Loknetri Women Executive Leadership and Governance Course Launched by Ajinkya DY Patil University Pune
Ajinkya DY Patil University, Pune, in collaboration with Chetna Shalini Foundation, has launched the Loknetri Women Executive Leadership and Governance Course, a unique initiative aimed at empowering women through leadership training, governance education, and practical field experience. The program is designed to prepare women for leadership roles in local governance, public administration, and community development.
The 10-week course offers women an opportunity to understand the functioning of government systems, learn about public policies, and develop the skills required to address community challenges. By combining classroom training with practical fieldwork, Loknetri aims to build a new generation of confident, capable, and socially responsible women leaders.
A Unique Initiative for Women’s Leadership
Loknetri is a leadership development program designed for women aged 21 and above who are interested in public service, community development, and participation in local governance.
The initiative focuses on strengthening women’s understanding of governance systems and providing them with the knowledge and confidence to take leadership roles in their communities.
According to the university, the program is among the first executive leadership and governance initiatives in the country specifically designed to prepare women for participation in local governance and public administration.
The course also aims to encourage women who are interested in contesting elections, participating in public decision-making, or working on social development initiatives.
Seven Days of Residential Training at the University
The program begins with seven days of residential training at the university campus in Pune. During this period, participants receive structured training on different aspects of leadership, governance, and public administration.
Each day focuses on a specific subject, allowing participants to develop a practical understanding of government systems and community issues.
Participants learn about government schemes, public policies, local administration, and the responsibilities of elected representatives. They also study the functioning of Gram Sabhas, government departments, and public institutions.
The training includes discussions with experts and experienced professionals who share their knowledge of governance and public service.
Participants also develop skills in communication, leadership, decision-making, and community engagement, helping them become more effective in addressing local challenges.
Eight Weeks of Practical Fieldwork
After completing the residential training, participants return to their respective communities for eight weeks of practical fieldwork.
This stage is an important part of the Loknetri program, as it allows women to apply their classroom learning to real-world situations.
During fieldwork, participants interact with citizens, identify local issues, study community needs, and work toward developing practical solutions.
The program focuses on areas such as education, healthcare, sanitation, nutrition, women’s safety, employment, and youth development.
Participants also learn how to communicate with government officials, understand administrative procedures, and engage with local institutions.
Through this experience, women gain practical knowledge of governance and develop the confidence to participate in public decision-making.
Expert Mentorship and Professional Guidance
The Loknetri course provides participants with mentorship from experienced professionals from various fields.
The mentors include IAS and IPS officers, elected representatives, legal and judicial experts, journalists, media professionals, social-sector leaders, and experienced entrepreneurs.
These professionals guide participants in understanding governance systems, public administration, leadership challenges, and community development.
Each mentor supports a small group of participants, helping them understand local problems and identify effective solutions.
The mentorship component also provides opportunities for women to learn from the experiences of professionals who have worked in public service and social development.
Responsible Use of Technology and Artificial Intelligence
The program also introduces participants to the use of artificial intelligence and digital tools in governance.
Participants learn how technology can support administrative work, improve documentation, and help analyse public issues.
However, the course emphasises that government documents and sensitive citizen information must be handled responsibly.
Participants are taught to maintain confidentiality and ensure that personal information is not shared publicly or entered into AI tools without appropriate safeguards.
The objective is to help women understand how technology can improve governance while maintaining ethical and responsible practices.
Admission Process and Course Fee
The Loknetri Women Executive Leadership and Governance Course is open to women aged 21 and above.
The admission process does not require an entrance examination. Applicants are selected based on their experience, interest in public service, and interview performance.
The course fee is ₹75,000. The program also provides financial assistance through full fee waivers for eligible economically disadvantaged women. According to the announcement, 10% of the seats are reserved for this financial support.
The first batch of the program is scheduled to begin on November 21.
A Final Session Focused on Future Action
At the end of the fieldwork period, participants return to the university campus for a three-day concluding session.
During this session, they present evidence of their work, explain the results achieved in their communities, and discuss their plans for the next 100 days.
The final session also provides an opportunity for participants to review their learning, receive feedback from mentors, and identify areas where they can continue contributing to community development.
The program aims to help participants develop practical action plans that can guide their future leadership and public service activities.
Empowering Women to Create Meaningful Change
The launch of the Loknetri Women Executive Leadership and Governance Course by Ajinkya DY Patil University, Pune, represents an important step toward strengthening women’s participation in governance and public administration.
By combining professional training, practical fieldwork, expert mentorship, and responsible technology use, the program aims to equip women with the skills needed to become effective leaders.
Conclusion
Through this initiative, women can gain a deeper understanding of governance, address community challenges, and contribute to the development of their communities.
Loknetri seeks to create opportunities for women to move beyond traditional roles and become active participants in decision-making, public service, and social development.
