPA. 

Shri Amitabh Ranjan visited Maharashtra Regional Branch of IIPA and interacted with Shri Swadheen Kshatriya, IAS (R), Former Chief Secretary, Maharashtra and Chairman of the Branch and other Members of IIPA. He also attended the meeting of AIILSG Mumbai and Regional Centre for Urban and Environmental Studies (RCUES), AIILSG, Mumbai under the Chairmanship of Dr. K H Govinda Raj, IAS, Principal Secretary, Government Of Maharashtra Urban Development Department. 

 Discussion on finalizing the Terms of Reference for the 'Impact Study, Assessment, and Evaluation' of Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) was held on February 3, 2025 under the chairmanship of the Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs, Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar with IIPA team. 

NEWS FROM BRANCHES 

 Rajasthan Regional Branch 

The branch in collaboration with the Centre for Administrative Change and Prakrit Bharti Academy organized the following three Open House Sessions: On February 25, 2025, Prof. Ramesh K Arora, Secretary Centre for Administrative Change, delivered the keynote address on "Winning Personality” and dwelt on ten factors that influence success in personal and professional life. On February 27, 2025, Mrs. Shree Priya, Senior Manager, Management Development Academy initiated discussion on "Success in Competitive Examinations" that focussed on the value of planning, perseverance, concentration and evaluation in academic pursuits. On February 28, 2025, Dr. Kamalini Dravid, Former Project Director, Department of Women Empowerment, Government of Rajasthan, explained the essentials of Time Management, more particularly work-life balance, goals and their deadlines, planning, prioritizing, To-do list and punctuality.

 Vadodra Local Branch 

The branch organised an Electrical Waste Awareness Program Meeting on E-Waste Management on February 16, 2025. Former Vadodara Mayor, Shri Balkrishna Khanderao Shukla gave a speech in the seminar on the same topic. Dr. Jatin V. Modi, Chairman of the branch presided over the programme. Approximately 85 enthusiastic individuals attended the programme. Numerous representatives from the Vadodara Municipal Corporation, students from higher education institutions, and students from the Department of Social Welfare at Maharaja Saiyajirao University of Baroda, Sigma University of Ajwa Road, and Parul University of Waghodia were among the attendees.

 Karnataka Regional Branch 

The branch in collaboration with the Department of Political Science of Bangalore University organised a two-day National Conference on the theme, “Technology, Public Policy and Marginalized Communities in India” from February, 6-7 2025 at Bangalore University. The National Conference was funded under the PM-USHA Scheme and by the Karnataka Regional Branch of IIPA. The keynote address at the inauguration of the seminar was delivered by Shri Rajeev Chawla, IAS (Retd.), Chief Knowledge Officer & Advisor, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India. Chief Guests at the inaugural were Prof. Ashok Hanjagi, Director, PMEB, Bangalore University and Prof. C. Srinivas, Registrar Evaluation, Bangalore University. Mr. T.M. Vijay Bhaskar, IAS (Retd.), Chairman of the Branch presided over the programme. The Valedictory Address was delivered by Major P. Manivannan, IAS, Principal Secretary, Social Welfare Department, Government of Karnataka. Dr. D. Jeevan Kumar, Secretary of the branch welcomed the dignitaries and guests at the Valediction. Prof.  S.Y. Surendra Kumar, Chairman of the Department of Political Science, Bangalore University, proposed a vote of thanks.  The sessions were managed by Dr. Chaitra Prasad, Guest Faculty in the Political Science Department of Bangalore University.

 Tamil Nadu Regional Branch 

A collaborative meeting on the topic of Public Administration in the Era of AI was held in the college on February 8, 2025. Dr. Kumar Jayant, IAS, Addl Chief Secretary to the Government, Information Technology and Digital Services Dept, Government of Tamil Nadu was the Guest of honour. Dr. Shanthi, Principal of the college welcomed the gathering. P.R. Sampath, IAS (Retd), Chairman of the branch delivered the presidential address. Dr. Kumar Jayant, IAS, gave the special address. Then 14 city college students made presentations with PPT on various subjects on AI. The team consisting of S.S.Jawahar IAS (Retd), Dr. Balasubramaniam, Former HoD, Department of Economics, Vaishanaav College, Chennai and Dr. Rajalakshmi, former Vice President of IIPA and Professor of Economics University of Madras evaluated the performance and selected the prize winners. Dr Asha, HoD, Department of Public Administration proposed a vote of thanks.

 J&K Regional Branch 

 The branch held its 46th Annual General Meeting on February 1, 2025. During the meeting members put forth several valuable suggestions aimed at making the branch a more vibrant and productive forum for fostering meaningful interactions focused on promoting good governance. Patron of the branch, Dr. Ashok Bhan, IPS (Retd) gave presidential address. The Chairman of the Branch and the State Election Commissioner, B R Sharma, IAS (Retd.), addressed the AGM. While congratulating J A Khan, IAS (Retd) for receiving the IIPA’s prestigious Paul H Appleby award, he said that JKRB of IIPA has the distinction of receiving the maximum number of this coveted award in the country. While presenting the annual report for the year 2024, Prof Alka Sharma, Hony Secretary, of the branch presented the annual report of the year 2024. Hony Treasurer, Vikrant Kuthiala presented the Annual Statement of Accounts which was approved by the AGM. Director Seminars, Er M M Gupta gave the welcome address. Joint Director (Seminars) Manoj Pandita, JKPS, presented the formal vote of thanks. Prof Anil Gupta, Joint Secretary conducted the proceedings of the function.