IIM Bangalore inaugurated the 23rd cohort of its Post Graduate Programme in Public Policy and Management (PGPPM), with 30 participants from government and non-government sectors joining the 14-month hybrid programme.

The cohort includes officers from the IAS, IPS, revenue and statistical services, healthcare administration, and professionals from banking, finance and social sectors.

Prof Arnab Mukherji, chairperson, PGPPM, said the programme prepares professionals to address policy issues across departments and sectors.

“Public policy today is no longer confined within the boundary of a single department or sector; it demands a cross-functional management lens.”

IIMB director-in-charge Prof U Dinesh Kumar highlighted the role of artificial intelligence in governance and public service delivery, while noting its potential impact on employment.

Chief guest Dr. Sweta C Saxena, former director of the Gender, Poverty and Social Policy Division at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, delivered the keynote on the link between economic growth, public policy and human resilience.

Drawing on her research and field experience, she discussed economic shocks, inequality and the role of research in influencing policy.

“GDP can tell you the size of the pie, but it says nothing about how the pie is shared. Public Policy must have a wider impact; it should reach everybody, not just a few.”

Prof. Gopal Naik, chairperson, Centre for Public Policy, outlined the Centre’s work in policy education and capacity building since its establishment in 2000.

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