Union Minister Jitendra Singh led the 327th meeting of the Indian Institute of Public Administration’s Executive Council in New Delhi on Monday. As the council’s chairman, he pushed for blending traditional governance training with cutting-edge tech like artificial intelligence, digital platforms, and data tools to modernize public administration.
Singh highlighted how scientists and academics often step into top government roles but need better skills in governance and communication. “India boasts a huge talent pool in science,” he said, “yet those in leadership must get targeted training in management and administration to thrive.”
He also tackled social media’s growing role in governance, calling for officer training on its smart use. Workshops should cover the dos and don’ts, he urged, to fight misinformation and build trust through reliable public updates.
The council greenlit key items, like confirming past minutes, approving the 2024-25 annual report and accounts, adding new life members, and setting up a fresh branch in Nanded, Maharashtra.
Awards stole the show. Retired IAS officer Meenakshi Hooja earned the 2025 Paul H. Appleby Award, while Prof. Prakash C. Sarangi, ex-Vice-Chancellor of Ravenshaw University, took home the Dr. Rajendra Prasad Award for Academic Excellence.
For best-performing branches, Karnataka snagged first place, Uttar Pradesh second, and Madhya Pradesh along with Mizoram shared third.
The annual essay competition drew nearly 200 entries on topics like artificial intelligence challenges, social media pitfalls, and improving daily life. Winners hailed from Jharkhand, Telangana, Punjab, and Haryana—mixing academics and students.
In the case study contest, Dr. Vivek Dixit from AIIMS New Delhi won first for his research on third gender issues. The T.N. Chaturvedi Award honored top articles in IIPA’s key journals, Indian Journal of Public Administration and Lok Prashashan.
The group noted IIPA’s new partnerships, including deals with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), both now housed in the institute’s new building.
From April to September 2024-25, IIPA ran 49 training sessions that reached 2,809 officials and wrapped up six research projects, with 21 more in progress.
IIPA Director General Surendra Nath Tripathi kicked off the meeting by sharing plans to boost regional branches, roll out smart classrooms, and live-stream events for broader reach. He stressed capturing workshop insights into publications that shape policy.
Wrapping up, Singh said IIPA should ramp up national and global ties, syncing with India’s Viksit Bharat vision for 2047. By connecting with districts, local bodies, and private players, the institute can help craft a tech-savvy governance system ready for the future.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
