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Public policy

IIM Sambalpur Unveils New Undergraduate Programmes in Public Policy and AI to Shape Future Leaders

In a strategic move aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Sambalpur has launched two groundbreaking undergraduate programmes: Bachelor of Science in Management and Public Policy and Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. These four-year, fully residential programmes are designed to nurture future-ready professionals with a blend of analytical, ethical, and leadership skills. The BSc in Management and Public Policy targets students interested in driving grassroots change, with a curriculum that emphasizes sustainability, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles, and community-led development. The programme aspires to bridge the gap between policy formulation and real-world impact. Admissions to this course will be facilitated through the Common University Entrance Test (CUET). Meanwhile, the BSc in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, developed in collaboration with industry stakeholders, aims to boost India’s digital transformation journey and enhance global competitiveness. It focuses on cultivating ethical AI use, advanced data analytics, and innovation-driven problem-solving. Entry into this programme will be via JEE Main scores. Highlighting the institution’s progressive approach, the courses are structured with multiple entry and exit options—students can earn a certificate after one year, a diploma after two, a degree after three, and an honors degree upon completing the fourth year. This flexibility is intended to support diverse learner pathways in line with NEP 2020 goals. IIM Sambalpur Director, Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, expressed pride in the launch, calling it a “pioneering step” in cultivating responsible, entrepreneurial leaders. “These programmes are not only about acquiring academic knowledge; they’re about building leaders equipped with a global outlook and the compassion to address societal challenges,” he noted. The launch event also featured a roundtable discussion on the theme: ‘Global Capability Centres (GCCs) as Engines of Innovation for Global Enterprises’. The dialogue spotlighted the emerging role of GCCs as strategic, innovation-led units rather than cost-effective back-offices. Bramhanand Jha, Vice President at the National eGovernance Division (MeitY), served as the chief guest. He emphasized the transformative role of GCCs in shaping future-ready, tech-enabled enterprises that drive global business strategies. Keynote speakers included Lt. Col. Piyush Shukla, Director of JEE at the National Testing Agency (NTA), and Rajesh Kumar, Director of CUET at NTA. Both underlined the significance of evolving India’s education assessment systems to support innovation, inclusivity, and talent discovery aligned with the country’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision. “The education landscape in India is being reshaped to identify talent capable of thriving in dynamic, innovation-driven environments like GCCs,” said Shukla. Kumar added that initiatives like CUET are vital to democratizing access to quality higher education and preparing students for leadership in a global digital economy. The launch concluded with insightful panel discussions featuring academic and industry experts on “Transforming Operations through GCCs: The Digital Shift from Cost Efficiency to Strategic Value” and “Aligning Talent Upskilling with Policy Innovation for Sustainable GCC Growth.” With this initiative, IIM Sambalpur reaffirms its commitment to fostering responsible, innovation-driven leadership that is attuned to the evolving demands of both national and global landscapes. Admissions for both UG programmes will begin in June 2025, with classes set to commence in September 2025. Source: Indian Express Photo Credit: IIM Sambalpur    

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Path to Good Governance and Security: The Role of Inclusive Welfare Programs

Blog on Governance

In India’s journey towards 2047, the symbiotic relationship between good governance, security, and inclusive welfare programs emerges as a critical pathway to address multifaceted challenges and foster societal well-being. A recent survey conducted by Primus Partners underscores the pivotal role of inclusive welfare initiatives in realizing the objectives of good governance and security, offering insights into India’s evolving landscape and aspirations. Challenges and Needs: The survey highlights that a significant portion of the population, approximately 58 percent, continues to grapple with fundamental needs such as education, shelter, healthcare, and employment. Despite past efforts, existing welfare programs face uncertainty in effectively addressing these challenges, necessitating a paradigm shift towards holistic solutions that bridge past achievements with future aspirations. Importance of Good Governance: Kautilya’s ancient wisdom resonates with contemporary notions of good governance, emphasizing the centrality of people’s happiness to the ruler’s well-being. Good governance, characterized by transparency, accountability, and participatory decision-making, serves as the bedrock for progress and security. It fosters social cohesion, economic growth, and stability, laying the groundwork for inclusive development. Inclusivity and Social Welfare: The concept of inclusivity emerges as a cornerstone of India’s progress, with 21 percent of survey respondents underscoring its significance. Inclusive policies, women empowerment, gender equality, and wealth disparity reduction are identified as critical factors contributing to social well-being. Drawing inspiration from nations like Sweden and Norway, India seeks to emulate the transformative impact of robust welfare programs on societal cohesion and security. Success Stories and Learnings: Initiatives like the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) and Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) exemplify India’s strides towards inclusive governance and poverty alleviation. By leveraging technology and innovative financing mechanisms, India aims to streamline welfare delivery, mitigate corruption, and enhance transparency. The cooperative federalism model and participative decision-making are pivotal for effective implementation and citizen-centric governance. Future Directions: As India navigates its path towards Viksit Bharat, strengthening last-mile delivery mechanisms, data privacy safeguards, and capacity-building initiatives remain imperative. The establishment of robust frameworks to combat corruption, coupled with transparent public institutions, will shape India’s inclusive growth trajectory. By fostering a culture of innovation, education, and civic engagement, India endeavors to realize the aspirations of all its citizens on the road to 2047. Inclusive welfare programs serve as catalysts for good governance and security, offering a holistic framework to address socio-economic disparities and enhance societal resilience. Through strategic investments, policy reforms, and collaborative efforts, India charts a course towards a prosperous and equitable future, anchored in the principles of inclusivity, transparency, and citizen-centric governance. With a steadfast commitment to Kautilya’s vision of the ruler’s happiness intertwined with the people’s welfare, India embarks on a transformative journey towards 2047, where inclusive welfare programs serve as the cornerstone of a vibrant and secure society. As the nation embraces the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century, the convergence of good governance, security, and inclusive welfare promises to unlock the full potential of India’s diverse and dynamic populace, paving the way for a brighter tomorrow for generations to come.  

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