Patna: The Fourth International Conference on Public Policy and Management (ICPPM–2026) began at the Chandragupt Institute of Management Patna (CIMP) on July 2, bringing together policymakers, academicians, researchers, civil servants and students to deliberate on contemporary governance challenges and evidence-based policymaking.
Organised by the Centre for Public Policy at CIMP in collaboration with the Public Finance Research Cluster of Georgia State University’s Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, USA, and supported by NITI Aayog, the two-day conference is being held under the theme, “Public Policy in Times of Polycrisis: Rethinking Governance, Evidence and Equity.”
Inaugural Session Highlights
The conference was inaugurated by N. Vijayalakshmi, Additional Chief Secretary, Planning and Development Department, Government of Bihar.
The inaugural session was attended by keynote speaker Charles Hankla of Georgia State University, guest of honour Praveen Gupta, Director of Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management (LBSIM), New Delhi, and G. Singhaiah, Vice-Chancellor of Birangana Sati Sadhani Rajyik Vishwavidyalaya, Assam.
The dignitaries were welcomed by Rana Singh, Director of CIMP. Debabrata Samanta, Coordinator of the Centre for Public Policy and conference convenor, presented an overview of the event and said that 42 research papers had been selected from leading national and international institutions.
Focus on Evidence-Based Governance
Addressing the gathering, Vijayalakshmi stressed the need for adaptive, evidence-based and equitable policymaking in an increasingly volatile and uncertain global environment. She also highlighted the importance of continuous policy evaluation and the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence in governance.
Charles Hankla introduced the concept of “polycrisis”, describing it as interconnected global challenges that require collaborative, responsive and evidence-driven policymaking.
Singhaiah spoke about Bihar’s development trajectory and emphasised strengthening grassroots institutions to improve governance outcomes.
Praveen Gupta encouraged students to develop leadership, communication and analytical skills to prepare for future roles in public administration and policymaking.
Research Presentations
Following the inaugural session, the conference hosted three parallel technical sessions featuring 25 research paper presentations.
The presentations covered topics including evidence-based policymaking, health, education and human development in the context of multiple and interconnected crises.
Programme for Day Two
The conference will continue on July 3 with technical sessions on decentralisation, local governance and state capacity, climate change, sustainability and policy resilience, and Viksit Bihar.
A special session, organised in collaboration with the Bihar State Biodiversity Board, will examine environment policy, governance and biodiversity conservation, with discussions focusing on the role of institutions, society and local communities.
