Empowering Fire Officers: IIM Bodh Gaya Trains 17 Gazetted Fire Officers in Leadership & Management
IIM Bodh Gaya successfully conducted a first-of-its-kind five-day Leadership and General Management Development Programme for 17 Gazetted Fire Officers of Bihar from March 17 to March 21, 2025. These officers, selected through the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC), hold key positions in fire safety and emergency response across the state. This unique training marks the first leadership programme tailored specifically for fire officials, equipping them with strategic insights into crisis management, decision-making, and operational efficiency.
The programme was led under the guidance of Dr. Vinita S. Sahay, Director, IIM Bodh Gaya. Dr. Sahay emphasised that fire officers play a crucial role in safeguarding lives and assets, and their ability to make swift, strategic decisions is vital in crisis situations. Highlighting IIM Bodh Gaya’s dedication to bridging management education with real-world governance, she stated that strong leadership in emergency services is essential for building a safer and more resilient society. Dr. Sahay also felicitated the participants with certificates, acknowledging their commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.
Dr. Amit Srivastava, Chairperson, Executive Education & Consultancy, provided strategic oversight to ensure the programme’s success. The programme coordination was handled by Dr. Somya Prakash Patra and Dr. Vishal Ashok Wankhede, ensuring a structured and impactful learning experience. Dr. Wankhede and Dr. S Patra provided an overview of the sessions and coordinated an outbound visit, enriching the participants’ practical learning.
Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Shri Sudheer Kumar Porika, IPS, lauded the initiative, stating that the programme was a valuable learning experience for fire officers and highly beneficial for the department. He emphasised the critical role of leadership and strategic management in firefighting operations, where quick decision-making and operational efficiency can save lives and minimize losses. Shri Porika further highlighted the importance of continuous professional development for fire officers, stressing that such structured training enhances their preparedness for handling emergencies effectively.
Shri Dr. Ashok Kumar Prasad, Principal, Bihar Fire Training Academy, Anandpur, Bihta, also appreciated the initiative. He remarked that this was a unique training opportunity for fire officers, providing them with a structured learning experience. To enrich the programme, IIM Bodh Gaya hosted a Director’s Dinner with cultural performances, offering participants a memorable experience and adding a festive touch to the training. The Programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. S Patra.
In this academic year so far, IIM Bodh Gaya has organized a total of 125 Management Development Programmes (MDPs), training more than 8,200 officers from various departments, including the Water Resources Department (WRD), BIPARD, Bihar Police Academy, State Health Society Bihar, IOCL, HPCL, Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR), Panchayati Raj Department (Govt. of Jharkhand), Directorate of Industrial Development (Govt. of Bihar), MMTTP – Ministry of Education (Govt. of India), BAMETI (Govt. of Bihar), Department of Planning (Govt. of Bihar), among others. This underscores the institute’s unwavering dedication to capacity building and leadership development across critical government and public service sectors.
