IIM Jammu Signs MoU with Planning, Development & Monitoring Department, Govt of Jammu and Kashmir to establish, “Centre for Innovation & Transformation in Governance” (CITaG).
In a significant step towards fostering innovation and driving governance transformation, the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Planning, Development & Monitoring Department (PD&MD), Government of Jammu and Kashmir, to establish the Centre for Innovation & Transformation in Governance (CITaG).
The MoU was signed by Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, and Mohammad Aijaz, IAS, Administrative Secretary of Planning, Development & Monitoring Department (PD&MD), in the presence of Shri Atal Dulloo, IAS, Chief Secretary, J&K, and Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean Academics, IIM Jammu, on 27 th May 2024 at the Committee Room, Civil Secretariat, Srinagar.
Chief Guest Shri Atal Dulloo, IAS, Chief Secretary, J&K, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “The establishment of the Centre for Innovation & Transformation in Governance (CITaG) marks a new chapter in the governance of Jammu and Kashmir. This initiative will drive innovation and transform governance practices, ensuring that we are well-prepared to
meet future challenges.”
Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, highlighted the institute’s commitment: “IIM Jammu is happy to partner with the Govt. of Jammu and Kashmir in this transformative initiative. The Centre for Innovation & Transformation in Governance (CITaG) will leverage our expertise in management and technology to foster innovation, economic Transformation, and sustainable development in Jammu and Kashmir.”
Shri Mohammad Aijaz, IAS, Administrative Secretary, Planning, Development & Monitoring Department (PD&MD), remarked, “The MoU with IIM Jammu will bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our governance practices, ensuring a future-ready administration in the U.T of Jammu and Kashmir. The Centre for Innovation & Transformation in
Governance (CITaG) will be instrumental in executing key projects and fostering public-private partnerships.”
Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean Academics, IIM Jammu, added, “The Centre for Innovation & Transformation in Governance (CITaG) will serve as a hub for research and innovation, providing the necessary support and resources to tackle the unique challenges faced by the U.T of Jammu and Kashmir. This partnership will create a conducive environment for the development and growth of Jammu and Kashmir.”
The MoU signing ceremony was graced by several key dignitaries, ranging from Shri Shailendra Kumar, IAS, Principal Secretary to Government, Agriculture Production & Farmers Welfare Department, Shri Santosh D. Vaidya, IAS, Principal Secretary to Government, Finance Department, Shri Alok Kumar (IRS), Principal Secretary to Government, Higher Education Department, Ms. Mandeep Kaur, IAS, Commissioner/Secretary to Government, Housing & Urban Development Department, Ms. Yasha Mudgal, IAS, Commissioner/Secretary to Government, Tourism Department, Shri Vikramjit Singh, IPS, Commissioner/Secretary to Government, Industries & Commerce Department, Dr. Muqbil Burhan, Chairperson Srinagar Campus, IIM Jammu, and other key officials of the Govt. of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Centre for Innovation & Transformation in Governance (CITaG) has been conceptualized by integrating the State Institute of Transformation, NITI Aayog, PPP Cell funded by the Department of Economic Affairs, and Future Ready Governance, an initiative of the J&K Government. IIM Jammu will serve as the Nodal Agency, Knowledge Partner and implementing body to steer the initiative.
As per the MoU, IIM Jammu will establish a Project Management Unit (PMU) to coordinate Centre for Innovation & Transformation in Governance (CITaG) activities and provide knowledge support to achieve its vision, mission, and goals. The MoU outlines a two-phase implementation plan where Phase I will focus on PPP projects, agriculture and allied sectors, development of new tourist destinations, job creation, and strengthening fiscal positions. Phase II will address infrastructure development, social sectors, IT, and human resource development.
The collaboration aims to bring Jammu and Kashmir to the forefront of innovation and governance, setting a benchmark for other regions. The Centre for Innovation & Transformation in Governance (CITaG) is expected to drive economic growth, improve governance, and enhance the quality of life for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
With this collaboration, IIM Jammu and the Planning, Development & Monitoring Department (PD & MD) of the Govt. of Jammu and Kashmir are poised to set new benchmarks in governance and innovation, paving the way for a future of prosperity, growth, and sustainable development in the region.