Scientists to Get Governance Training Under Mission Karmayogi

New Delhi — In a move to bridge the gap between science and administration, Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh on Sunday launched a first-of-its-kind programme aimed at training scientists and academicians in governance and decision-making.

The initiative, titled *“Administrative Capacity Building for Scientists and Academicians”*, was unveiled during a special session of SADHANA Saptah under the broader framework of Mission Karmayogi.

Highlighting the need for such a programme, Singh pointed out that many scientists and academic leaders often move into administrative roles without formal training in governance systems. This, he noted, creates a reliance on informal learning, which can be inconsistent and time-consuming. The new structured programme aims to address this gap more effectively.

He added that the training modules will be dynamic, evolving with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, while maintaining a balance between tech-driven processes and human judgement.

The minister also outlined future priorities for the Capacity Building Commission, including the development of specialised modules for key administrative functions. Among the proposals is a focused course on handling Parliamentary Questions to strengthen procedural understanding.

Additionally, short orientation programmes may be introduced for early-career civil servants and Assistant Secretaries to help them better navigate governance systems from the outset.

Emphasising a shift in approach, Singh said capacity building must move beyond rigid, rule-based frameworks to more flexible, role-based models. He also stressed the importance of integrating private sector practices into governance, given the rapidly changing administrative landscape.

Supporting this vision, S. Radha Chauhan said the next phase of Mission Karmayogi will focus on making public institutions more adaptive and citizen-centric, even as artificial intelligence becomes more prominent.

During the event, the minister also launched an upgraded version of the UNNATI portal and unveiled a roadmap for the nationwide rollout of the Karmayogi Kartavya Karyakram. A memorandum of understanding was also signed between the Capacity Building Commission and the Research and Information System for Developing Countries to promote global knowledge partnerships in capacity building.

With inputs from IANS