BHUBNESWAR: Xavier Institute of Management – Bhubaneswar (XIMB) has launched a one-year Advanced Programme in Management on 
Resettlement and Rehabilitation (R&R) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Fr PT Joseph, Director of XIMB informed to INDIACSR. The first module of the programme was launched on November 19, 2010. XIMB claims that it a first-of-its-kind initiative in India.
It is to noted that Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar owes its origin to a Social Contract between the Government of Orissa and the OJS (Orissa Jesuit Society). The Management of the institute is in the hands of a Governing Board, consisting of representatives from the Jesuit Society, Government of India, Government of Orissa and eminent industrialists and educationists.
The executives of Tehri Hydro Development Corporation (THDC), Uttarakhand will be the first batch to be offered the course. The course curriculum is comprehensive to cover all facets of displacement, R and R and CSR related issues. Moreover, managerial skills will be offered to inculcate a sense of professionalism and enhance the capability to manage the R&R activities, more effectively.
” It consists of seven modules of classroom sessions and experiential field-level learning in both Orissa and Uttarakhand.”, he added.
This programme is conducted by the Centre for R&R and CSR which has recently been set up within the institute.
One of the main objectives of this centre is to enhance the knowledge base and skills on management of R&R and CSR projects through education and research and disseminate the same by means of training and consultancy activities.
During Inauguration of the first module of the programme P T Joseph, Director of XIMB said, “As the country is ushering into the path of enhanced economic growth, more such innovative courses are the need of the hour. XIMB is happy that it has taken the initiative to show the way that can be replicated by others.”
Speaking on the occasion, Ambika Nanda, head of UNDP (Orissa and Jharkhand) said, “There is a need for sensitivity in handling R&R and CSR issues. The R&R approaches and efforts must be rights-based rather than charity-based.”
It is expected that such an initiative would enhance the ability of the proponents of various development projects to manage their R&R and CSR activities more effectively.
