March Newsletter 2025

INSTITUTE NEWS 

4th Dr Rajendra Prasad Memorial Lecture on 71st Founders‘ Day of IIPA

Commemorating the 71st Founders‘ Day celeberation, Indian Institute of Public Administration organised the Fourth Dr Rajendra Prasad Memorial Lecture on March 29, 2025. Hon’ble Union Minister and Chairman of IIPA Dr Jitendra Singh graced the occassion. Upon his arrival, the Union Minister paid floral tribute to the bust of the Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel at IIPA premises. Director General of IIPA, Shri SN Tripathi presented the welcome remarks. While delivering the memorial lecture on ‘Antyodaya se Sarvodaya: A Highway to Equality’, the Union Minister underscored the government’s commitment to ensure that governance reaches the last citizen in line, embodying the true realization of Antyodaya. The Minister also advised IIPA to extend its knowledge repository and leadership training modules beyond government sectors to contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.

An MoU between IIPA and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) was exchanged in the presence of the Hon’ble Minister. 

Additionally, he unveiled the book “Antyodaya Se Sarvodaya: A Framework of Universal Fulfilment” by Shri SN Tripathi and Dr Saket Bihari. 

The event witnessed the participation of several distinguished dignitaries, including: Shri Shekhar Dutt, Former Governor of Chhattisgarh; Shri V. Srinivas, IAS, Secretary, DARPG, Shri S. Kshatriya, Former Chief Secretary of Maharashtra, Shri S. K. Mishra, Former Chief Secretary of Chhattisgarh and others.  The event was compered and coordinated by Shri Amitabh Ranjan, Registrar, IIPA. Besides participants of the 50th APPPA and other Officer Trainees of the ongoing progammes, Faculty and Officers of IIPA attended the event. 

Promoting Excellence through Administrative Skills

A week long programme for officers of Directorate General of Civil Aviation on Promoting Excellence through Administrative Skills was organised from March 24 – March 28, 2025. It was sponsored by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Govt. of India. The overarching objective of the programme was to enable the participants to enhance their administrative skills in the broad framework of the governance system. The programme was both developmental and diagnostic, streamlining the issues and concerns for improvement through the enhancement of skills. Programme Coordinators were Dr Saket Bihari  and Dr Manan Dwivedi.

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 was organized from March 17-21, 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 for District Judiciary Including District Judge

An International Training Programme for District Judiciary Including District Judges through E-Committee, Supreme Court of India was organised from March 17-21, 2025. It was in collaboration and Law society of Singapore on the use of Generative AI and Emerging technologies in legal procedure and court functioning. The programme was attended by Supreme Court officials/ High Court staff / officers / Registrar IT and District judges. Dr Surabhi Pandey was the programme coordinator. 

Programme on Women Achievers - Women Led Development

Dr. Ambedkar Chair in Social Justice, IIPA celebrated Women Achievers - “Women Led Development: A Key Pillar of Viksit Bharat" on March 7, 2025. Smt. Mamta Kumari, Hon’ble Member, National Commission for Women gave the Keynote Address. Shri Prabhat Kumar Singh, Member Secretary, DAF & MD NSKFDC shared information on Schemes of MoSJ&E, Govt of India. Shri S.N. Tripathi, Director General, IIPA emphasized upon on importance of women in decision-making and administrative roles. Women Entrepreneurs, Innovators, and Changemakers who have made contributions in their field, shared their experiences during the programme. The programme was attended by Scholars from University of Delhi and Manav Rachna Institute. This programme was coordinated by Prof. Nupur Tiwary. 

Workshop on Direct Selling and Consumer Protection Issues, Concerns and Challenges

The centre for Consumer Studies in IIPA organised a one-day workshop on Direct Selling and Consumer Protection Issues, Concerns and Challenges on March 12, 2025. It was in collaboration with Direct Selling Today, Delhi. The objective of the workshop was to appreciate the present legal and regulatory environment applicable to direct selling entities and understand role of robust grievance redressal mechanism in building consumer trust. Dr Sapna Chadah and Dr Suresh Misra were the programme coordinators. 

Programme for Technical and Administrative Staff

A one-week Capacity Building Programme for Technical and Administrative Staff was organised from March 3-7, 2025. It was sponsored by Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), Guwahati, Assam – an autonomous of R&D under DST, Government of India. Prof Vinod K Sharma and Dr Shyamli Singh coordinated the programme. 

NAMAMI GANGE 

 IIPA in collaboration with Sikkim University organized a three-day Faculty Development Programme on Capacity Building Programme for Climate Smart Governance sponsored by the Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India in Sikkim University, Gangtok from March 10-13, 2025. Inaugural session saw the presence of Dr. Jyoti Prakash Tamang, VC, Sikkim University, Prof. Sohel Firdos, Head, Geography Dept, SU, and Dr. Shyamli Singh, Faculty, IIPA on the dais. The sessions also included Climate Change: Science Behind Stories by Dr. Singh and Case Studies on Indian Agriculture, Water Resources, and Public Health by Dr. Rajesh Joshi, Scientist & Regional Head, GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment. Dr Shyamli Singh and Dr VK Sharma coordinated the programme. 

 IIPA organised a workshop on "Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)" at IIT Roorkee Greater Noida Campus under the Namami Gange on March 19, 2025. 

 An International Conference on Integrating Climate Action, AI, SDGs and Water Management (ICASW) was organised by IIPA in association with Namami Gange and VIPS Engineering on March 20, 2025. 

 IIPA successfully conducted one day offline school training programme at Veda Vyasa DAV Public School, Delhi on March 25, 2025 under the project 'Blended capacity building programme for stakeholders of river Ganga, Phase II' sponsored by NMCG. The programme witnessed participation from over 80 students.

 IIPA in collaboration with MANIT Bhopal organized a three-day Faculty Development Programme on Capacity Building for Climate Smart Governance, sponsored by DST, from March 25-27, 2025. Prof. SPS Rajput, Dean (ID & IR), MANIT Bhopal was the chief guest. Prof. Nakul Dhagat, Head of Architecture and Planning at MANIT Bhopal, then delivered an insightful talk on the importance of working towards climate mitigation. Dr. Krishna Kumar Dhote, Dean (Planning and Development), MANIT Bhopal, concluded the inaugural session with his remarks. The day continued with engaging sessions led by esteemed speakers, including Dr. Krishna Dhote, Dr. Shyamli Singh, Dr. Vinay Prakash Shrivastava (Chief Architect, Vastu Vista), and Dr. Prashanti Rao (Architect and Urban Planner), who shared their expertise on key aspects of climate-smart governance.

FACULTY/CAMPUS NEWS 

 Hon’ble Union Minister and Chairman of IIPA Dr Jitendra Singh presided over the 326th Executive Council Meeting of IIPA on March 29, 2025. He reviewed key action points, annual activities, and welcomed 130 new life members from diverse backgrounds. IIPA’s visibility has become conspicuous in the last few years, particularly after the change in membership criterion and closer synergy with academic institutions with similar mandate, across the country, both in public as well as private sectors, he said during the meeting. 

 Shri SN Tripathi, DG, IIPA and Shri Amitabh Ranjan, Registrar attended Capacity Building Programme which was organised in collaboration with DST, IASST & IIPA on March 3, 2025.  

 Shri SN Tripathi, DG, IIPA along with Shri Amitabh Ranjan and Prof VN Alok witnessed the revival of IIPA Uttarakhand Regional Branch in the meeting of IIPA Members of Uttarakhand, held on March 10, 2025 at Doon Library and Research Centre, Dehradun. IIPA applauded the efforts of Shri N. Ravi Shankar, IAS (R) for working tirelessly for making the rejuvenation of the Branch possible. The meeting also resolved to make the Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand as the ex-officio Chairperson of the Branch with Shri Ravi Shankar as the Co-Chairman. Thanks to Prof V. K. Joshi and other Members for their enthusiastic participation and making the Branch revival possible.

 IIPA and Assam Administrative Staff College signed an MoU regarding academic exchanges, collaboration in administrative research, joint Capacity Building Programmes for Assam State Civil Servants, at AASC, Guwahati on March 3, 2025.  Smt Riju Gogoi, IAS, DoT AASC, & Shri Surendra Nath Tripathi, DG, IIPA signed an MoU to create a robust framework for enhancing the administrative capacity building for the civil servants in Assam.

 Shri Amitabh Ranjan, Registrar, IIPA participated in a Panel Discussion on Renewable Energy organized by Marsh India at Hotel Taj Mahal, Delhi on a highly insightful discussion on various facets of Renewable Energy in India including challenges and opportunities in this field for Insurance Sector and Green Financing.

 Shri Amitabh Ranjan, Registrar, IIPA was invited as a keynote speaker in a Conclave on SDG 4 organised by PhD Chamber of Commerce and Industry. 

NEWS FROM BRANCHES 

 Karnataka Regional Branch

The branch in collaboration the Department of International Studies, Political Science and History of Christ (Deemed-to-Be) University, Bengaluru organized a National Conference on the theme, “Contemporary Trends and Approaches in Public Policy and Public Administration” on March 11-12, 2025 in the premises of Christ University. The Inaugural Address was delivered by Shri T.M. Vijay Bhaskar, IAS (Retd.), former Chief Secretary of Karnataka and Chairperson of the Karnataka Regional Branch of IIPA. The Presidential Address was delivered by Dr. Fr. Jose, CC, Vice-Chancellor of Christ DTB University.  A Memorandum of Association between the two institutions was signed on the occasion by Dr. Fr. Jose and Shri T.M. Vijay Bhaskar. Dr. S.P. Vagishwari, Head of the Department of International Studies, Political Science and History of Christ University welcomed the gathering. Dr. Reetika Syal, Assistant Professor in the Department and Convenor of the National Conference proposed a Vote of Thanks.

 Karnataka Regional Branch

Shri T M Vijay Bhaskar, Chairperson of the branch was Chief Guest at the launch of the MA Public Policy programme by RV University, Bengaluru on March 19, 2025. The event brought together distinguished academicians, policymakers, faculty, and students to discuss the programme’s vision, academic structure and career opportunities in the ever-evolving field of public policy.

 Jammu and Kashmir Regional Branch

The branch organized the 11th Shri Ram Sahai Memorial Lecture on March 29, 2025. Dr. Arun Manhas, Director of Industries and Commerce, Jammu, delivered the Memorial Lecture on "Benefits of Industrialization under New Central Sector Scheme (NCSS) to Local Populace." Late Ram Sahai was the one of the founder members of the branch and was involved in its growth till his death and in recognition of his vast contributions the branch decided to institute a memorial lecture in his name. B.R. Sharma, State Election Commissioner and Chairman of the branch presided over while Dr Ashok Bhan Patron was the Chief Guest. Prof. Alka Sharma, Honorary Secretary paid glowing tributes to the late Ram Sahai. Earlier, Er M.M. Gupta, Director Seminars, presented the welcome address. Rahul Sahai, son of Late Ram Sahai thanked all dignitaries who attended the Memorial Lecture and gave the vote of thanks. The proceedings were conducted by Manoj Kumar Pandith, Joint Director (Seminars).

 Rajasthan Regional Branch

The branch in collaboration with the Centre for Administrative Change and Prakrit Bharati Academy, organized on March 8, 2025,  an open house session on “Tested Guidelines for Sure Success in Competitive Examinations” with Dr. Satish K Batra, Acting Chairman of the Branch, as the keynote speaker. On March 10, Shri S S Bissa, IAS (Rtd.) conducted a session on “Success through Etiquette”. Shri Rajendra Bhanawat, IAS (Rtd.) was the main speaker in the session on “Education for Jobs and Career” on March 11. Prof. Anil Mehta, Professor of Law at Vanasthali Vidyapeeth, delivered a talk on “Motivation for Success” on March 12, 2025. On March 15, Vishnu Dutt Sharma Memorial Lecture was organized in which Shri Rajeshwar Singh, IAS (Rtd.), former Chairperson, Board of Revenue, Rajasthan, who delivered the lecture on “The Philosophy of Shrimad Bhagvadgita”, while Prof. Ramesh K Arora, Secretary, the Centre for Administrative Change, presided over the event. All the lectures, meetings were attended by a large number of academicians, civil servants and students.

 Odisha Regional Branch 

The branch organised a seminal discussion as part of the observance of “World Consumer Rights Day” on March 19, 2025 at hotel Kalinga Ashoka, Bhubaneswar. A former Justice Dr. D.P. Choudhury of Odisha High Court and former Chairman of State Consumer Redressal Commission of Odisha graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. 

The Members’ Annual Conference of the branch Branch was organised at the New Marrion Hotel, Bhubaneswar on March 29, 2025. Shri Pitambar Acharya, a prominent and distinguished senior Advocate of Odisha High Court and presently Advocate General of Odisha government, attended the meeting as Chief Guest. The Hony. Secretary of the branch presented the activity report of the year 2024-25. The year witnessed the branch conducting 19 (nineteen) events (Seminars, Workshops, off - campus visits, interaction with students of Universities and Colleges) during the year. This includes collaborative programmes with Utkal University (Public Administration Department), Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Dhenkanal, Biju Patanaik State Police Academy. The Chief Guest Shri Acharya distributed trophies and certificates to the winners of Essay and Debate competitions held among the students of various Colleges and Universities. He also released our thematic Annual Journal “Climate Change and Sustainable Development’ edited by Shri Sanjaya Kumar Pattanayak, Life member, IIPA. After that a daylong workshop was organised on the above theme.  The deliberations and discussions continued with a valedictory address by the Chairman, Shri Karunakar Patnaik. The programme was moderated by Dr. Chitra Kanungo, Vice-Chairperson of the Branch. Lastly, Shri Chandra Bhanu Mishra, Hony. Secretary of the branch extended vote of thanks.

 Visakhapatnam Local Branch

The branch and AU, Dept of politics and public administration jointly organised a Lecture discussion session by Prof KSRN Sarma, former Professor, IIPA on 'Land Acquisition Act - Issues and Challenges' on March 3, 2025. The lecture discussion session was largely attended by Members of IIPA Local branch and by Faculty, Ph D scholars, and post graduate students from various Departments of AU Arts college.