Imagine a village where every development plan is backed by expert research, where local youth are trained like professional managers, and where Government schemes reach the right person at the right time. This is the vision behind a new partnership between the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Nagpur, Tata Motors Foundation (TMF), and the Government of Maharashtra. The three organisations have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch IVDP 2.0 (Integrated Village Development Programme 2.0). The goal is simple: to turn rural Maharashtra into a model of success using modern management techniques.

 

The agreement was signed by Dr Bhimaraya Metri (Director, IIM Nagpur) and Vinod Kulkarni (CEO, Tata Motors Foundation). The ceremony took place in the presence of Priya Khan from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), Government of Maharashtra, and Prof Anoop Kumar, IAS (Retd) and currently Professor of Practice at IIM Nagpur. On this momentous occasion, Col Makarand Alur (CAO, IIM Nagpur) and Prof Neelkanth Dhone also were present. While the Tata Motors Foundation provides the funding and the Government provides administrative support and leadership, IIM Nagpur will serve as the Knowledge Partner for the project. Additionally, IIM Nagpur will work alongside YASHADA (the State’s training institute) to train field staff, ensuring that Government schemes reach the doorsteps of the underprivileged without delay. Dr Bhimaraya Metri, Director, IIM Nagpur, stated: “We don’t want our expertise to stay only inside classrooms. Through this initiative, IIM Nagpur is going directly to the doorsteps of farmers and rural families. We are bringing world-class management to the village level to ensure every child gets a better education and every farmer gets better support.”

 

Vinod Kulkarni noted that to enhance the quality and scientific rigor of this initiative, they are seeking IIM Nagpur’s engagement in providing inputs to strengthen and refine the planning process for Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) formulation, validating the final GPDPs, and undertaking a comprehensive impact assessment after three years of implementation. Prof Anoop Kumar added that the institute’s role is to ensure these villages become self-reliant. “We are creating a ‘success formula’ that can be used to develop any village in India, starting right here in Maharashtra.” Priya Khan emphasised the State Government’s commitment to aligning flagship programs with ground-level needs. “This collaboration ensures that the IVDP 2.0 model remains transparent, efficient, and perfectly aligned with our state’s development priorities.”

 

How will IIM Nagpur change the face of rural Maharashtra? The tripartite agreement between IIM Nagpur, Tata Motors Foundation (TMF), and the Government of Maharashtra is more than just a document; it is a ‘Management Revolution’ for rural development. IIM Nagpur is playing a crucial role as the Knowledge Partner and Technical Support Agency in this project. The key features of how this partnership will transform villages are: n Scientific Village Development Plan (GPDP): Development work will no longer be based on guesswork. Under the guidance of IIM experts, professional development plans will be created for each Gram Panchayat, prioritizing specific needs like water, health, and education. n Professional Training for Rural Youth: IIM Nagpur will train 'Cluster Coordinators' and field staff at the local level.

 

This will create a skilled workforce within rural areas capable of using modern techniques to solve local problems. n Outcome-Based Development (Outcome Matrix): To move beyond just spending and measure actual impact, IIM has developed a special Input-Output-Outcome Matrix. This ensures transparency and guarantees that funds are utilized effectively. n Direct Field Monitoring: IIM experts will personally visit villages to inspect the quality of work. If a project is not benefiting the people as intended, immediate course corrections will be suggested. n Effective Implementation of Government Schemes: Alongside institutions like YASHADA, IIM will work to make the government machinery more efficient. This ensures that the benefits of government schemes reach the underprivileged without any delay.