State Institute of Rural Development (SIRD) under the aegis of  Himachal Institute of Public Administration organized a National Conference on “Accelerating Rural Growth:  New Technologies, Innovations and Entrepreneurship” at Fairlawn Shimla on 15.06.2019. Sh. C.P. Verma, IAS, Director, HIPA was the Chief Guest in inaugural session. Ms. Jyoti Rana, HAS, Jt. Director HIPA also addressed the august gathering and welcomed the participants at Apex Training Institute of the state.  The aim of the conference was to bring together the researchers, young students, and practitioners for deliberating on the various dimensions of Rural Growth.

The theme of the workshop was “Accelerating Rural Growth:  New Technologies, Innovations and Entrepreneurship” which covered major sub-themes on ICT in Rural Development, Entrepreneurship development in rural areas, Social, Economic & Environmental concerns of development, rural infrastructure development, innovation & technological development.

About 25 delegates from different regions of India participated in the deliberations and 18 research papers were presented in two technical sessions.

Dr. Rajeev Bansal, Deputy Director (Research), HIPA Shimla and Dr. Prabhat Mittal, Assistant Professor Delhi University were the Conveners of the National Conference.  Ms. Jyoti Rana, HAS, Jt. Director, HIPA chaired the Valedictory Session, gave away the certificates to the participants.  Sh. Satish Sharma, Joint Director (Research & Training) SIRD, HIPA presented the vote of thanks. The Faculty members of HIPA were also present in the deliberations.