Mid-Career Training Programme for Indian Foreign Service Officers (2012 Batch)

(26th to 30th August, 2024)

The Institute of Management in Government (IMG), Thiruvananthapuram, successfully organised and facilitated the State attachment programme for the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) Officers of the 2012 batch from 26th to 30th August 2024. This attachment was part of the Mid-Career Training Programme-I (MCTP-I) conducted by the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.

The delegation included the following officers:

1. Shri. Bastian Nonginiyil Chacko, Deputy Secretary, MEA

2. Shri. Stephen Mani, Deputy Secretary, MEA

3. Ms. Asha Antony, First Secretary, Embassy of India in Lisbon

4. Shri. Midhun T.R., Passport Officer, Regional Passport Office, Kochi

The purpose of this state attachment was to provide the IFS officers with a comprehensive understanding of governance and the functioning of various organs at the state and district administration levels, with a focus on key sectors like Industries, Trade, Tourism, and Diaspora.

Over the five-day programme, the officers engaged in a variety of activities and interactions designed to offer a holistic view of Kerala's governance and key sectors. The visit began with a local field trip on the first day, followed by interactions with senior state officials, including a meeting with the Honorable Chief Secretary and IT Secretary on the second day. The officers also visited the Vizhinjam International Seaport to gain a comprehensive understanding of its strategic significance and future potential in global trade. The visit was further enriched by the presence of senior officials from Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited (VISL), who provided valuable insights into the project's long-term vision and its pivotal role in enhancing India's maritime trade capabilities on the international stage. On the third day, they explored the Kerala Arts & Crafts Village at Vellar and had an insightful discussion with its Managing Director. The fourth day featured a visit to NORKA Roots and interaction with the Secretary, NORKA and CEO about the diaspora community and various schemes for them. The day was enriched by the meetings with the Honorable Chief Minister and the Honorable Governor of Kerala. The day also included a lunch hosted by IMG Director Shri. K Jayakumar IAS(Retd) and an insightful interaction with him. The final day of the programme concluded with discussions on the industrial landscape and investment opportunities in Kerala during a meeting with the Honorable Minister for Law, Industries & Coir, and the Principal Secretary, Industries. The entire programme was conceptualized and overseen by the Nodal Officer, Jafferkhan S, Additional Secretary to Government and Associate Fellow IMG, and the Assistant Nodal Officer, Mubashir E, Assistant Professor IMG.

The State attachment program was a resounding success, offering the IFS officers a deep dive into the administrative mechanisms and key sectors of Kerala. The interactions with high-level officials and field visits provided a nuanced understanding of the state’s governance, development projects, and cultural initiatives. The program not only aligned with the objectives of the MCTP-I but also fostered meaningful engagement between state officials and the IFS officers, potentially contributing to future collaborations. The Institute of Management in Government (IMG) takes pride in having conceptualized and executed this programme, ensuring a fruitful and insightful experience for the participating officers.