Punjab Signs Strategic MoU To Boost Disaster Preparedness & Governance

In a transformative move to enhance disaster resilience and administrative efficiency, the Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration (MGSIPA), Government of Punjab, and the National Institute for Training in Search, Rescue and Disaster Response (NITSRDR) of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) entered into a strategic partnership on December 19, 2025.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed at MGSIPA, Chandigarh, marking a new chapter in collaborative capacity building for the state.

The partnership seeks to integrate MGSIPA’s academic and governance expertise with NITSRDR’s field-tested experience in disaster response and rescue operations.

The MoU establishes a comprehensive framework for joint training programmes, simulation exercises, research initiatives, and policy development in key areas such as disaster risk reduction, search and rescue operations, and crisis public administration.

Key areas of cooperation include the joint development of specialised certificate and training programmes for civil servants, first responders, and community leaders; conducting high-intensity simulation drills and table-top exercises; facilitating expert exchanges and masterclasses; and undertaking collaborative research to develop disaster management protocols tailored to Punjab’s regional vulnerabilities.

Leadership Perspectives

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr Anirudh Tewari, IAS, Special Chief Secretary-cum-Director General, MGSIPA, said the partnership bridges the gap between theoretical governance and the practical demands of disaster response.

He noted that integrating NITSRDR’s operational expertise into training curricula would empower Punjab’s administrative machinery to lead confidently during crises while ensuring public safety and continuity of governance.

Amit Dhaka, IAS, Director, MGSIPA, described the MoU as a force multiplier for the institute’s training ecosystem.

He said the collaboration would equip officers and first responders with proven, life-saving skills, leading to a more agile and resilient field administration that directly benefits citizens during emergencies.

Rana Yudhvir Singh, Director, NITSRDR, emphasised the ITBP’s commitment to nation-building through the sharing of specialised skills in disaster mitigation and rescue operations. He also said the partnership would institutionalise this expertise within Punjab’s administrative framework and help build a proactive and prepared state.

Senior officials from both institutions attended the event, underscoring a strong institutional commitment to the initiative.

The collaboration aims to serve as a model for other states by showing how strategic partnerships between premier training institutions can strengthen emergency management and protect citizens.

By strengthening preparedness, response mechanisms, and administrative coordination, the partnership aims to position Punjab as a resilient state capable of effectively managing disasters and public emergencies.

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