CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: The Madhya Pradesh Indian Forest Management Institute (IIFM), Bhopal, has inaugurated a one-week Mid-Career Training (MCT-IV) “Management Module” in collaboration with the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy (IGNFA), Dehradun. The inauguration ceremony was graced by Chief Guest Mr. Aseem Srivastava, PCCF and HOFF, Madhya Pradesh; Distinguished Guest Mr. R.S.C. Jayaraj, IFS (Retd); Director of IIFM Dr. K. Ravichandran; Course Director (IGNFA) Dr. M. Sudhakar; Dean IIFM Dr. Manmohan Yadav; and Chairperson (MDP) IIFM Dr. C.P. Kala. The program was coordinated by Dr. Anupama Singh, Program Director at IIFM.
In his inaugural speech, Mr. Srivastava highlighted the achievements of the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department, including successful forest conservation plans, effective forest fire control, and village rehabilitation efforts. Emphasizing the importance of the MCT program, he stated, “This training not only enhances technical knowledge but also provides a platform to connect with officers from various states. Engage actively in discussions, share operational policies, and strive to integrate best practices into your state’s policies.”
Addressing the officials, Mr. Jayaraj urged them to focus on analyzing current forestry scenarios, particularly emphasizing the importance of food-based timber and forest evaluation.
Dr. K. Ravichandran, Director of the Indian Forest Management Institute, underscored the need for mid-career training programs, stating, “As forest custodians, we oversee 24% of the country’s land area, and IIFM has been mandated to sensitize these custodians. IIFM has set goals to meet the needs of this sector and its stakeholders and to sensitize them. The institute has planned to organize various capacity-building and training programs this year, including the current MCT and PSU programs.”
On the first day of the program, Prof. P.D. Jose from IIM Bangalore delivered an insightful lecture on “Leadership,” while Prof. Rekha Singhal, Dean of the University, spoke on “Competency-Based Personnel Management – Creating an Enabling Environment,” and former PCCF of Kerala Forest Department Mr. A.K. Dharani discussed “Barriers in Communication.”
The week-long program includes sessions by esteemed experts on topics such as Emotional Intelligence and Team Building, Public Financial Management Systems, Financial Management – Budget and Planning, Mission Life, Science of Positivity; Happiness for Leaders; Stress Management and Positive Thinking; Strategic and Landscape Planning; Good Governance and Human Values; Digital Technology and Resource Management, and Financial Management. Participants will also visit state heritage sites including Bhimbetka, Udaigiri, and IGRMS-National Museum of Mankind.
