Five IAS Probationers of 2017 batch of Himachal Pradesh Cadre, Sh. Zaffar Iqbal, Sh. Shivam Pratap Singh, Ms. Kiran Bhadana and Ms. Nivedita Negi, underwent their State Level Attachment w.e.f. 5th April, 2019 to 20th April, 2019 at HIPA, before reporting back to LBSNAA, Mussoorie, for Phase II Training. “ During this period, the probationers were attached with the office of the Director General of Police, Himachal Pradesh to understand the functioning of state level coordination mechanism, guidelines/practices of police magistrate, coordination at different levels; especially district and sub-districts; Hon’ble the High Court of Himachal Pradesh and the Advocate General to get the understanding of executive-judiciary relationships, filing of affidavits and parawise comments in cases of contempt of court etc; Principal Accountant General to understand how audit is done, what are the main issues pointed out regarding expenditure, issues brought out in performance audit of different sectors, entry and exit interview etc; Various Commissions to observe the statutory nature of the commissions and their functioning; Various Directorates located at Shimla to observe the functioning and understand the subjects from state perspective.

Towards the end, the probationers also placed courtesy call to all the Senior Officers of the Govt. of Himachal Pradesh in the H. P. Secretariat and gave detailed feedback about their overall training to the Additional Chief Secretary (Training-cum-Personnel) and the Chief Secretary to the Govt. of Himachal Pradesh.

Mr. Saurabh Sabhlok,  Indian Foreign Service Officer Trainee of 2018 batch joined the State Attachment Programme in HIPA w.e.f. 11-04-2019 to 13-04-2019. Foreign Service Institute New Delhi had sent the Trainee Officer to the state. It was also a matter of pride that Mr. Saurabh Sabhlok belongs to H.P. though educated in Delhi and other cities of the country. Call on visits to His Excellency, the Governor of H.P., Chief Secretary of H.P., DGP of HP, Deputy Commissioner Shimla were made. Interactions in IAAS and NAAA, Yarrows also enriched the training experience of Trainee Officer. Close interaction  helped him understand the Economy of H.P., especially with respect to Tourism, Trade and Industry.

On request from the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Indira Gandhi Medical College(IGMC), Shimla – 171 001, the Apex Health Institution of the State, the Institute organised a three(3) days PG Teaching Course w.e.f. 13-15 April, 2019.

The main objective of this course was to provide expert inputs on Patient Examination and Reporting/ Formulation of Diagnosis to the MBBS Doctors who are pursuing their post graduation degree (MDS) in Orthopaedic Surgery in various parts of the adjoinig states and are at various stages of their degree.

The programme was attended by 70 Orthopaedic Surgeons from Himachal Pradesh and other neighbouring States, Number of experts and Faculy Members, who are masters in the field of orthopaedic surgery and are well renowned names from St. Stephens Hospital, New Delhi, Maulana Azad Medical College New Delhi; R & R Hospital New Delhi; Army Hospital New Delhi; Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi; PGI Chandigarh; Govt. Medical College Patiala; Rajinder Prasad Medical College Tanda and Indira Gandhi Medical College Shimla.

A two days exposure visit of for the Foreign Government Officials was organized by the Institute on 1st April 2019 and 2nd April 2019.

Foreign Government Officials (23) from 16 Countries, accompanied by two Faculty Members from the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), New Delhi, visited the H. P. Institute of Public Administration, Shimla, for a two Days Training-cum-Exposure Visit to the State of Himachal Pradesh, w.e.f. 1st April 2019 to 2nd April 2019. This two days exposure visit was a part of the International Training Course being organised by IIPA, New Delhi, sponsored by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for the Foreign Government Officials on the topic - ‘STRATEGIC FINANCIAL AND RISK MANAGEMEN’.

Besides, interaction of the visiting officials with the Faculty Members of HIPA, an exposure visit was also organised to understand the challenges faced in handling various developmental activaties in the hill states like Himachal Pradesh.

The most enriching session/ interaction during this tour was chaired by the worthy Chief Secretary to the Govt. of Himachal Pradesh, Sh. B. K. Aggarwal, IAS, who made a detailed presentation on the STRATEGIC FINANCIAL AND RISK MANAGEMNET IN LONG TERM INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS IN THE HILL STATES.

The most enriching session/ interaction during this tour was chaired by Sh. B. K. Aggarwal, IAS, the  Chief Secretary to the Govt. of Himachal Pradesh, who made a detailed presentation on the STRATEGIC FINANCIAL AND RISK MANAGEMNET IN LONG TERM INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS IN THE HILL STATES.

The  HAS Probationers of 2018 Batch, Sh. Paras Aggarwal, Sh. Shashank Gupta and Sh. Somil Gautam, after completion of their District Training, underwent a Warp-up Programme w.e.f. 22nd April 2019 to 27th April 2019 at HIPA before their first posting as Assistant Commissioner(Development) -cum-Block Development Officer.

During this one week, the probationers interacted with the Guest Faculty and clarified their doubts about the Revenue Law and Procedure and various Sections of Cr. PC. The In-house Faculty helped the probationers in sorting-out the issues related to writing of assignments and other financial & administrative issues. They also interacted with the Director (Rural Development and Panchayati Raj) to take an overview of the various Centre/ State sponsored development schemes implemented in the blocks. Field visit to BDO Office Mashobra and interaction with the BDO & Junior Engineer, enriched them to understand the intricacies of the sanction, execution and monitoring of the development works. This was followed by a visit to the Gram Panchayat to understand the best way to maintain record in a Gram Panchayat. The probationers were also sensitised by the Officers of the State Pollution Control Board, about the challenges faced in management of various types of waste and the best practices being followed in the State of Himachal Pradesh.

At the end, a courtesy call was placed to the Addl. Chief Secretary (Training-cum-Personnel) and the worthy Chief Secretary to discuss the overall experience during the training and also to give their true feedback.

A five days training, focusing on imparting the technical skills and getting acquainted with latest technologies and tools like AutoCAD was organized in the Institute w.e.f. 8th to 12th April 2019. The engineers from different development departments (Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Agriculture, PWD and Irrigation & Public Health) of the state have participated in the programme. The participants have undergone the one day theoretical and four days practical sessions during the programme. The Technical Experts from the other reputed institution were also roped in for the training programme as Resource Persons.

The SIRD-H.P. organizes training programmes on the basis of the training plan/requirements of the Department of Rural Dev. & Panchayati Raj, H.P., and as per the directions of Ministry of Rural Dev. (MoRD), Govt. of India and National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Hyderabad. The SIRD-H.P. organized 108 training programmes  during 2018-19 for 2656 officers/officials including elected representatives of PRIs in which 8,872 training man-days were generated. These trainings were organized on different themes such as Professional Training for BDOs, Participatory Planning, Planning & Management of Rural Dev. Programmes/Schemes & Projects, Management Development Programmes, Women Empowerment, Sustainable Rural Livelihood, Natural Resource Management, Rural Civil Works, Social Audit,MGNREGA, SBM (G), NRLM,SAGY, MIS in Rural Development and Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The SIRD-H.P. has finalized its training calendar for 2019-20 with  151 training courses targetting 13320 mandays.

With the objective to enhance the skills of non-technical category of staff (officers/officials) of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj Department on the technical aspects related to rural civil works which are being implemented by the departments, a three days capsule was designed and organized in the Institute w.e.f. 25-27 April 2019.

The technical experts from different institutions/departments were invited to deliver the talk and some practical exposure was provided through classroom exercises on the subjects covered.

A training programme on Noting & Drafting was organised from 8.4.2019 to 10.4.2019  for 3 days. The course was attended by 50 participants including  Clerks, Junior Assistants, Senior Assistants, JOAs (IT), JOAs (Accounts)etc.The course contents included topics on Noting- a key to the decision making in Government; Drafting various type of Communications; Exercises on Noting/Drafting; Record Management etc. There were two exclusive sessions one for noting and another for drafting practical. Besides this, a quiz on noting and group discussion were also organised on last day in afternoon session.The participants highly appreciated the course, however,  they suggested that the duration of the course be increased and more emphasis be given on practicals.

Keeping in view the importance and role of community in disaster risk reduction, Himachal Pradesh Institute of Public Administration, in association with Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority organized three days State level Training of Trainers programme on“Community Based Disaster Risk Reduction” From 22nd to 24th April, 2019 at HIPA for the representatives of NGOs of Himachal Pradesh who are registered with HPSDMA. This programme was attended by 33 participants representing almost all the Districts of Himachal Pradesh. The main objective of the  programme was to highlight a process of local capacity building for the purpose of risk reduction. It also aimed at training NGOs to help the community in development of a contingency plan at their level and enable them to learn to manage disasters and to cope with it effectively. Identify the role of NGOs in pre, during & post disaster scenarios.  

The Contents of the Programme included:-  Institutional Framework of Disaster Management in India & Himachal Pradesh; Need of better GO-NGO Coordination for Disaster Risk Reduction and Role of NGOs; Understanding Disaster Risk: Hazard, Vulnerability, Exposure and Capacity; Approaches to and Phases of Disaster Risk Management; Framework of Community Based Disaster Risk Reduction; Formation of the VDMCs and Constitution of various DM Teams (in light of the Schemes launched by the GoHP; Integration of cross-cutting issues (gender, disability, elderly, etc.) into CBDRR; Technical Capacities required for CBDRR:Data Collection & Mapping of Resources; Integration of cross-cutting issues (gender, disability, elderly, etc.) into CBDRR; Providing Psychosocial Support to the disaster-hit community (Dos & Don’ts); Providing First Aid (Common emergency scenarios in which community needs self-reliance); Hands-on Exercise for providing First Aid; Way Forward Workshop: Institutionalizing the CBDRR (Identification of the villages/communities by the NGOs and preparatory steps). Majority of the participants rated the training programme and performance of Faculty Excellent and Very Good.  This State level CBDRR programme and course contents were highly appreciated by the participants and they suggested that such progammes should be organized at Village and Panchayat level also.

A training programme on Office Procedure and Financial Administration was organised for HP Police Officials from 22.4.2019 to 27.4.2019  for 6 days. The course was attended by 20 participants including  Gazetted & Non-Gazetted Government Servants .The course contents included topics on General Service conditions ans Consttutional Provisions, Budget, FR and Pay Fixation,CCS (Leave) Rules, Pension Rules, NPS, TA/LTC Rules, Procurement of Goods, e-procurement, GEM and Inventory Management, HPFR 200, Protection of Interest of depositors in Non-Banking Financial Co. & 9, Stress management through Soft Skills etc. The participants highly appreciated the course.

A training programme on Disciplinary Proceedings and Conduct Rules applicable to civil services was organised from 16.4.19 to 18.4.19 for 3 days. The course was attended by 19 participants including Gazetted & Non-Gazetted Government servants of HP. The course included the discussions on Constitutional Provisions related to Civil Service, Central Civil Service, Central Civil Service (Conduct Rules) 1964, Suspension, Reinstatement, Entitlements during suspension, Contemplating Disciplinary Proceeding, Framing of Charge Sheet, CCS (CCA) Rule, 1965, Implementation Issues in Imposition of Penalties, and Effects of penalty on pay. The course contents were highly appreciated by the participants.          

A tranining Programme on RTI Act-2005 & H.P. Public Service Guarantee Act-2011 was organised from 01-04th April, 2019 which included an overview of Right to Information Act, 2005, Case Studies, Powers and responsibilities of PIOs/APIOs. Proactive Disclosure and Record , Powers of FAAs, Discussions on Important Judgments, Order writing under RTI Act 2005,Implementation of RTI Act in the State, Difficulties in disposing of RTI Application, And suggestions thereof. PSG Act-2011 & PSG rules 2011, Office procedure, Noting & Drafting, and record management and attended by 31 participants from different  Govt. Departments of the state.

An Induction Training Programme on IT was organised for officials of Horticulture Department from 30.04.2019 to 02.05.2019. The course was attended by 32 participants including Sr./Jr. Assistant, Clerks and JOA. The course contents included the topics viz.   Overview on Cluster Formation, Environment and Social; Detailed Presentation on Cluster Implementation Cycle, Overview of IHSMS, Application Demonstration (Cluster), Banking & Finance, Key Performance Indicators etc. Specialized faculty members from department on various subject delivered the lectures.

A Training Programme on GeM & e-Procurement for all departments was organised from 26.04.2019 to 27.04.2019. The course was attended by 40 participants including Principals, Asstt. Prof., Section Officers, Sr. Assistants & JOA(IT). The course contents included the topics viz. Introduction to GeM, Vision & Purpose of Government e-Marketplace, Creating primary and secondary accounts, Procurement Function, Payment Function in GeM, -Tendering Introduction,  Objectives, implementation prerequisites  and implementation status in Himachal Pradesh, DSC and Software flow, Bid submission, Technical bid opening and Technical Evaluation, Financial opening and Financial Evaluation & Award of Contract/eAuction. Specialized resource persons from NIC and master Trainer of GeM delivered the lectured during programme.

A Training Programme on Manav Sampada was organised for Gazetted & Non Gazetted officials of State Government from 16.04.2019 to 17.04.2019. The course was attended by 23 participants including Principals, Sr. Asstt./Jr. Assistant & JOA(IT). The course contents included the topics viz.   Overview of the Manav Sampada (PMIS) application, Objectives, Scope of the Application, E-Service Book,  Process  Re-engineering involved, Integration with other application Benefits,Live Demo, Pension module, National eHRMS Model, Department Specific Online Practice Session, Apps (Service Book and Transfer), Submission of online APR and ACR, Demo of Public Portal, Inter Departmental shifting of employees.

A Training Programme on Manav Sampada was organised for Gazetted & Non Gazetted officials of State Government from 16.04.2019 to 17.04.2019. The course was attended by 23 participants including Principals, Sr. Asstt./Jr. Assistant & JOA(IT). The course contents included the topics viz.   Overview of the Manav Sampada (PMIS) application, Objectives, Scope of the Application, E-Service Book,  Process  Re-engineering involved, Integration with other application Benefits,Live Demo, Pension module, National eHRMS Model, Department Specific Online Practice Session, Apps (Service Book and Transfer), Submission of online APR and ACR, Demo of Public Portal, Inter Departmental shifting of employees.

The Institute organized a training programme on “Information and Communication Technology” from1.4.2019 to 5.4.2019. The programme was attended by Principals, Dy. Directors, HMIS Managers, Superintendents and Ministerial staff of different departments of Himachal Pradesh. The programme was commenced with the introduction on Information and Communication Technology, Role of ICT in different fields like Women Empowerment, Governance, Disaster Management and Agriculture etc. The participants showed a great interest in the Data Collection, Data Analysis and Information dissemination e-tools. After that the discussions were carried out on the theme e-Governance and other IT initiatives in the state of Himachal Pradesh and Central Government.The discussions were carried out on the e-Waste Management. The participants learned various applications of digital payments like Unified Payment Interface, Un-structured Supplementary Supply Data, Internet Banking, Physical/ Virtual Point of Sale (PoS) and PFMS tool, used in the Government. The participants appreciated the "Do’s and don’t’s of Internet surfing” and "Office Management Tools". The presentations, hands-on exercises, participatory training techniques were used in the programme and the programme was concluded by Ms. Jyoti Rana, HAS, Joint Director of the Institute.

A Training Programme on Manav Sampada software was organised for Gazetted & Non Gazetted officials of State Government from 16.04.2019 to 17.04.2019. The course was attended by 23 participants including Principals, Sr. Asstt./Jr. Assistant & JOA(IT). The course contents included the topics viz.   Overview of the Manav Sampada (PMIS) application, Objectives, Scope of the Application, E-Service Book,  Process  Re-engineering involved, Integration with other application Benefits,Live Demo, Pension module, National eHRMS Model, Department Specific Online Practice Session, Apps (Service Book and Transfer), Submission of online APR and ACR, Demo of Public Portal, Inter Departmental shifting of employees.

A training programme on Office Procedure and Financial Administration was organised from 22.4.2019 to 26.4.2019  for 5 days. The course was attended by 17 participants including  Gazetted & Non-Gazetted Government Servants .The course contents included topics on General Service conditions and Consttutional Provisions, Budget, FR and Pay Fixation,CCS (Leave) Rules, Pension Rules, NPS, TA/LTC Rules, Procurement of Goods, e-procurement, Gem and Inventory Management, Protection of Interest of depositors in Non-Banking Financial Co. & HPFR 2009  etc. .The participants highly appreciated the course, however,  they suggested that the duration of the course be increased and more emphasis be given on practicals.

A Training Programme onMS Power Point Application was organised for Gazetted & Non Gazetted officials of State Government from 08.04.2019 to 10.04.2019. The course was attended by 19 participants including Dy. SP, ASI, Statistical Assistant, Steno and Clerks. The course contents included the topics viz. Basic concept of PowerPoint application, Slide background, Slide design, Insert picture, Slide transition, Action buttons, Creating hyperlink, Using charts, Do’s & Don’ts in Making Presentations, Insert movie, sound, shapes, Custom animation, Setup show, custom slide show, using pen colour, Insert header, footer, slide number, date & time, Printing option in PowerPoint, rehears timing, slide sorter, Master Slide etc.

A Training Programme on Basic Computer Literacy was organised for Non Gazetted officials of State Government from 29.04.2019 to 03.05.2019. The course was attended by 15 participants including Sr./Jr. Assistant, Clerks and JOA. The course contents included the topics viz. Basic Concept of Computer, Various formatting features, Bullets & Numbering, Working with Indents: types of indents, Handling Tables: Creating & modification of tables, merge  & split table, Design formats, layouts, Online Services, Basics of Internet,  Creating and using e-mail account, Cloud Computing Concept,  Handling printer,  Scanning of documents etc.