Management Development Programme for Governors of Mongolia at IIM Indore

After the successful Management Development Programme (MDP) for judges and diplomats from Ministry of Justice, Cambodia, IIM Indore conductedanMDP on ‘Local Governance’ for25 Governors of Mongolia from January 06-10, 2020.These governors are equivalent to the Chief Ministers of Indian States.

The programme was conducted in collaboration with the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme (ITEC), under the Ministry of External Affairs. The programme witnessed various sessions and interactions with experts on governance.

The governors also met the Honourable Chief Minister Shri Kamal Nath in the City of Lakes (Bhopal). Shri Nath welcomed the governors to the country and interacted with them. This was followed by lunch and a visit to the Bhopal Legislative Assembly.

During the programme,Professor Himanshu Rai, Director, IIM Indore also welcomed the group. He noted the programme aims at mutual learning and sharing of knowledge, thereby strengthening the relationship between both the nations.He shared his concerns about carbon emissions and its impact on climate change.

He said, “We need to remove FIRE – Fear, Inaction, Relationship Issues, and Envy. The foundation of all nations should be built on sustenance, peace and ethical leadership. Moreover, the solutions to all environmental issues must be found together.” Professor Rai discussed the ways in which IIM Indore is contributing towards building a strong nation.

He said, “The future depends on what you do today. Seek self-improvement. Find out what you’re passionate about. Seek responsibility and take responsibility for your actions. Even at a province level, you can start doing things on your own with full capabilities.” He wished the governors a happy stay at IIM Indore and said that the Institute looks forward to organizing such programmes and collaborating with foreign nations in future as well.

The governors got a chance to interact with the Honourable Minister of Urban Development & Housing (MP), ShriJaivardhan Singh. He shared the success story of ‘Clean Indore’ and explained how waste was recycled using modern technology and how dumping grounds were converted into parks. He stressed that Indore is a unique model for the entire country to follow.

Further, he noted that the water supply is a challenge for the city, and the government strongly believes that the access to water should be a fundamental right. He said, “In order to create a smart city, we will ensure that water supply, sewage connections, and electricity cables are underground. We are also monitoring the flow of traffic to make it simple, efficient and commuter friendly.” He also mentioned a new initiative undertaken by the government to empower women — e-rickshaws for women, driven by women.

The group also met Mr. Asheesh Singh (IAS, Commissioner, IMC) and Mrs. MaliniLaxmansingh Gaur (Mayor, Indore). Mrs. Gaur informed the governors that Indore has received the award for the cleanest-city three times in a row, and the credit goes to the municipal corporation team. “There are 85 wards in the city, and the dry and wet waste are collected separately from each house. We’re producing methane gas from the bio-waste, and dump stations are being converted to gardens. The people of Indore are very aware, and keep the city clean”, she explained.

Multiple sessions on Governance, Total Quality Management, Ethics in Administration, Land Acquisition or Compensation and Rehabilitation in India, Computerization of Land Records, E-Governance and Service Delivery, Urban Development and Planning in India, etc. were also conducted.

The governors noted that the classroom training inputs which were supplemented with group work, evaluation of case studies covering International and Indian experiences, was quite beneficial. The training methodology included lectures, case studies, exercises, experience sharing presentations and field visits including interaction with practitioners.

The speakers for these sessions included Mr. Sanjay Dubey(Principal Secretary, Department of Urban Development & Housing, Government of India); Mr. Santosh B (IAS, Principal Secretary);Professor D.L. Sunder (Dean, Planning & Development, IIM Indore);Professor Ganesh N Nidugala(IIM Indore);Professor Swapnil Garg(IIM Indore); Professor Prashant Salwan (IIM Indore); Mr. Amiya Pahare (State Nodal Officer, HRD Ministry, Madhya Pradesh); and Dr.Punit Kumar Dwivedi(Brand Ambassador of Swachh Bharat Indore and Director of Modern Group of Institutes). A thought-provoking joint session was held with Dr.Renu Jain (the honourable Vice-Chancellor ofDevi Ahilya University), andProfessor Marilyn Wiley (University of North Texas).

The governors were awarded certificates at the end of the programme on January 09, 2020. Thereafter, they left for a tour to Delhi and Agra, to witness the architectural beauty of India. They governors enjoyed their stay at IIM Indore, said that the programme was very beneficial for them, and helped them understand the effectiveness of Indian governance.