Take the Lead in Tackling Urban Challenges, Governor Jishnu Dev Varma Urges Local Self-Government Institute

Calls for sustainable solutions to sanitation, healthcare, waste management, water supply and traffic Issues.

MUMBAI: With rapid urbanisation posing growing challenges to local self-government institutions, the All India Institute of Local Self-Government should take the lead in finding effective and sustainable solutions to issues such as sanitation, public health, solid waste management, water supply and traffic congestion, Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma said.

He was speaking at the convocation ceremony of successful students from various courses conducted by the All India Institute of Local Self-Government, held at Mayor Hall in the C.D. Barfiwala Marg–Juhu Galli area of Andheri West on Monday, August 31. Governor Varma presented certificates and qualifications to students who successfully completed various courses.

Students from courses including Sanitary Inspector, LGS, LSGD, ADMLT and Medical Laboratory Technology were felicitated durin the ceremony.

Highlighting the institute’s century-long contribution, Governor Varma said the organisation has played a significant role in developing elected representatives and administrative officers for municipalities, municipal councils, zilla parishads and municipal corporations. Through its training programmes, the institute has been instrumental in creating skilled human resources and addressing the challenges faced by local self-government bodies.

The Governor urged the institute to make effective use of initiatives such as Smart Cities and Skill Development to create a skilled workforce for the state. He also stressed the need to make local administration more efficient, capable and technology-driven in response to changing times.

Congratulating the students and the institute, Varma said institutions engaged in professional training must continue to play a guiding role in strengthening local governance.

Institute President Ranjit Chavan presented an overview of the organisation’s journey and achievements. He said he had served as Director General from 1996 to 2015 and has been serving as President since 2015. The institute has 52 regional offices across the country, while nearly 17 lakh students have received training through its programmes so far, he said.

Chavan further said the institute’s annual turnover, which was earlier around ₹3 crore, has now crossed ₹70 crore, reflecting the adoption of a professional approach to its administration and operations.

Director General and former civil servant Dr. Jayraj Phatak also highlighted the institute’s 100-year contribution and praised President Ranjit Chavan’s leadership.

Governor’s Secretary Prashant Nanaware, Governing Council Vice-President Rajkishor Modi, Deputy Director General Raviranjan Guru and other dignitaries were present.

The programme was compered by well-known anchor Smita Gavankar.