Historic MoU Signed Between Panchayati Raj Department and IIM Lucknow to Empower Local Governance

Lucknow – In a landmark step towards strengthening grassroots democracy, the Uttar Pradesh Panchayati Raj Department on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Lucknow. The partnership aims to provide administrative, financial, and technological training to panchayat representatives across the state.

Under the agreement, IIM Lucknow will conduct five-day training programmes in multiple batches for elected representatives. The sessions will focus on decision-making, resource management, transparency, and effective implementation of welfare schemes. The curriculum will also integrate modern tools such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), ensuring that village-level governance keeps pace with evolving global standards.

Leaders Hail the Initiative

Panchayati Raj Minister Om Prakash Rajbhar described the initiative as a “transformative step”. “By collaborating with an institution like IIM, we will bring fresh thinking and modern training to grassroots leaders. This will serve as a catalyst for wide-ranging changes in panchayat governance,” he said, congratulating officials for the move.

Principal Secretary Anil Kumar highlighted that the programme will sharpen leadership qualities and enhance financial discipline among panchayat representatives. “Our goal is to make the implementation of government schemes more effective and transparent. With IIM Lucknow’s support, we are confident this initiative will succeed and benefit all panchayats of the state,” he remarked.

Director of Panchayati Raj, Amit Kumar Singh, stressed the importance of equipping village bodies with new-age knowledge. “Panchayats are the roots of democracy. This MoU gives us a chance to connect them with modern management practices and technologies like AI. It will set a benchmark and position Uttar Pradesh’s panchayats as role models across India,” he said.

IIM Lucknow’s Role

Representing IIM Lucknow, Professor Madhumita Chakravarty, Chairperson of the Management Development Programme, termed it an “important opportunity.” She added, “IIM Lucknow has always been committed to driving positive change in society and governance. Training grassroots representatives will help us advance good governance and innovation at the ground level.”

Experts Welcome the Move

Policy experts have called the MoU a milestone, predicting it will prepare panchayats to meet future challenges with stronger administrative capacity, financial prudence, and technical know-how. By institutionalising such training, the initiative is expected to ensure that rural governance in Uttar Pradesh becomes more accountable, transparent, and development-oriented.

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