The eighth batch of the flagship programme of the Bharti Institute of Public Policy, the Advanced Management Programme in Public Policy (AMPPP), was formally launched by the hon’ble Minister for IT, Industries and Municipal Administration & Urban Development, Government of Telangana, Shri KT Rama Rao, at the Mohali campus of the Indian Business School.

The hon’ble minister was accompanied by Shri G Ranjith Reddy, Hon'ble Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha). Sharing his insights with the participants of AMPPP, he emphasised the need to promote innovation, infrastructure, and inclusive growth across the states. He said, “India possesses immense strength, and when tapped into correctly, the country can emerge as a global leader.”

Shri Rao shared his experiences as a student in the USA and his time in different parts of the world, which shaped his ideas. He informed the gathering about how Telangana, being the youngest state of India, has achieved a stellar record across diverse fields such as Pharmaceuticals, Information Technology, Agriculture, Higher Education, and Infrastructure, etc. He shared his government’s vision to focus on three ‘I’s – infrastructure, innovation and inclusiveness that helped the state to usher in a new era of development. He also elaborated upon how the vision of the political class can help transform other states of India by utilising available resources optimally.

The first residency of Cohort 2023-24 of the Advanced Management Programme in Public Policy was held from 11th August to 21st August 2023 at ISB’s Mohali Campus. Shri KT Rama Rao, the Hon’ble Minister for IT, Industries and Municipal Administration & Urban Development, Government of Telangana, addressed the cohort and formally inaugurated the programme.

Guest Speaker Sessions by:

• August 13: Dr Pushpinder Puniha, Financial Advisor to Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), in his covered session on collaborative governance and its role in policy formulation. navigated through the nuances of collaborative governance, demonstrating how effective partnerships and coordinated efforts between various stakeholders can lead to more efficient and equitable outcomes. He shared the Green Revolution story, where different stakeholders, from the government to farmers came together to make it a success. Citing examples of NPAs (non-performing assets), self-assessment tax default, smart cities, IPL, NBA and EPL, Dr Puniha explained how collaborative approaches can lead to more sustainable solutions in the realm of public policy and administration.
• August 19:  Dr Shailendra Joshi, former Chief Secretary and former Advisor to the Government of Telangana started his session with an introduction to the book ‘Reflections on India’s Public Policy’ and its 10 co-authors, who incidentally are his batchmates from the IAS 1984 batch. Dr Joshi threw light on different aspects of inter-governmental cooperation while formulating policies. A substantive part of the lecture was on the importance of good public expenditure and its intricacies with public policy. During his session, he focused on the importance of people centric governance and the need for the public institutions to overcome their inertia to be future ready.
• August 20: Dr Mukesh Jain, Special DGP (Training), Police Headquarters, Bhopal started his session on the ‘Science of Happiness’ by explaining the philosophical underpinnings of happiness and how certain mental barriers stops us from achieving it. Dr Jain threw light on positive happiness and the positive psychology research.  He discussed the human capacity to bring back positive memories to make us happy. Dr Jain also explained how positive emotions impact human performance and how it is contagious. Towards the end of his session, he discussed various external factors and their influences on our hormones which impact our mood. Dr Jain also explained to the class the importance of ‘echo point’- the fact life reverberates what we feel. 

The second residency of the Cohort 2023-24 of the Advanced Management Programme in Public Policy was held from 22^nd -31^st October 2024 at the Hyderabad campus of the Indian Business School.

Guest Speaker Sessions by:

• October 27 : A special session was held on ‘Breaking Barriers: Gender Inclusivity in Public Policy’, which was moderated by Professor Anjal Prakash. Guest speakers for this session were Tashi Choedup, founding member of Telangana Hijra Intersex Transgender Samiti, and Queer Swabhimana Yatra and Shikha Goel, IPS, ADGP, Women Safety Wing, Telangana State Police. The session delved into various aspects of gender inclusivity through the lens of stereotypical notions of binary in gender and the need for systemic change to cater to the marginalised sections in a colloquially hierarchical world. During the session, Tashi Chodeup stated that most queer or trans-identifying individuals do not have the ability to deal with the mainstream social practices. He added that there is a need for opportunity, accessibility of resources, and visibility equity across all communities within the gender spectrum. Shikha Goel, a highly accomplished officer from the Indian Police Services (IPS) spoke about the nature of work involved as the head of the Women Safety Wing of the Telangana State Police to ensure sensitivity and safety towards women-centric involvement in policing. She said that in the past 30 years, there has been a phenomenal change in the scope of women’s involvement in policing with increased representation of women in the state police forces. She provided the AMPPP cohort with valuable insights about the need to attain gender sensitivity across all dimensions further stating that gender colours the way we view the world, therefore, gender matters.
• October 27 : An Alumni Panel Discussion on “Public Policy and Governance” focussing on ‘Emerging Facets’ was held during the residency. The panellists were Dr Abhishek Jain, Secretary (Home, Information Technology, Finance, Planning and Statistics, Labour and Employment) and Secretary to CM, Government of Himachal Pradesh; Colonel Anurag Awasthi, Vice President, India Electronics and Semiconductor Association & Interim CEO of Electropreneur Park, Delhi, and Dr Pankaj Sharma, a consultant to the government. The discussion was moderated by Sushma Kattamuri, Head, Strategic Initiatives, Bharti Institute of Public Policy. Dr Abhishek Jain emphasised the crucial importance of incorporating the voices of local communities in policy formulation, drawing from his experience as the District Collector of Kullu, Himachal Pradesh. He highlighted how this approach contributed to the remarkable achievements in human development within the state. Dr Jain underlined the significance of human engagement and environmental preservation as integral aspects of effective public policy. Colonel Anurag Awasthi underscored the value of research data and academic involvement in the policymaking process. He elaborated on the differences between sustainability and green practices, cautioning against blindly importing Western models due to cultural and business disparities. Colonel Awasthi also noted the limitations of afforestation and the need for documented critical technology policies to prevent talent shortages. Dr Pankaj Sharma shared his perspective on system complexity and the scientific methodologies available for comprehension. He advocated for a balanced approach, emphasising the broader importance of sustainability, within which environmental concerns are encompassed. Dr Sharma also anticipated the growing urbanisation of India in the coming decade, with associated challenges in environmental degradation. Additionally, he discussed the request from policy makers to the US federal government to cease the use of AI in citizen-facing programmes, while expressing his belief in AI as a solution to digital illiteracy.
• October 28 : Neetu K, Leading Communication & Policy Advocacy in South Asia, Management Member- Inter IKEA Group walked the participants through the remarkable journey of the global furniture giant. She elucidated IKEA's core objectives and helped connect the dots between the theoretical concepts discussed in the course and the practical application as exemplified by IKEA's case study which was taught to participants. She delved into the very spirit of IKEA, which extends far beyond profit margins and market share.

The AMPPP Cohort 2023-24 had the opportunity to visit T-Hub, a renowned innovation hub and ecosystem facilitator located in Hyderabad, India, on October 25. T-Hub, a collaborative effort involving NALSAR, ISB, the Government of Telangana, and IIT Hyderabad, represents a pivotal force in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the region.

During the visit, Srinivas Taluka, Vice-President of Facilities at T-Hub, provided an overview of the organisation's objectives and its dedication to bridging the gap between entrepreneurs and the academia. This alignment is fundamental in promoting collaborative efforts, knowledge exchange, and innovation-driven progress. In his presentation, he said that T-Hub's inception is rooted in the visionary dream of Minister KTR Rama Rao, underlining strong governmental support for the growth of entrepreneurial and innovative endeavours. T-Hub's core mission is to nurture an ecosystem hungry for innovation, a testament to its commitment to empowering startups, established corporations, and other key ecosystem players, he explained. T-Hub's substantial influence extends to both national and global corporate entities. Through its programs and initiatives, it has played an instrumental role in positively transforming business models and driving innovation within these organisations. In the final segment of the presentation, the inquisitive AMPPP students engaged in a discussion, seeking insights into T-Hub's management structure and the metrics of success regarding its endeavours in nurturing new ventures.

The third residency of the Cohort 2023-24 of the Advanced Management Programme in Public Policy was held from 17th February-25th February 2024, at the Mohali campus of the Indian Business School.

Guest Speaker Sessions by:

• February 20 : K. Rajeswara Rao, IAS (Retd), former Special Secretary NITI Aayog, Government of India and presently serving as President, Sampark Foundation. During his session on ‘Public Policymaking: The insider's perspective’, he emphasised the pivotal role that community plays in the effective implementation of policies. Drawing from his vast and rich experience of working in various ministries, he engaged the participants with insightful anecdotes and practical examples to illuminate the intricate dynamics of participatory policymaking. This helped the students to understand the nuanced interplay between policymakers, communities, and the effective implementation of policies on a national scale.
• February 24 : Colonel Anurag Awasthi, Vice-President, India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA), held a session on ‘Technology and Society’. He delved into various facets of the evolving landscape on the intersection of technology, geopolitics, and global change. Emphasising on the significance of the tenant policy paradigm, he highlighted the interconnectedness of political, cultural, economic, and technological powers in shaping up of a comprehensive national power. The session explored global drivers of change, encompassing demographic shifts, urbanisation, transmigration, climate change, and the rise of technology giants. Colonel Awasthi underscored the critical role of technology in contemporary politics, referencing instances like Mark Zuckerberg's testimony before the US Senate. The discussion expanded to cover the challenges in critical technologies, knowledge sharing, and cybersecurity, emphasising the control of materials, particularly in the semiconductor supply chain. He also touched upon the global security spectrum, focussing on the centrality of radio frequency in weapon systems. He concluded the session by outlining the complexities of the global supply chain for semiconductors, stressing the importance of understanding this intricate process in policymaking. Overall, the session provided a broad overview of the complex and interconnected issues at the nexus of technology, geopolitics, and global dynamics.
• February 23 : JS Deepak, IAS(Retd.), former Secretary Telecom & IT, Govt of India and Group Director, Bharti Enterprises, and Former Ambassador of India to the World Trade Organization (WTO) began his session on ‘International Trade’ by explaining the economic importance of trade and its impact on a country's GDP. He cited various examples of India's trade percentage and highlighted the significance of trade in international relations and its role in fostering growth. He emphasised that while there is a consensus on the benefits of trade, it must also be fair and universally accepted. He delved into trade policy measures, focussing on customs duties, both bound rates and applied rates, as well as non-tariff barriers like standards and restrictions. He concluded the session by stressing on the need for countries to balance free trade with fairness to enhance overall welfare and global economic relations.

The fourth and final residency of the eighth batch of the flagship programme of the Bharti Institute was held from June 14-June 23 at the ISB Mohali campus. 

Guest Speaker Sessions by:

• June 15 : Nilimesh Baruah, IRS, Former Senior Advisor Tax and Crime OECD Tax, introduced the 'Three Horizons Model' as a tool for analysing events and trends, understanding power structures, and identifying root causes during his session. Throughout his session, he emphasised the importance of the IFF (Illicit Financial Flows) agenda in achieving peace and sustainable development goals. He spoke about trade mis-invoicing, which was identified as the largest channel for money laundering to foreign entities. Highlighting the role of the United Nations offices and the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes, as crucial for the OECD  (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development), he stated that these institutions are pivotal in addressing illicit financial flows by promoting transparency and the exchange of information for tax purposes. He stressed that gaining traction on the IFF agenda is vital for sustainable development, as it helps curb illegal financial activities that undermine economic stability and growth. He concluded the session by emphasising that understanding and tackling the mechanisms of illicit financial flows will allow countries to better secure their financial systems and support broader global development objectives.
• June 16 : Dr. Madhukar Gupta, IAS, Commissioner, State Election Commission, Rajasthan, in his session on Elections and Electoral Reforms in India, highlighted the magnanimity of the elections process in India and the steps involved in conducting a free and fair elections in the country.
• June 17 : Ajay Vir Jakhar, Chairman, Bharat Krishak Samaj held a session on 'Policy – The Art of Consultation for Policy Formation’, wherein he discussed the challenges and opportunities in Punjab's agriculture system. He highlighted that Punjab, known as the 'Granary of India', faces issues such as over-reliance on wheat and paddy, groundwater depletion, and soil degradation. To address these issues, he emphasised the need for a comprehensive agricultural policy that promotes crop diversification, water management, and socio-economic development. He noted that effective water management strategies, like micro-irrigation and traditional water feature restoration, are crucial. He also stressed improving marketing infrastructure, farmer-producer organisations, and digital sales channels for better market access and financial inclusion. Additionally, he advocated for enhancing crop insurance programmes, institutional credit availability, and risk management to prevent debt traps. He called for public consultation in policymaking, emphasising timely implementation within a government's tenure that will help yield significant benefits. Overall, he underscored the importance of sustainable farming practices, improved rural infrastructure, and inclusive growth for Punjab's agricultural sector.

ISB’s Public Policy Cohort Interacts with Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Belgium, Minister of Civil Aviation, NITI Ayog, ECI Officials during Policy Walk

Bharti Institute of Public Policy’s Flagship AMPPP Cohort Meets Senior Policymakers to Learn the Intricacies of Policymaking

June 27, New Delhi: To get a firsthand experience in policy design and implementation, the students of the Advance Management Programme in Public Policy (AMPPP) at the Bharti Institute of Public Policy, Indian School of Business, embarked on a three-day (June 25-27) annual Policy Walk amidst the corridors of power in New Delhi. 

During the visit, the students, led by Dr Aarushi Jain, Policy Director; Professor Anjal Prakash, Clinical Associate Professor (Research) & Research Director, Bharti Institute of Public Policy,  Kumara Guru, Senior Director, External Relations, Alumni Engagement, Advancement, Indian School of Business, held interactive sessions with Steven De Wilde, Deputy Head of Mission and Consul Mika Camps of the Embassy of Belgium; Union Minister for Civil Aviation and Member of Parliament Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu; BVR Subrahmanyam, CEO, NITI Aayog; Dr Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, Election Commissioner of India; Dr Santhosh Mathew, Country Lead, Public Policy and Finance, Bill and Mellinda Gates Foundation (BMGF); Archana Vyas, Director, Program Advocacy and Communication, Growth, Opportunity, and Empowerment, BMGF; Dr R Balasubramanian, HR, Capacity Building Commission; Vini Mahajan, Secretary, Department of Water and Sanitation; Jaya Varma Sinha, Chairperson and CEO of Railway Board, over the course of three days.

The cohort held insightful interactions on a range of policy matters including social impact and sustainable investment; transformation of the civil services in India; challenges and progress made in rural sanitation and portable water supply across the country; bilateral ties between India and Belgium; intricacies and the scale of elections in India; and best practices for effective governance in the country.

Drawing similarities with India, while interacting with students, Steven De Wilde, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Belgium, said that the transition of Belgium from a centralised to a federal state mirrors India’s federal system, facilitating governance and international cooperation. He said, “Belgium’s economic relationship with India is multifaceted, involving sectors like renewable energy, technology, and trade. Belgian companies are increasingly investing in India, driven by its vast market and growth potential.”

During his interactive session with the cohort, BVR Subrahmanyam, CEO, NITI Aayog emphasised the importance of understanding the national average to assess state and district performance. He highlighted that the need of the hour is to utilise comprehensive data and policy documents to understand performance at various levels.

Dr R Balasubramanian, Member, HR, Capacity Building Commission, shared his insights on the transformation of India's civil services from a colonial-era regulatory focus to a modern, performance-driven model post-1991 reforms. Emphasising the shift from mere regulation to citizen-centric governance and embracing technology, he said, “The focus is now on enhancing bureaucratic performance, ensuring accountability, and adapting to emerging technologies.” 

The cohort also interacted with Jaya Varma Sinha, Chairperson and CEO of Railway Board. In her address to the students, she highlighted the crucial role the Indian Railways play in our economy, serving as a primary provider of logistics for both passengers and cargo. 

The Policy Walk is a part of the curriculum of the Advance Management Programme in Public Policy (AMPPP) exposing students to the workings of policymaking, design and implementation. The Advance Management Programme in Public Policy is a hybrid one year long programme, developed at the Indian School of Business in consultation with one of the world’s leading public policy schools-- The Fletcher School, Tufts University, USA. Every year, the programme attracts senior bureaucrats from the government as well as the private sector. Out of the 51 students in the current batch, 32 are from the government sector including senior IAS, IPS, Railways, Revenue services, besides others. The average work experience of the current cohort is 16 years.

Caption Policy Walk 1: The cohort of the Advance Management Programme in Public Policy (AMPPP), Bharti Institute of Public Policy, Indian School of Business, with Steven De Wilde, Deputy Head of Mission and Consul Mika Camps of the Embassy of Belgium, at the Embassy of Belgium, New Delhi, during the Policy Walk.

Caption Policy Walk 2: The cohort of the Advance Management Programme in Public Policy (AMPPP), Bharti Institute of Public Policy, Indian School of Business, with Dr R Balasubramanian, Member, HR, Capacity Building Commission, during the Policy Walk, in New Delhi.

Caption Policy Walk 3: The Election Commissioner of India Dr Sukhbir Singh Sandhu addressing the cohort of the Advance Management Programme in Public Policy (AMPPP), Bharti Institute of Public Policy, Indian School during the Policy Walk, in New Delhi.

Caption Policy Walk 4: BVR Subrahmanyam, CEO, NITI Aayog, interacting with the students of the Advance Management Programme in Public Policy (AMPPP), Bharti Institute of Public Policy, Indian School during the Policy Walk, in New Delhi.

Caption Policy Walk 5: Jaya Varma Sinha, Chairperson and CEO of Railway Board, posing with the team of the Indian School of Business with the students of the Advance Management Programme in Public Policy (AMPPP), Bharti Institute of Public Policy, Indian School during the Policy Walk, in New Delhi.

The Indian School of Business (ISB) held a convocation ceremony at its Mohali campus, marking the success of its students in the Advanced Management Programmes Class of 2024. A total of 180 students, including 45 from the Advanced Management Programme in Public Policy (AMPPP), received their certificates. 

From the AMPPP Class of 2024, Vishwesh Shastri was chosen as the Valedictorian, while the Dean’s List honourees included Katyayani Sanjay Bhatia, Adityavikram More, Aparajita Rai, Neha Sharma, and Vishwesh Shastri. 

Gulab Chand Kataria, Hon’ble Governor of Punjab, was the chief guest at the ceremony and presented certificates to the students. He lauded the Indian School of Business for its mission to develop leaders for India who can make the nation self-reliant. Sharing his appreciation for the families of the students, the Hon’ble Governor of Punjab advised the graduates to use their education to become job creators for the current and future generations.

Other students who received their certificates were from the Advanced Management Programme for Healthcare (AMPH), Advanced Management Programme in Operations and Supply Chain (AMPOS), and Advanced Management Programme for Infrastructure (AMPI). 

 Shri Rakesh Bharti Mittal, Chairman, ISB Mohali Campus Advisory Board and Vice-Chairman, Bharti Enterprises, addressed the graduates and encouraged them to go forward with purpose, pride, and determination to make a lasting impact in the world. He asked them to celebrate each day, leave pleasant memories, and be happy on the way during their life’s journey. He also called on the students to be the brand ambassadors of ISB not only within India but across the globe.

 Professor Madan Pillutla, Dean, ISB, encouraged students to celebrate their achievements and use the privilege of ISB for the good of the people. 

The graduation ceremony ended with the ceremonial hat toss by the jubilant graduating students as their families and friends cheered on.  The Advanced Management Programmes at ISB are modular programmes for senior working professionals in the areas of healthcare, infrastructure, public policy, and operations and supply chain.