In a First, Chhattisgarh Cabinet Undergoes Two-Day Governance Training at IIM Raipur

By Mahima Katal

Raipur, July 4: In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Chhattisgarh Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, on Saturday began a two-day leadership and governance training programme at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Raipur, with sessions on artificial intelligence, public leadership, rural economy and administrative reforms aimed at improving governance and public service delivery.

The reflection camp brings together Cabinet ministers on the IIM campus for intensive discussions with policymakers, management experts and thought leaders at a time when the state government is seeking to align its governance model with the Centre's vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India). Ministers will stay on campus throughout the programme to facilitate continuous deliberations and policy discussions.

The initiative comes as the Sai government seeks to strengthen governance amid changing developmental priorities, particularly in regions such as Bastar, where the focus is increasingly shifting from security concerns to infrastructure development, investment, agriculture, tourism and the delivery of welfare schemes.

The first day of the programme opened with a session by motivational speaker Gaur Gopal Das, who spoke on leadership, ethical decision-making, emotional balance and the responsibilities of public office. The session emphasised that ministers today are expected not only to administer departments but also to inspire public trust, make balanced decisions during crises and respond sensitively to evolving public expectations.

Technology-driven governance formed another key theme of the training. Abhay Karandikar addressed ministers on the growing role of artificial intelligence, digital governance and data-driven policymaking, highlighting how emerging technologies can improve decision-making, monitoring and transparency in government programmes. The discussions also explored how technology could help deliver welfare schemes more efficiently in remote and tribal regions of the state.

Agriculture and rural development also featured prominently during the camp. NITI Aayog member Dr Ramesh Chand spoke on strengthening rural incomes, promoting value addition in agriculture, supporting local enterprises and adopting village-centric development models. His session focused on improving the rural economy, which remains central to Chhattisgarh's growth strategy.

The timing of the training is significant, as the government aims to prepare its ministers for the next phase of governance in Bastar, where improving roads, healthcare, education, livelihoods and tourism has become a priority alongside sustaining peace and stability.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai described the reflection camp as a response to the changing demands of governance, stating that governments must continuously learn, evaluate their performance and adapt to emerging challenges. The two-day programme signals the state's attempt to build a more professional, technology-enabled and results-oriented Cabinet capable of meeting rising public expectations.

The initiative is among the first instances of an entire state Cabinet undergoing structured executive training at a premier management institution, reflecting a growing emphasis on capacity building and evidence-based governance in public administration.