Patna : The Centre for Public Policy (CPP), Chandragupt Institute of Management Patna (CIMP), in collaboration with the Public Finance Research Cluster, Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, Georgia State University (GSU), USA, successfully concluded the Joint Certificate Programme on Public Finance, Public Policy & Accountable Institutions with a Certificate Award Ceremony held at the CIMP campus.
Organized with the support of NITI Aayog, the programme was conducted at CIMP, Patna, Bihar, India, from July 4 to July 9, 2026. The 36-contact-hour programme focused on contemporary issues in public finance, public policy, governance, fiscal management, and accountable institutions.
The programme also marked the launch of the CIMP–Georgia State University Joint Center for Public Finance and Public Policy—the first international joint centre of its kind in India dedicated to public finance and public policy. The Joint Center aims to serve as a platform for collaborative research, executive education, policy dialogue, and capacity building. The Joint Certificate Programme is the first in a series of collaborative academic initiatives that will be undertaken through the Centre. Future programmes will focus on policy evaluation, impact evaluation, public financial management, evidence-based policymaking, governance, leadership development, and the application of data analytics and artificial intelligence in public policy.
The ceremony commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Rana Singh, Director, CIMP, who emphasized the importance of international academic collaboration in strengthening public policy education and institutional capacity.
Presenting an overview of the programme, Dr. Debabrata Samanta, Assistant Professor and Coordinator of the Centre for Public Policy, CIMP, highlighted its objectives, academic activities, competitions, and expected learning outcomes. He emphasized that the programme has been designed in line with international academic standards, integrating globally relevant perspectives on public policy, public finance, and accountable institutions. He further noted that its interdisciplinary curriculum and practical orientation equip participants with knowledge and analytical skills that are applicable across diverse governance and policy contexts worldwide
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Charles R. Hankla, Georgia State University, spoke on the value of global academic partnerships in addressing contemporary public policy challenges and encouraged participants to apply their learning in public service and policymaking.
The ceremony was graced by Dr. N. Vijayalakshmi, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Planning and Development Department, Government of Bihar, as the Chief Guest. Congratulating the participants, she highlighted the importance of evidence-based policymaking, institutional accountability, and continuous capacity building for inclusive and sustainable development. Participants also shared their experiences, reflecting on the programme’s academic rigor, interactive learning environment, and engagement with distinguished faculty and practitioners.
The highlight of the ceremony was the conferment of joint certificates upon 29 participants who successfully completed the programme. Jointly issued by Chandragupt Institute of Management Patna (CIMP) and Georgia State University (GSU), the certificates recognized the successful completion of the programme. Certificates of Recognition were also presented to the resource persons, support staff, and volunteers in appreciation of their contributions to the successful conduct of the programme.