RASHTRASANT TUKADOJI MAHARAJ NAGPUR UNIVERSITY

About us

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION & LOCAL SELF GOVERMENT

Established in 1949

About the Department:

It is a matter of immense importance and proud that in India, Public Administration at the University level was first introduced in Nagpur University in the year 1949. It originated as a one year Diploma Course “Diploma in Local Self-Government” which was designed to produce trained manpower for local self-government bodies. Originally named as the Department of Local Self-Government was established by the University on 24 September, 1949, it was in the following year, rechristened as the Department of Public Administration and Local Self-Government to accord with its new status; the Department, with effect from 12 September, 1950, had been expanded with the launching of a two-year degree of Masters in Public Administration.

It is in Nagpur University that the first Professor of Public Administration Prof. M. P. Sharma in India was appointed. It is here at Nagpur University that the academic discipline of Public Administration was born, bred and brought up to an adult stature. It was here at Nagpur University, that the first recognised and still well reputed Text Book on Public Administration saw the light of the day,under the pen of an Indian Professor M. P. Sharma.Ultimately, the spark from Nagpur which was then the geographical centre of India spread tothe other parts of India. The flag once hoisted by Nagpur University continued to be kept aloft by the entire sister Universities of India. It is befitting to acknowledge that Nagpur University has done signal service to the cause of the discipline. The torch once lighted by the Nagpur University is kept alight, and the discipline once born is borne well by the University authorities are the glaring facts that add glamour and grace to University’s brilliant records. Hence, Nagpur University became the first University of India to establish a full-fledged teaching and research Department of Public Administration.

It is significant to note that in Nagpur University and in this Department, efforts were made for the first time in the whole of the country, to undertake the study and research in Public Administration and Local Governmentfor the last 72 years since its existence. It also provides guidance for research leading to the PhD Degree in Public Administration. The courses have undergone changes and revision during these years and have been gradually modernised keeping in view the current developments in the subjects. The Alumni of the Department are occupying important positions in the national life of the country in different capacities.

The department has grown in terms of developing a good academic culture and quality research work, as well as the representation of its faculty members in assignments at state, national and international levels. Due to its diligence, this department has made its name in the history of Public Administration in the country. Initially department was nurtured under the leadership of Prof. M. P. Sharma, Prof. E. H. Valson, Prof. V. S. Murti, Dr. S. L. Dave and Prof. M. K. Deshmukh. They gave identity to the department at the National and International level. Department continued to get the leadership of Dr. Neelima Deshmukh and Dr. N. K. Singh.

Vision of the Department:

To enhance deep disciplinary knowledge amongst students with emphasis on application research and innovation to cater the emerging needs of society and making them globally competitive and socially responsible citizens with human values and ethics.

Mission of the Department:

1. To incorporate into the curriculum the application orientation of the discipline.

2. To introduce and implement innovation in teaching learning process and promote interdisciplinary research.

3. To inculcate human, moral, ethical values and interpersonal skills that shapes students into effective leaders and to be good citizen of the country.