Capacity building programme for Seychelles civil servants begins in Mussoorie
New Delhi: National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) launched a Capacity building programme for civil servants of Seychelles on 11 May 2026 in Mussoorie. The two-week programme will continue until 22 May 2026. Moreover, the initiative is being organised in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs.
A 29-member delegation is participating in the programme. Mr. Alex Henderson, Deputy Cabinet Secretary for Policy Affairs, leads the group. The delegation includes senior officials from defence, education, finance, judiciary, IT and public administration. In addition, officers from the Office of the President are attending.
The programme follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed in February 2026 between NCGG and the Public Service Bureau of Seychelles. The agreement outlines a three-year roadmap. It aims to train 250 Seychellois civil servants and strengthen institutional leadership. Furthermore, it supports digital transformation initiatives.
Dr. Surendrakumar Bagde, Director General of NCGG, chaired the inaugural session. He welcomed the delegation and highlighted long-standing ties between India and Seychelles. He said the curriculum was tailored to the officers’ professional roles. Therefore, it focuses on sectors linked to sustainable development.
He stated that the Capacity building programme aims to equip officers with practical tools. These tools will help them design and implement effective national programmes. Additionally, he encouraged participants to share case studies from their departments to promote mutual learning.
Capacity building programme focuses on governance and digital reforms
The course includes sessions on good governance principles and policy implementation. It also covers technological innovation in administration. Moreover, topics include e-Courts, digital public infrastructure and AI-enabled governance.
Participants will study GeM-based transparent procurement systems. They will also learn about ethics in administration, performance management and public-private partnerships. In addition, sessions will address national security perspectives and digital payments.
Mr. Alex Henderson thanked the Indian Government for hosting the programme. He said the training would strengthen skills and deepen bilateral cooperation. Consequently, he expressed confidence in long-term institutional collaboration between both countries.
Dr. B.S. Bisht, Associate Professor at NCGG, briefed participants about the institute’s work. He explained that NCGG has trained civil servants from 52 countries. The programme will also include field visits during the second phase. Therefore, participants will gain practical exposure alongside classroom learning.
The initiative reflects continued engagement between India and Seychelles. Moreover, it reinforces capacity development as a shared priority under the ongoing partnership. The Capacity building programme will conclude with further institutional exchanges and collaborative discussions.
