Last Updated:
The programme marks a significant shift in how local governance is being strengthened, bringing district-level leadership into the same training ecosystem that shapes the country’s steel frame — the top bureaucrats
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offers floral tributes on the statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand. (PTI)
In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) — India’s elite IAS training institute — is set to train Zilla Parishad chief executives in a specially curated programme.
The training scheduled between April 14 and 18 will take place in the academy and there will be more phases, News18 has learnt. In a letter dated January 25, the academy has informed the rural development and panchayati raj ministry that the programme has been designed to train the executives and officers working in the spheres of panchayat and rural development.
The special move has been planned in a collaborative way by the department of personnel and training (DoPT) with additional funding from the rural development and panchayati raj ministry as it aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s push for stronger governance at the grassroots.
The programme marks a significant shift in how local governance is being strengthened, bringing district-level leadership into the same training ecosystem that shapes the country’s steel frame — the top bureaucrats.
“By equipping Zilla Parishad heads and executives with administrative skills and policy insights, the Modi government aims to bridge the gap between local bodies and high-level decision-making, ensuring more effective implementation of central schemes,” said a senior officer involved in designing the programme.
Bridging the gap between central and local governance
In his letter to the ministries concerned, the academy has stated that each batch will consist of 50 executives who are expected to join the academy within the stipulated time frame. He added that the academy may take a selective and saturation approach to train the executives in batches, as the country has around 780 districts. The training programme can also further be replicated in other regional rural training institutes.
The senior officer added: “This innovative programme aligns with PM Modi’s directive for stronger, more efficient governance at the grassroots. By equipping local officers and functionaries with a rigorous and professional training programme, meant to serve the rural bodies, the initiative aims to foster better policy understanding, administrative efficiency, and effective implementation of central and state schemes at the district level.”
The officer said: “The integration of high-calibre and practical training for local governance is expected to bridge the gap between central policies and their practical execution, ensuring that national development priorities resonate well with local needs.”
What does this mean for Panchayats, Zilla Parishads?
The senior-level functionaries and executives in zilla parishads and panchayats will gain access to advanced training modules covering modern governance techniques, policy formulation, and public administration. This will also empower them to handle complex administrative challenges with proficiency.
The training programme will have its focus on policy implementation and execution, said another senior officer. “With a deeper understanding of central policies and frameworks, Zilla Parishad heads can better translate national programmes into local actions, ensuring more coherent and efficient service delivery,” he added.
The programme also aims to instil a culture of transparency and accountability among local heads of zilla parishads. By creating a common training platform, the initiative is expected to enhance communication and coordination between the central government and local administrative bodies, leading to more cohesive governance structures.
