In a move to enhance the professional skills and capacity of its employees, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) has announced to set up an iGOT Lab, aimed at facilitating online learning for its workforce.
This directive was issued by Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. L. Murugan, during a comprehensive review of the ministry’s annual Capacity Building Calendar and the onboarding status of employees onto the Integrated Government Online Training (iGOT) portal.
Dr. Murugan, in his review meeting with I&B Secretary Sanjay Jaju and other senior officials, stressed the importance of capacity building for the ministry’s employees and directed that all staff members be fully onboarded to the iGOT platform by October 19.
The iGOT portal, which is part of the Government of India’s initiative to provide continuous training and professional development for government employees, offers a range of courses designed to improve workforce efficiency and skills.
16 Courses Selected for Capacity Building
As part of the initiative, the ministry has identified 16 courses, which include crucial topics such as Budget Management, Gender Sensitisation, Leadership, and Team Building. These courses are intended to address various aspects of professional development and to ensure that employees are equipped with the necessary skills to meet the evolving demands of their roles within the ministry.
According to officials present at the meeting, the decision to establish an iGOT Lab shows the ministry’s commitment to promoting a culture of continuous learning and skill development among its employees.
Dr. Murugan, in his remarks, stressed the importance of keeping up with modern training methodologies, stating that this initiative is aimed at “ensuring that every employee of the ministry is well-equipped with the necessary skills to perform their duties effectively.”
Recognition for Active Participation
To further encourage participation in the online training programs, the ministry has introduced a system of recognition for employees who actively engage with the platform. Employees who complete the highest number of courses each quarter will be felicitated as part of an incentive-based system.
The establishment of the iGOT Lab is expected to streamline access to these courses, making it easier for employees to engage in learning at their own pace while meeting the ministry’s professional standards. The lab will provide a dedicated space for staff to participate in the online learning sessions and receive any necessary technical support during the process.
Workshop to Communicate Learning Plans
In addition to the iGOT Lab, the ministry has also planned to conduct a workshop aimed at effectively communicating the ministry’s learning plan and departmental strategies across all media units.
The workshop is expected to ensure that all employees are aware of the available resources, the importance of ongoing learning, and the ministry’s expectations regarding employee development. The workshop will provide a platform for ministry officials to discuss and clarify any queries employees might have regarding the courses and the overall objectives of the capacity-building initiative.
Officials at the ministry believe that this concerted effort to prioritise employee learning will lead to improved performance across the board. “These courses are designed to not only enhance technical skills but also build leadership qualities, sensitivity to gender issues, and effective teamwork,” a senior official noted.
Focus on Grievance and RTI Redressal
During the same review meeting, Dr. Murugan also turned his attention to the ministry’s handling of grievances and applications under the Right to Information (RTI) Act. He emphasised the critical importance of ensuring transparency and accountability in the ministry’s dealings with the public.
Dr. Murugan directed senior officers to expedite the resolution of pending grievances and RTI applications to maintain public trust and uphold the ministry’s commitment to good governance.
“Timely resolution of grievances and RTI requests is not only a legal obligation but also central to our principles of transparency and accountability,” Dr. Murugan said during the meeting. The ministry’s review of these processes comes at a time when government bodies are increasingly focused on improving their responsiveness to public queries and complaints.
With the onboarding deadline set for October 19, the ministry aims to ensure that its workforce is well-equipped to handle both the current and future challenges of their respective roles.
As the iGOT Lab is established and employees engage with the training programs, the ministry expects to see measurable improvements in both individual performance and the overall efficiency of its operations.
