First Capacity Building Program for Finance and Planning Officials under CITaG Inaugurated at IIM Jammu
The Diplomat
Jammu, September 11, 2024: The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu hosted the inaugural ceremony of the first Capacity Building Program for officials from the Finance and Planning & Monitoring Department of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir at Vivekananda Classroom, Jagti on 11th Sept 2024. The program under the Centre for Innovation and Transformation in Governance (CITaG), is a visionary initiative of the Planning Development & Monitoring Department, Government of J&K. This center integrates the State Institute of Transformation, NITI Aayog, GoI, the PPP Cell funded by the Department of Economic Affairs, GoI, and the Future Ready Governance initiative of the J&K Government. IIM Jammu serves as the Nodal Knowledge Partner and implementing body for CITaG, guiding its mission to bring transformational change to the region.
The ceremony began with a traditional lamp lighting ceremony, symbolizing the illumination of knowledge and the drive towards excellence in governance by Shri Santosh Dattatraya Vaidya, IAS, Principal Secretary to the Government of J&K, Finance Department and Shri Mohammad Aijaz Asad, IAS, Administrative Secretary, Planning Development, and Monitoring Department, Govt of J & K and presided over the inaugural ceremony on online mode. The event was graced by Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu.
Shri Santosh Dattatraya Vaidya, IAS, Principal Secretary to the Government of J&K, Finance Department, ((Online Mode) commended the swift operationalization of CITaG, crediting the Planning Department and IIM Jammu for their mission-driven approach. He emphasized the significant impact of the program, particularly the training of 400 officers from the Planning and Finance sectors. He stressed the importance of collaborative thinking and urged participants to propose five actionable changes for government implementation post-training. Despite challenges, he noted Jammu and Kashmir’s promising growth and underscored the need to promote the private sector, increase tax collection, improve debt management, enhance economic freedom, and ensure sustainable development. He praised CITaG as a strategic initiative aimed at transforming governance and fostering public-private partnerships (PPP), essential for future-ready governance and sustainable development in Jammu and Kashmir.
Shri Mohammad Aijaz Asad, IAS, Administrative Secretary, Planning Development, and Monitoring Department, Government of J&K, (Online Mode) emphasized the collaborative focus on governance through innovation, highlighting the “Future Ready Governance” initiative led by the State Institute of Transformation, with IIM Jammu as the Nodal Knowledge Partner. Citing the MOU signed on 27th May 2024, he outlined strategic plans in sectors like tourism, revenue generation, and public enterprises. He stressed that the success of this initiative hinges on data-driven decision-making and AI, with CITaG steering the government’s transformation towards a developed Jammu and Kashmir.
Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, emphasized the need for advanced tools and technology to drive progress in Jammu and Kashmir, urging introspection, innovation, and effective governance. He expressed gratitude to the Government of India and Govt of J&K, highlighting the critical role of CITaG and the capacity-building program in making Jammu and Kashmir, a leading U.T in the country. He stressed the importance of time management, digital literacy, and transparency, aligning with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. He reaffirmed IIM Jammu’s commitment to collaboration and dialogue to drive socio-economic development through enhanced public-private partnerships (PPP) and a Future Ready Governance (FRG) structure, guiding the region towards becoming one of the best-performing UTs in the country.
Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean – Academics, IIM Jammu, emphasized the institute’s commitment to academic excellence and supporting the UT’s officials through CITaG’s program, which is designed to empower them with the skills needed to tackle contemporary challenges. Dr. Ashish Kumar, Program Director, initiated the proceedings by presenting an overview of the program.
Present on the occasion were Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean, Academics, IIM Jammu, Dr. Rajesh Sikka, Program Director, Dr. Ashish Kumar, Program Director, Dr. Praveen Kumar, Program Director and Dr. Harsha Jariwala, Program Director, IIM Jammu. A brief video showcasing the history and milestones of IIM Jammu was then presented, providing insight into the institution’s significant contributions to education and governance in the region. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof. Rajesh Sikka, Program Director. The ceremony culminated with the National Anthem, marking the beginning of CITaG’s journey towards fostering innovation and transformation in governance.
The Centre for Innovation and Transformation in Governance (CITaG) at IIM Jammu is a pioneering initiative that seeks to drive positive change and innovation in governance. By focusing on capacity building, promoting public-private partnerships, and developing future-ready governance frameworks, CITaG aims to elevate Jammu & Kashmir to the level of the best-performing states and UTs in India. TDD
