J&K Govt, IIM Jammu sign MoU for establishment of CITaG

Srinagar, May 27: Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Jammu and Planning, Development and Monitoring Department (PD&MD), J&K, on Monday, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of Centre for Innovation and Transformation in Governance (CITaG) in J&K here.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, at the civil secretariat here.

Director IIM Jammu, Prof BS Sahay and Secretary PD&MD, Aijaz Asad signed the MoU.

Terming the step as significant, the Chief Secretary said that it would provide a suitable platform and great opportunity for all in terms of accelerating the development of J&K.

He asked the officers to identify areas and focus on the convergence of all available resources in J&K.

Dulloo asked them to focus on those areas which had the potential to attract industry where one could stitch the theory with actionable points.

He said that the purpose of the MoU was not to work in isolation but inclusive of all departments for the development of J&K.

CITaG is an umbrella body encompassing innovative features like the establishment of the State Institute of Transformation, encouraging public-private partnership and ensuring future-ready governance in J&K.

The chief secretary said that it would be accomplished with a vision to foster innovation and positive changes in governance practices through the introduction of cutting-edge research, high-quality education and collaborative initiatives to empower government institutions and policymakers to tackle complex challenges, drive sustainable development and enhance the well-being of people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Director IIM Jammu, Prof BS Sahay said that the aim was to transform J&K as one of the best-performing states and UTs in the country.

“IIM Jammu should be overall in charge of CITaG for the deliverance of all assignments besides collaborating with various stakeholders and knowledge partners,” he said.

Secretary Planning, Aijaz Asad, highlighted the importance of MoU and gave an outline of the mission and goals of CITaG.

A detailed presentation was also given on the occasion highlighting focus areas of CITaG and devising the strategies for the transformation of J&K’s economy.

It was given out that the focus area of CITaG would be formulating the development vision of Jammu and Kashmir@2047 in alignment with India's vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.

The presentation emphasised strengthening future-ready governance in J&K by capacity building of officials on emerging trends in governance and public administration.

The event also witnessed the presence of Administrative Secretaries of Agriculture, Finance, Higher Education, H&UD, Tourism, I&C Departments, DGs from Planning and Finance and other senior officers and officials of the concerned departments.