IIM Visakhapatnam Completes Leadership Training for Over 500 Andhra Pradesh Gazetted Officers
The Indian Institute of Management Visakhapatnam (IIM-V) has successfully concluded an extensive training initiative for gazetted officers from the Andhra Pradesh panchayat raj and rural development department. This comprehensive programme was conducted under the auspices of the State Institute of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj.
Exceeding Targets with Nine Residential Batches
Operating within the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) 2025–26 capacity building framework, the programme trained an impressive 504 officers across nine residential batches, surpassing its original target of 500 participants. The initiative was formally launched on December 1, 2025, with the first cohort of 50 officers.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by several distinguished officials including Shashi Bhushan Kumar, principal secretary of AP PR & RD and rural water supply; Mutyalaraju Revu, commissioner of APSIRD≺ and Krishna Teja Mylavarapu, commissioner of Panchayat Raj.
Comprehensive Curriculum for Effective Local Governance
According to IIM Visakhapatnam director Prof M Chandrasekhar, the Leadership and Management Development Training Programme was specifically designed to strengthen leadership capabilities and governance expertise among participants. The curriculum blended foundational knowledge with practical skills and digital literacy components.
Key areas covered in the training included:
- Core principles of local governance and the significance of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment
- Devolution of powers and the broader Panchayati Raj vision
- Transformational and transactional leadership styles supported by case studies
- Effective planning, budgeting, and financial management tools
- Panchayat finances including grants, revenue sources, and efficient budgeting principles
Digital Governance and Practical Skill Development
A major focus of the programme was digital governance, with participants receiving hands-on exposure to multiple platforms designed to enhance transparency and service delivery at the local level.
Digital platforms covered included:
- e-Gram Swaraj
- Gram Manchitra
- SVAMITVA
- ServicePlus
- BharatNet
- Various MIS tools
Participants also developed essential leadership skills in communication, dispute resolution, and stakeholder engagement. The training addressed the Panchayat's crucial role in public health, education, sanitation, and water management.
Focus on Sustainable Development and Climate Resilience
The programme extended beyond traditional governance topics to include strategies for climate-resilient village planning, disaster preparedness, and renewable energy adoption. This forward-looking approach ensures officers are equipped to address contemporary challenges facing rural communities.
The training groups comprised gazetted officers drawn from mandal, division, and district-level administrations across Andhra Pradesh. The programme was led by Prof Vijaya Marisetty and Prof Kalyan Kolukuluri, achieving an exceptional average feedback score of 4.76 out of 5 from participants.
This initiative represents a significant step toward building administrative capacity at the grassroots level, empowering local officials with the knowledge and tools necessary for participatory decision-making and sustainable rural development across Andhra Pradesh.
