Itanagar: In a landmark step toward strengthening grassroots governance and rural development, Arunachal Pradesh has entered into a strategic partnership with the Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA), Gujarat — one of India’s foremost rural management institutions. The collaboration was formalised through a memorandum of understanding signed in Itanagar on Thursday, in the presence of State Rural Development Minister Ojing Tasing.
The agreement, forged between the State Institute of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj (SIRD&PR) and IRMA, is expected to significantly enhance the delivery and impact of rural development programs across the state’s remote and tribal regions. The move marks a deliberate shift towards knowledge-driven policy execution and reflects Arunachal’s commitment to building strong, democratic institutions at the grassroots.
IRMA, known for its rigorous academic research and policy work in rural governance, will bring its technical and pedagogical expertise to improve capacity-building efforts for Panchayati Raj institutions and rural development officials. The partnership will also involve co-creating training modules, exchanging best practices, and developing locally adapted models to address the region’s unique challenges.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Tasing underscored that this collaboration aligns with the state’s broader “Viksit Arunachal” vision. “By empowering our village-level institutions with the right knowledge and training, we are taking a decisive step toward inclusive, sustainable development,” he stated.
IRMA Director Dr Umakant Dash, along with senior officials from the Department of Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, the Arunachal State Rural Livelihood Mission, and SIRD&PR, attended the event. The presence of top-level representation from both sides highlighted the mutual commitment to reimagining rural development in Arunachal Pradesh through academic rigour, innovation, and community empowerment.