Post Graduate Diploma in Local Development and Governance

About the Programme

The PG Diploma in Local Development and Governance is an 11-month, part-time programme for experienced grassroots development workers, taught mainly in Hindi. It helps field coordinators and other practitioners in civil society and community organisations understand how development and governance actually work, while they keep doing their jobs. The programme mixes short on-campus stays at the Ranchi campus with online classes and self-study, so participants can learn without stepping away from their work. It builds both the thinking skills to understand local development issues and the practical skills to act on them.

Eligibility

• Bachelor's degree in any discipline.
• At least five years of work experience in the social sector, such as local governance, livelihoods, welfare rights, social mobilisation, natural resource management, gender, education, or health.
• Currently employed with a civil society, grassroots, community-based, or social movement organisation.
• Hindi reading, writing, and speaking skills, plus basic English reading.
• Applications from women and underrepresented groups in the social sector are encouraged.

Curriculum Overview

• Certificate 1, Theory and Practice of Development Action: covers understanding Indian society, development ideas and emerging challenges, how the state and other groups step in to help, and India's economic development.
• Certificate 2, Competencies of Local Governance Action: covers local governance, planning and development, welfare and resource rights, social accountability, and social mobilisation.
• Certificate 3, Analytical Skills for Local Governance and Development Action: covers data systems for project work, measuring results, using existing data, and communicating effectively in development work.
• Each certificate has a six-day on-campus stay, eight weeks of online classes on Saturdays, and guided self-study. All three certificates must be completed within three years to earn the diploma.

Programme Highlights

• Built for people already working in the field, combining on-campus sessions, online classes, and self-study so participants don't have to pause their jobs.
• Learning through discussion, group work, case studies, and direct interaction with faculty and practitioners, both on campus and online.
• Faculty mix of university academics and development practitioners.
• Childcare support can be requested for class time, though it isn't guaranteed and may cost extra.