Context

Over the years, various development strategies and programs have been playing a crucial role in transforming the lives and livelihoods of rural communities in India. However, a noticeable socioeconomic gap persists between rural and urban population. Rural development interventions often face hurdles in terms of adapting technologies, lack of effective collaborations, uncertainty, risk and limited institutional support. Challenges of aligning skills with emerging market demands, and ensuring cost-effective livelihood solutions remain inadequately addressed. Moreover, managing rural development today requires an integrated approach in critical areas such as livelihood, education, healthcare, biodiversity & environmental sustainability, climate change, disaster risk reduction, skill development, and access to finance.

Objective

KIIT School of Rural Management (KSRM), KIIT University is one of the pioneer Rural Management schools in India. It grooms rural development professionals through its flagship programs, i.e. MBA in Rural Management and MBA in Agri-Business Management. KSRM has been organising annual national level Rural Management Conclaves since 2019. The overall objective of the conclave is to bring the leaders from development and business sectors to a common platform and discourse on various challenges and way forward. This year, the following two themes are identified for dialogue: ‘Innovations, technology adaptations, risk management and accountability in sustainable development Initiatives’; and ‘Human resources (HR) in effective corporate social responsibility (CSR) and rural transformation’.