Department of Public Administration

Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), Punjab & Chandigarh Regional Branch in collaboration with Department of Public Administration, Panjab University, Chandigarh organized a Prelude Conference on the Theme Paper of Members’ 2021 Annual Conference of Indian Institute of Public Administration titled “Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan- Theory, Actions and Way Forward. The Prelude Conference was presided over by Shri. B.S. Ojha, IAS (Retd.) and Chairman IIPA Punjab & Chandigarh Regional Branch. Dr. Bharati Garg, Assistant Professor & Academic Coordinator, Department of Public Administration, Panjab University steered the conference welcoming all the speakers and participants and introduced Prof. Ghuman to formally introduce the theme of the conference.

Professor B.S. Ghuman, former Vice-Chancellor, Punjabi University Patiala and Honorary Secretary, IIPA Punjab & Chandigarh Regional Branch introduced the theme of the conference. Prof. Ghuman discussed the idea of self-reliant as it is entrenched in Indian history from the ‘Swadeshi movement’ as part of the Indian National Movement to the five year planning strategy adopted after independence to steer development in the country. However, with the adoption of Liberalization, Privatization and Globalization policy, according to Prof. Ghuman the idea of self-reliant became contradictory to the development strategy of the government. Further, the COVID 19 pandemic and its impact on the society, particularly in the economic arena made the idea of self-reliant again a necessity for India.         

Professor V R Sinha, Dean of University Instruction & Chairperson, Department of Public Administration, Panjab University also shared his ideas on the idea of self-reliant and the Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan contextualizing it in the evolution of Indian industries, particular the experiences in the pharmaceutical industry.

Professor Pawan K. Taneja, Sr. Faculty (Finance and Operations Research) IIPA, who has authored the theme paper, delivered the keynote address. Prof. Taneja is a policy analyst specialized in the health systems, financing and management of Public Sector Enterprises. He delved into the philosophical understanding of the idea of self-reliant present in our history, particulary the ideas of swadeshi as emerged in the Indian National Movement and the ideas of Rabindra Nath Tagore, Mahatama Gandhi and Economist, Joseph C Kumarappa. And, according to Prof. Taneja, it is these ideas that have informed the conceptualization of Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. The trends of the new economic order in the last decade also showed the acceptance of self-reliance through introduction of innovative non-tariff barriers by countries all around the world which points towards deglobalization. Prof. Taneja further talked about the challenges in achieving the idea of self-reliant, particularly focusing on the grave problem of employability and various efforts taken by the government in the area of skill development, particularly the New Education Policy and incorporation of avenues for gaining skill in the curriculum itself.            

Professor Ramanjit Kaur Johal, Department of Public Administration, Panjab University, Chandigarh as a discussant highlighted the need to redefine development in the context of new and emerging issues of sustainability, climate change, human development, utilization of technology for betterment of life and dignified employment. Further, she cautioned about the outcome of the strategy of creating non-farm jobs. Prof. Johal also highlighted an important issue of balancing the need and outcome of FDI and the concept Atmanirbharta.

The presentation by the speakers was followed by an interactive session between the speakers and the participants. Prof. Taneja answered various questions while discussing about agro-processing industries, smart cities, ease of doing business and socially responsible investment in place of foreign direct investment in the context of Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. This was followed by the concluding remarks by Shri. B.S. Ojha, IAS (Retd.) who appreciated the efforts being made and highlighted an important issue which must look upon to with respect to gap between what is being proposed and the ground reality. In the end Dr. Bharati Garg, Assistant Professor & Academic Coordinator, Department of Public Administration, Panjab University, Chandigarh proposed the formal vote of thanks and thanked all the key speakers, guests and support staff on behalf of the Department of Public Administration.