India’s development sector is entering a defining phase — evolving from a space once seen as charitable work to a robust, fast-growing ecosystem that is central to the nation’s progress. As India moves closer to becoming a $5 trillion economy, this sector plays a vital role in ensuring that growth is equitable, inclusive, and sustainable. However, the sector still faces big challenges in recruiting skilled talent. Many grassroot organisations struggle because they don’t have enough trained talent to meet organisational needs and impactful delivery of the social sector programs. There is a huge need for skilled professionals and leaders who can lead projects and bring meaningful, lasting impact. Building this talent and capacity is key to strengthening India’s social foundation and ensuring that economic growth also leads to social progress.
Why Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are important?
Uttar Pradesh and Bihar represent India’s largest development frontiers, rich in potential but still in need of stronger institutional and leadership capacity. Both states have a growing base of professionals already engaged in social impact work through NGOs, government programmes, and CSR initiatives. However, many of them face challenges in scaling their efforts due to limited access to structured management training, data-driven approaches, and leadership development opportunities.
Prof Tanojkumar Meshram, Chairperson – Post Graduate Programme in Development Management, SPJIMR said, ‘In 2022-2023, India’s total CSR expenditure reached approximately ₹30,000 crores. However, only about ₹1,500 crores (5%) was spent in Uttar Pradesh and around ₹300 crores (1%) in Bihar. This combined spending of only 6% is significantly disproportionate to these states’ populations, which account for 17% (UP) and 9% (Bihar) of India’s total population. Given the relatively low social economic indicators in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, a substantial increase in social sector funding, especially through CSR is crucial. To absorb such high funding, there is a critical need to not only increase the number of social sector organizations but also to enhance the capabilities of existing ones and SPJIMR’s PGPDM is the best placed to help to build new organisations and capacity of the existing ones.”
Strengthening the capabilities of these professionals can have a multiplier effect in field. By equipping mid-career and senior practitioners with modern tools of development management from financial planning and project design to impact measurement and stakeholder engagement. Organisations in these states can become more effective, transparent, and sustainable. Building this capacity is not just about enhancing individual careers; it’s about enabling stronger institutions that can drive inclusive growth where it is needed most.
SPJIMR_Tanojkumar Meshram
How SPJIMR is bridging the gap
SPJIMR’s Post Graduate Programme in Development Management (PGPDM) trains experienced professionals for the social sector. The programme builds the capacity of leaders who deeply understand their communities and possess the robust management skills necessary to create lasting, real-world impact.
Development professionals from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar stand to gain significantly from the PGPDM programme. We believe their rich on-ground experience, combined with the programme’s comprehensive training, will unlock a new level of leadership and efficacy. The PGPDM programme actively seeks to recruit and train development practitioners, government employees, and social entrepreneurs from UP and Bihar. To ensure access for deserving grassroots leaders, substantial fee subsidies and scholarships are offered.
Post Graduate Programme in Development Management (PGPDM) is a 12-month modular programme offered by SPJIMR for professionals working in or intending to work in the social sector. This 39-credit programme is divided into three terms including 32 courses covering development-related subject, foundational and cutting-edge management subjects. It culminates in a development management research project. Designed to address various aspects of the development sector, it enables participants with essential skills to take forward their initiatives in driving social justice.
This is India’s only Development Management Programme that has been accredited internationally by AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS.
The institute is specifically encouraging applications from development practitioners, government employees, and social change agents in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, recognising the critical need to boost professional capacity in these regions.
The admissions for the new batch are now open. To check who all can apply, the criteria to enrol and the last date, please check their official website.
