Postgraduate Programme

in Rural Management

PRM Handbook
(Rules and Regulations Governing the
Postgraduate Programme in Rural Management)

Institute of Rural Management Anand

September 2011
 Contents
A. ABOUT THE INSTITUTE AND DESIGN OF PRM …………………………………………………………....1
1.0 The Institute with a Unique Mission …………………………………………………………………………….1
2.0 Academic Programmes at IRMA ………………………………………………………………………………..1
3.0 About Postgraduate Programme in Rural Management (PRM) ………………………………………………..2
4.0 Design of PRM ………………………………………………………………………………………………….2
5.0 Administration of the PRM ……………………………………………………………………………………..3

B. PROCEDURES, RULES AND REGULATIONS ...................................................................................................5

1.0 Academic Norms …………………………………………………………………………………………..……5
2.0 Disciplinary Norms ……………………………………………………………………………………………..8
3.0 Award of Certificate (CRM) and Diploma (PGDRM) ………………………………………………………..11
4.0 Review of PRM Rules and Regulations ………………………………………………………………………12
5.0 Refund of Fees for Candidates withdrawing from PRM ………………………...............................................12

C. PARTICIPANT REPRESENTATION AND PARTICIPANT BODIES ……………………………………....12

1.0 Class Representative ……………………………………………………………………………………….......13
2.0 Academic Committee ……………………….…………………………………………………………………13
3.0 Computer Committee …………………………………………………………………………………….…....13
4.0 Mess Committee ………………………………………………………………………………………………13
5.0 Participant Events Committee …………………………………………………………………………………14
6.0 Editorial Committee ……………………………………………...……………………………………………15
7.0 Placement Committee ………………………………………….…….…………….………………………….15

D. HOSTEL RULES ………………………………………………………………………………………………….16

1.0 Introduction …………………………………………………………………………………………………....16
2.0 Institute‘s Policy with respect to the Use of Hostel Facilities ………………………………………………...16
3.0 Misconduct ………………………………………………………………………………………………….....16
4.0 Disciplinary Authority …………………………………………………………………………………………17
5.0 Participants‘ Mess Rules and Norms …………………………………………………………………………..17

E. DISCRIMINATORY CONDUCT, HARASSMENT OR RAGGING ………………………………………….18

F. FACULTY ADVISORY SERVICES ……………………………………………………………………………..18

G. MEDICAL FACILITIES AND REQUIREMENTS …………………………………………………………….19

H. LIBRARY ………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…19
1.0 About the Library ……………………………………………………………………………………………...19
2.0 Library Timings …………………………………….………………………………………………………….19
3.0 Rules and Regulations …………………………………………………………………………………………19

I. COMPUTER SERVICES ………………………………………………………………………………..…………21

1.0 File Services ………………………………………………………………...............................………………21
2.0 Print Services ……………………………………………………………..................................………………21
3.0 Internet Services …………………………………………………………….............................………………22
4.0 Mail Services ……………………………………………………………..................................………………23
5.0 Intranet Services …………………………………………………………….............................………………23
6.0 Computer Laboratory …………………………………………………………….....................………………23
7.0 General Information …………………………………………………………….......................………………23

Annexure 1 BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF CORE COURSES.................................................................24

A. ABOUT THE INSTITUTE AND DESIGN OF PRM

1.0 The Institute with a Unique Mission

The Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA), established in 1979, is the pioneering academic institution
in rural management education and research. It is committed to pursuing excellence along with creativity and
integrity. The unique strength of IRMA lies in its ability to integrate development and management in all its
endeavours and activities. This sets IRMA apart from other management and rural development institutions,
which are largely concerned with either management or development, but not with both. Today, IRMA is
recognised not only as an institution of excellence in teaching and research, but also acknowledged for having
successfully created the new discipline of rural management. This path-breaking approach of IRMA is being
emulated by other institutions in India and abroad.
IRMA‘s mission is to promote the sustainable, eco-friendly, and equitable socio-economic development of rural
people through professional management. The core of IRMA‘s operating philosophy is to build and sustain a
partnership between rural people and committed professional managers. Through this, IRMA strives to
contribute to the promotion of sustainable development and social justice in India‘s rural society. IRMA strives
to achieve this mission by
• educating a new breed of professional rural managers having the appropriate values and ethos for
helping rural organisations and institutions in professionalising their management and empowering rural
people through self-sustaining processes;
• training policy makers, directors, general managers, and those in charge of specific managerial functions
in such enterprises and projects;
• building new rural management knowledge and theories through action-oriented and problem-solving
research and consultancy; and
• influencing public policies through policy-oriented research and consultancy.

2.0 Academic Programmes at IRMA

As a premier academic institution in the field of rural management, IRMA has evolved unique curricula for its
various programmes. Programmes and activities of IRMA are described below.
Postgraduate Programme in Rural Management (PRM) for those who wish to take on
challenging managerial responsibilities in institutions working in the rural sector. PRM is recognised as a
Master‘s degree by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) and is also approved by the All India Council
for Technical Education (AICTE).
Doctoral Programme titled Fellow Programme in Rural Management (FPRM) for participants and
professionals seeking careers in research, teaching, and specialised knowledge-based positions in rural
management institutions. FPRM is approved by the AICTE as a doctoral programme in rural management.
Management Development Programmes (MDPs) are meant for middle and senior-level in-service managers
and officers of the union government, state governments, NGOs, and cooperatives working in the area of rural
development. IRMA conducts many MDPs on various themes of development and management, ranging in
duration from one week to six weeks.
Research and Consultancy services are a means of enriching the quality and content of teaching and training.
This continuous upgradation puts us in an enviable position of serving our clientele more efficiently by helping
them identify and resolve their critical management problems. The union government, state governments,
NGOs, cooperatives, and national and international donor agencies are major clients of IRMA. Over the years,
faculty members of IRMA have completed a large number of research and consultancy studies and assignments.

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3.0 About Postgraduate Programme in Rural Management (PRM)
Many good stand-alone programmes of business management and development are available in India today.
IRMA‘s PRM integrates the two streams and equips talented men and women with both development
perspectives and business acumen. IRMA recognises that institutions working for rural development operate in a
complex environment, in which there is a far greater need for professional management. IRMA trains talented
men and women through a well-structured two-year Postgraduate Programme in Rural Management, in
order to undertake challenging responsibilities in development and producers‘ organisations with the right
ethical values. IRMA has been working closely with its client organisations to integrate their emerging needs
into its academic programme by periodically revising the curricula. The present PRM design is a reflection of
this growing partnership.
PRM is a two-year residential programme leading to a Postgraduate Diploma in Rural Management (PGDRM).
PGDRM is recognised as equivalent to Master‘s degree by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) and is
approved by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).
4.0 Design of the PRM
The programme comprises four different segments—classroom, fieldwork, organisational traineeship, and
management traineeship. There are five classroom terms, which focus on concepts, skills, and knowledge
pertaining to rural development and management, using modern pedagogical techniques and concentrating on
experiential learning. The fieldwork segment exposes participants to the realities of rural life. The organisational
traineeship segment helps participants understand the nature of organisational dynamics. The management
traineeship segment offers participants an opportunity to apply, test, and polish the skills acquired in the
classroom. About one-third of the total duration of the programme is devoted to experiential learning and
practical application of the knowledge and skills acquired in the classroom segments. The faculty is involved to
a substantial degree in the design and supervision of all field-based segments. The evaluation of a participant‘s
performance in the programme is a continuous process, offering an opportunity for frequent and regular
corrections. All the four segments of the programme are evaluated and the results are reported on the
participant‘s grade card. Participants are expected to meet the standards of performance prescribed by the PRM
Committee for each segment. The current PRM curriculum is based on the recommendations of the PRM
Review Committee, 2004.
Classroom Segment: The classroom segment in the first year has three terms, each consisting of six credits. 1
The courses in the first year cover the basics of rural management and development. All the courses in the first
year are compulsory. The courses in Term I cover the foundation and contextual courses in rural management.
The courses in Terms II and III cover different functional areas of rural management (see Table 2). Brief
descriptions of the core courses are given in Annexure 1.
The classroom segment in the second year has two terms (Terms IV and V), each consisting of six credits. Term
IV has core courses of four credits; these are compulsory for the PRM participants. In addition, participants are
required to choose two credits of optional courses from among those offered during the term. Term V has two
credits of compulsory courses. In addition, participants are required to choose four credits of optional courses
from among those offered during the term (see Table 2 for the list of optional courses that are offered during
Terms IV and V). The optional courses are divided into two groups: Rural Development Management and Rural
Enterprise Management. Participants are required to take a minimum of two credits from each group.
Fieldwork Segment (FwS): The duration of the fieldwork segment is ten weeks. It is held after the first term of
the classroom segment. It exposes participants to the realities of rural life. Under this segment, participants are
divided into small groups and sent to rural areas in different parts of the country. Each group is attached to a
local host organisation. The members of the group stay in the identified village and interact directly with the
villagers. They also execute a small action-oriented task assigned to them by the host organisation. IRMA
faculty members interact closely with participants at all stages of the fieldwork segment. The performance of
participants in this segment is evaluated on the basis of reports and presentations.
Organisational Traineeship Segment (OTS): The duration of the OTS is ten weeks. It is scheduled after Term
III, which marks the beginning of the second year of PRM. This segment is designed to help participants
understand the structure and dynamics of an organisation. It exposes participants to the functioning of
organisations and gives them an opportunity to apply, test, and polish the skills acquired in the classroom.

1 One course credit is equivalent to 30 contact sessions of 70 minutes each, and requires the participant to put in at
least 80–90 hours of work outside the classroom.
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Participants also work in any area of rural management, assigned by the host organisations. The performance of
participants in this segment is evaluated on the basis of reports and presentations.
Management Traineeship Segment (MTS): The duration of the MTS is ten weeks. It is scheduled after Term
IV. This segment is designed to provide participants with an opportunity to work closely with experienced
managers in an organisational setting. Participants develop practical skills and gain a realistic idea of the
managerial functions of rural organisations. At the end of MTS, participants present and discuss their reports,
first in the host organisations and later at IRMA. Both the MTS reports and the presentations are evaluated. The
sequence of different PRM segments is given in Table 1 and List of courses in Table 2.
Table 1: Sequence of PRM Segments

Class Stage Segment/Term

1 Induction and Orientation
2 Classroom Segment - Term I
3 Fieldwork Segment (FwS)
First Year
4 Classroom Segment - Term II
5 Classroom Segment - Term III
6 Organisational Traineeship Segment (OTS)
7 Classroom Segment - Term IV
Second Year
8 Management Traineeship Segment (MTS)
9 Classroom Segment – Term V
Pedagogy: IRMA‘s curriculum is based on a unique pedagogy, with an emphasis on experiential learning. The
courses are taught through a variety of modern teaching techniques, such as case methods, interactive sessions,
seminars, individual and group exercises, role-playing, experiential learning, and simulated exercises, to give
participants an opportunity to learn by doing. The actual mix of pedagogical techniques varies with the nature of
the course. The pedagogy requires that participants play an active role in classroom sessions and discussions.
The medium of instruction is English.
5.0 Administration of the PRM
The conduct of the PRM in all its aspects, including its design, admissions, placement, and academic and
disciplinary matters shall be the responsibility of a Committee designated as the ―PRM Committee‖. The PRM
Committee shall consist of the Coordinators of PRM, FPRM, Admissions, FwS, OTS, MTS, and Placement.
The PRM Coordinator is the convenor of the committee. The PRM Committee may co-opt any other faculty
member as and when required. The terms of reference of the PRM Committee shall include:
(i) Amendments and additions to provisions of the PRM Rules and Regulations;
(ii) Interpretation of the PRM Rules and Regulations;
(iii) Matters relating to academic discipline;
(iv) Guidelines for evaluating the performance of participants;
(v) Decisions on matters related to unsatisfactory academic performance; and in consultation with Warden
and Director, on action regarding misconduct and moral turpitude; and,
(vi) Any other matter, as may be referred to the Committee by the Director.
(vii) The PRM Coordinator shall be responsible for the day-to-day administration of the PRM.
The PRM Office provides information on and support for all activities relating to PRM, right from admission to
placement. It consists of the following sections: Admissions Office, Teaching Aids Unit,
FwS/OTS/MTS/Placement Office and Audiovisual Unit. The Admissions Office looks after all matters related
to admission, maintenance of participants‘ leave records, issue of rail/air travel concession forms, grading,
scheduling, and convocation. The Teaching Aids Unit provides facilities for reproduction, binding, and
distribution of teaching materials. The Audiovisual Unit looks after audiovisual aids such as overhead
projectors, slide projectors, multimedia video projectors, film projectors, still and video cameras, televisions,
and recorders for use by the faculty and the participants.

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 Table II: List of PRM Courses
FIRST YEAR
Term I (6.0 credits) Term II (6.0 credits) Term III (6.0 Credits)
Economic Analysis for Rural Collective Action and Cooperation Costing and Management Planning

Fieldwork Segment (4.0 Credits)

Management - I (1.0 Credit) (1.0 Credit) (1.0 Credit)
Computer Applications for Rural Development Theories and
Financial Accounting (1.0 Credit)
Management (0.5 Credit) Practices (1.0 Credit)
Individual and Group Behaviour Economic Analysis for Rural Human Resources Management
(1.0 Credit) Management – II (1.0 Credit) (1.0 Credit)
Managerial Analysis and Managing Cooperatives
Financial Management (1.0 Credit)
Communication (0.5 Credit) (1.0 Credit)
Quantitative Analysis for Rural Gender and Development Management Information Systems
Management (1.0 Credit) (0.5 Credit) (1.0 Credit)
Production and Operations
Rural Livelihood Systems (0.5 Credit) Marketing Management (1.0 Credit)
Management (1.0 Credit)
Understanding Organisations
Rural Research Methods (0.5 Credit)
(1.0 Credit)
Rural Society and Polity (0.5 Credit)

SECOND YEAR
Term IV (6.0 credits) Term V (6.0 credits)
Traineeship Segment

Traineeship Segment

Marketing Research (0.5 Credit) Legal Environment and Cooperative Law (1.0 Credit)
Strategic Issues in Development Organisations
Project Management (1.0 Credit)
Organisational

(1.0 Credit)
Management
(4.0 Credits)

(4.0 Credits)

Rural Development Interventions (1.0 Credit)

Social Entrepreneurship and Ethical Leadership Optional Courses (4.0 credits)
(0.5 Credit)
Strategic Management (1.0 Credit)
Optional Courses (2.0 credits)

List of Optional Courses (Term IV and V)

Rural Development Management Group Rural Enterprise Management Group
Cost-Benefit Analysis Agribusiness
Development and Rural Communication Brand Management
Economic Environment and Policy Consumer Behaviour
Geo-Informatics for Rural Management Consumption, Culture & Market
Globalisation and Agriculture Critical Perspective on Organisations
Governance & Development Derivatives
International Trade: Theory and Policy E-Business for Rural Enterprises
Management of Change Entrepreneurship
Micro-Finance Managing and Marketing Services
Natural Resource Management Marketing Analytics
Public Policy Analysis Product Policy in Marketing
Rural Finance Quality Management
Rural Innovations Rural Marketing
Social Policy in Market Economies Sales and Distribution Management
Strategic Management of Innovation & Technology
Strategic Marketing & Planning
Supply Chain Management
Taxation
Understanding Negotiation
Note: Each participant is required to take 6.0 credits of optional courses selecting at least 2.0 credits from each group
mentioned above. Optional courses may vary depending on needs of the participants and recommendation of the PRM
Committee.
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B. PROCEDURES, RULES AND REGULATIONS
The following are the academic and disciplinary norms, which shall be applicable to all the PRM participants
(including those opting for CRM).
1.0 Academic Norms
Every participant shall fulfil the minimum requirements of each stage of the curriculum to be eligible for
participating in the next stage. Participants not fulfilling the minimum requirements at any stage shall be asked
to withdraw from the PRM from that stage itself. The minimum requirements of the stages are detailed below.
1.1 Classroom Segment
1.1.1 Evaluation
The performance of the participants in each course in each term shall be evaluated through quizzes,
assignments, exercises, class-participation, presentations, projects, short tests, etc., in addition to a mid-term
examination and an end-term examination. The respective faculty members shall decide the combination of the
evaluation components and the weightages thereof. The objective of the evaluation, apart from ensuring that
participants attain the necessary minimum standards, is also to help the participants to improve their
performance in the courses. Therefore, the evaluation components shall be arranged in such a way that the
participants get feedback on their performance at regular intervals. Every full credit course may have at least
three evaluation components and every half-credit course may have at least two components of evaluation. No
single component should have a weightage of more than 50% of evaluation.
1.1.2 Grading
The grading system will be based on the five-point scale listed below.

A Excellent
B Good
C Satisfactory
D Low Pass
F Fail
Besides, plus (+) and minus (-) signs against A, B, C and D may be added to indicate varying degrees of
performance.
All components of evaluation in a course will be in terms of letter grades only. These letter grades in individual
components will be converted separately into grade points up to two decimal points. The numerical values of
letter grades are as follows.

A+ 4.33 B+ 3.33 C+ 2.33 D+ 1.33 F 0.00

A 4.00 B 3.00 C 2.00 D 1.00
A- 3.66 B- 2.66 C- 1.66 D- 0.66
A faculty member may award an ―Incomplete‖ (I) grade in a course if a participant fails to complete a
significant component of the course. In such cases, the concerned course instructor(s) will then specify the
additional requirements to be fulfilled by the participant to clear the ―Incomplete‖ (I) grade. The concerned
course instructor in consultation with the PRM Coordinator will decide the period within which the participant
has to fulfil the additional requirements to clear the ―Incomplete‖ (I) grade.
To determine the final grade of a participant in a course, the following procedure will be followed:
i. Corresponding to the letter grades and weightages for individual components the value (up to two decimal
points) given in the conversion table (Table IV) will be assigned.

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 Table IV: Grade Conversion Table
5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% 50%
13 A+ 0.65 1.30 1.95 2.60 3.25 3.90 4.55 5.20 5.85 6.50
12 A 0.60 1.20 1.80 2.40 3.00 3.60 4.20 4.80 5.40 6.00
11 A- 0.55 1.10 1.65 2.20 2.75 3.30 3.85 4.40 4.95 5.50
10 B+ 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50 3.00 3.50 4.00 4.50 5.00
9B 0.45 0.90 1.35 1.80 2.25 2.70 3.15 3.60 4.05 4.50
8 B- 0.40 0.80 1.20 1.60 2.00 2.40 2.80 3.20 3.60 4.00
7 C+ 0.35 0.70 1.05 1.40 1.75 2.10 2.45 2.80 3.15 3.50
6C 0.30 0.60 0.90 1.20 1.50 1.80 2.10 2.40 2.70 3.00
5 C- 0.25 0.50 0.75 1.00 1.25 1.50 1.75 2.00 2.25 2.50
4 D+ 0.20 0.40 0.60 0.80 1.00 1.20 1.40 1.60 1.80 2.00
3D 0.15 0.30 0.45 0.60 0.75 0.90 1.05 1.20 1.35 1.50
2 D- 0.10 0.20 0.30 0.40 0.50 0.60 0.70 0.80 0.90 1.00
0F 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
ii. The values so obtained by a participant in various components of evaluation in a course will be added. The
sum will be divided by 3 and rounded off to two decimal points to obtain the final course grade. The grade
points obtained by a participant thus will determine her/his final letter grade in the course as below.

Between 3.55 and 4.33 A Between 0.55 and 1.54 D

Between 2.55 and 3.54 B 0.54 and less F
Between 1.55 and 2.54 C
The Grade Point Average (GPA) for each term will be computed by dividing the weighted (weight of ―1.0‖ is
assigned to a full credit course and ―0.5‖ is assigned to a half- credit course) aggregate of the grade points
obtained by a participant in various courses of a term divided by the total number of course credits in the term.
The GPA for a term will be calculated up to three decimal points.
The PRM Coordinator would normally release the grades for an entire term within three weeks of completion of
the term.
1.1.3 Minimum Standards for Classroom Segment
i. In each Classroom term, a participant must obtain a Grade Point Average (GPA) of not less than
2.000;
ii. should not obtain ―D‖ grades in more than two courses;
iii. should not obtain ―F‖ in more than one course; and
iv. should have cleared any incomplete (I) grade in any course in a classroom term.

Clarification: If a participant obtains ―D‖ in two courses then she/he should not obtain ―F‖ in any other course.
If a participant obtains ―F‖ in one course, then she/he should not obtain ―D‖ in any other course. These grade
limits are summarised in Table V.

Table V: Term-wise Upper Limits of “D” and “F” Grades

Combination Number of “D” grades Number of “F” grades

1 2 0
2 0 1

If a participant fails to fulfil the conditions of minimum standards (specified in Rule 1.1.3 above) at any stage of
the programme, she/he will be asked to withdraw from the programme at that stage itself.

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1.1.4 Feedback
All participants are required to give written feedback on the courses offered in each term at the end of the last
session of each course.

1.1.5 Course Registration

i. The participants are required to register for 6.0 credits, including optional courses, in each classroom
term in the second year. One can additionally audit optional courses beyond these limits. The overall
limit per term including audited courses is 7.0 credits. The fee for auditing a full credit course is Rs.
5000/ while the fee for auditing a half credit course is Rs. 2500/-. The audit fees need to be paid on the
specified date along with the optional course registration fee.
ii. Audit courses will not be considered towards fulfilling credit requirements of the term and the
programme. The grade point obtained by a participant in an audit course will not be included in
calculation of her/his Term GPA. However, grades obtained in the audit courses will be listed in the
certificate of performance.
iii. A minimum of 10 participants including auditing participants are required to register for
offering an optional course.
1.2 FwS, OTS and MTS
1.2.1 Assignments in Organisations
Participants are placed in different organisations for FwS, OTS and MTS, which are working in line with the
mission of IRMA. .
1.2.2 Evaluation of FwS, OTS and MTS
The Fieldwork Segment (FwS), Organisational Traineeship Segment (OTS), and Management Traineeship
Segment (MTS) will be evaluated. All these segments will be of four credits each. The components on which
participants‘ performance in the Fieldwork Segment will be evaluated include:
i. Learning from the fieldwork ,
ii. Village report and presentation,
iii. Theme paper and its presentation, and
iv. Any other assignment or requirement as determined by the PRM Committee.

In consultation with the PRM Committee, the Fieldwork Coordinator decides the components and the
weightages to them.
Similarly in both OTS and MTS evaluation will be broadly centred on the following components:
i. Evaluation by Reporting Officer,
ii. Evaluation of reports by faculty guides,
iii. Presentation of the OTS/MTS experience/work, and
iv. Learning from presentations of other participants.

In consultation with the PRM Committee, the OTS and MTS Coordinator decide the components and the
weightages to them.
1.2.3 Minimum Standards
Participants are required to obtain a grade point of not less than 2.0 each in the Fieldwork, Organisational
Traineeship, and the Management Traineeship Segments. Failure to do so will attract the application of Rule
1.2.4.
1.2.4 Failure to Meet the Required Standards
Those participants who fail to meet the minimum standards prescribed in Rules 1.1.3 (i to iv) and 1.2.3 shall be
asked to withdraw immediately from the PRM. Any participant who has been asked to withdraw from the PRM
may appeal to the Director for review of her/his case. Such an appeal is permissible only once during the
entire programme. The Director shall give her/his decision after due consideration of the case. The decision of
the Director in all such instances shall be the final and binding.

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1.3 Overall Grade Point Average
The Overall Grade Point Average (OGPA) of a participant for the programme as a whole will be the weighted
average of the GPAs of different segments up to three decimal points.
2.0 Disciplinary Norms
2.1 Academic Integrity
Participants will be expected to maintain academic integrity by adequately and appropriately acknowledging the
use of others‘ ideas and words. A participant will be guilty of a violation of academic integrity if he or she:
represents the work of other as his or her own
uses material (written or graphic) from elsewhere in his or her own work without following due procedures
of quotation and acknowledging the source
presents an edited or paraphrased version of someone else‘s work as his or her own
attributes to a source referenced material which was not in fact obtained from that source
submits for evaluation or for meeting course requirements, work which is not the result of his or her own
thought and effort, and which is not in his or her own words (except for quotations, duly acknowledge)
If a participant is in doubt regarding any matter relating to the standards of academic integrity in a given course
or a given assignment, he or she is requested to consult with the course instructor responsible for the course
before presenting the work.
When instances of violation of academic integrity are detected by a course instructor and confirmed after
providing due opportunity for explanation to the individual concerned, the course instructor concerned will take
appropriate corrective action. This may range from not awarding credit to a specific assignment or lowering of
the grade in the course or awarding a failure grade, to recommending more serious action by the PRM
Committee. Such serious action may include not awarding the PGDRM Certificate or asking the participant
concerned to withdraw from the programme.
2.2 Application for Leave for Classroom Segment
Attendance is compulsory in all academic activities. No leave is permitted during the session except on
medical grounds and other exigencies, which may be permitted by the PRM Coordinator in extreme cases. The
application for leave for non-medical reasons should be submitted before the period of the leave and for medical
reasons it should be submitted within 3 days after the participant joins the classes. In medical and other exigency
situations, absence up to four sessions in a full credit course and two sessions in a half credit course is allowed
without any penalty. Absence up to additional two sessions in a full credit course and one session in a half credit
course will be allowed with penalty at the rate of 0.05 per session. In case a faculty member expels a
participants from a session, penalty at the rate of 0.05 per session will be imposed right from session one. In a
special situation of severe sickness, where hospitalization is involved, absence for two additional sessions in full
credit course and one additional session in half credit course may be allowed by the PRM Coordinator on case
by case basis with appropriate penalty considering the severity of the situation and participant‘s performance. If
a participant remains absent for more than eight sessions in a full credit course and more than four sessions in a
half credit course, then she/he would be awarded an overall Incomplete (I) or F grade in that course, irrespective
of any situation.
The leave application for more than one day for medical reasons should be supported by recommendation from
the doctor. Any leave involving staying away from the campus will have to be approved by the Hostel Warden
before submitting in the PRM office. All the leave applications must be signed by the faculty member
teaching a course, failing which penalty at the rate of 0.10 per session will be imposed.

Leave rules during the FwS, OTS and MTS modules are explained in the subsequent sections.
2.3 Norms
Apart from the academic norms as set above, every participant is required to fulfil the following disciplinary
norms.
2.3.1 Norms for Classroom Segment
i. In case a participant is judged by the course instructor to have adopted unfair means in any module of
any course, the concerned instructor will award her / him a penalty. This penalty may be up to
awarding an ―F‖ grade in the course. If the instructor considers it necessary to award a more severe
penalty she/he should report the matter to the PRM Committee.

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 ii. Any instance of unseemly behaviour or of activities indicating lack of integrity and honesty on the part
of participants will be regarded as a breach of discipline. The PRM Committee will be the relevant
authority for disciplinary matters arising out of general behaviour of participants. The Warden will join
the PRM Committee in dealing with disciplinary matters pertaining to hostel and its facilities.
iii. All participants are required to pay term fees and other charges as are levied for the programme on or
before dates as specified in Annexure 1. Unless otherwise specified, payment beyond the scheduled
date will attract a penalty of 1% of the total amount due on that date, per day of delay.
iv. Cell phones or any other electronic gadgets are strictly prohibited in the classroom complex. Laptops
and pen drives are allowed at the discretion of the concerned faculty.
2.3.2 Norms and Guidelines Regarding Examinations
i. Participants are advised not to bring any books or papers to examination hall unless it is an open book
examination. Any book or papers found in the examination hall or in the vicinity and traced to belong
to a particular participant would be construed as intention to use them to secure unfair advantage over
others during the examination time.
ii. Even to the open book examination participants can bring only that books/material that are specified by
the Instructor and cannot leave them anywhere they like or part with them during the examination. In
an open book examination, Participants can refer only to books and notes that they have brought into
the examination hall. Consultation with another participant orally or with her/his books/notes is strictly
prohibited.
iii. Please make sure that the answer sheets are stamped, initialled and are of current date. No
additional sheets will be supplied unless the booklet is completely used. Participants can use any page
of the booklet to do rough work suitably indicating that it is rough work. All the additional sheets are
pre-numbered. It is the responsibility of the participant to ensure that additional sheet number is entered
against his name in the attendance sheet. Participants are required to write roll number on the additional
sheet immediately after taking and in the presence of the Invigilator.
iv. Participants are not allowed to walk in and out of the examination hall as they please that too without
explicit permission of the invigilator. Under normal conditions, nobody is expected to go out more
than once during a three-hour examination. PRM Coordinator must be informed in advance if the
condition of any participant requires more frequent movement out of the examination hall.
v. It is responsibility of the participants to verify that the answer scripts are suitably stamped with date
and signature. A Participant must hand over answer scripts to the Invigilator before leaving the
examination hall. Participants are also hereby advised not to leave behind anything or papers after
writing the examination.
vi. Penalty for breach of examination norms and guidelines may amount to expulsion from the
examination and the programme.
vii. Smoking is strictly prohibited in the examination hall.
viii. Mobile phones or any other electronic gadget is strictly prohibited in the examination hall.
ix. Participants have to sign the following declaration provided along with instructions to participants on
each examination answer booklet.

DECLARATION

Academic integrity is expected of all participants of IRMA at all times, whether in the presence
or absence of members of the faculty or Invigilators. Understanding this, I declare that I shall
not give, use or receive unauthorized aid in the examination. I am not carrying either mobile
phone or any other electronic gadget in the examination hall. I also understand that contrary
behaviour attracts disciplinary action that may lead to expulsion from the examination and the
programme.

(Signature of the participant)

9
 2.3.3 Norms for Fieldwork Segment
i. Attendance on all days during the Fieldwork Segment is compulsory. However, Sundays are treated as
holidays. The participants can move out of their village on Sunday, but must return to the village by
the evening.
ii. In normal circumstances, a participant shall seek permission from the Fieldwork Coordinator for leave
specifying the date(s) during which such a leave is sought for and the reasons for leave. The
participants shall not approach the host organisations or the Reporting Officer for leave. However, a
participant can proceed on leave only after such permission is granted. Without such permission, an
absence from the field would be taken as unauthorised absence.
iii. Upon receiving the application for leave from a participant, the Fieldwork Coordinator shall decide on
granting leave based on the merits of the case and communicate the decision in writing to the
concerned participant, the IRMA faculty member visiting her/his village during fieldwork and the host
organisation.
iv. Under exceptional and extra-ordinary circumstances (like illness) the Reporting Officer should be
contacted for leave. In such eventuality, a participant may move out of the village after oral
permission. However, written permission must be taken subsequently from the Reporting Officer. The
participant concerned should inform the Fieldwork Coordinator later on. If there is a faculty member in
the area, she/he must be taken into confidence in addition to the Reporting Officer. In absence of such
permission, the participant‘s absence will be considered as unauthorised.
v. Upon rejoining Fieldwork Segment after the expiry of the period for which leave is granted, the
participant shall send a rejoining report duly countersigned by the Reporting Officer stating the time
and date of rejoining, to the Fieldwork Coordinator. It shall be the responsibility of the participant to
ensure that the Fieldwork Coordinator receives this information.
vi. Absence from fieldwork up to 7 days (with permission) would invite discounting at the rate of 0.10 per
day from the overall grade point awarded to the participant for Fieldwork Segment.
vii. If the absence is for more than 7 days, she/he would be awarded an incomplete (I) grade. Such
participants have to repeat their Fieldwork segment with the participants of next batch. Further, she/he
has to seek the Director‘s permission to register for the next Classroom term. Only if the Director
permits, she/he will be allowed to continue further with the Classroom terms of PRM. Such participants
would get their PGDRM only after completing the Fieldwork segment.
viii. Participants have to report to their host organisation for Fieldwork and return to IRMA after Fieldwork
at the stipulated time and day as notified by the Fieldwork Coordinator. Any delay in reporting at both
ends or leaving the host organisation before the stipulated date will be considered as unauthorised
absence.
ix. Unauthorised absence brought to the notice of Fieldwork Coordinator shall be considered as a breach
of discipline. It would attract a minimum penalty of deduction of GPA at the rate of 0.20 per day of
absence. In addition, the PRM Committee might impose appropriate additional penalty as specified in
Rule 2.3.
2.3.4 Norms for OTS & MTS
i. Participants are not permitted any leave during the OTS & MTS period.
ii. A participant may proceed on leave only after obtaining the permission from OTS/MTS Coordinator
and in all such cases Reporting Officer and the Faculty Guide will have to be informed.
iii. In case of emergency, she/he shall seek oral permission from the OTS/MTS Coordinator, before
proceeding on leave. However, written permission must be taken subsequently from the OTS/MTS
Coordinator
iv. For each day of leave of absence availed with MTS Coordinator‘s permission, the grade point of the
participant availing such leave will be reduced by 0.10.
v. If the absence is for more than 7 days, the participant would be awarded an incomplete (I) grade and
will have to repeat OTS/MTS with the next batch of participants. Further, she/he has to seek the
Director‘s permission to register for the next Classroom term. Only if the Director permits, she/he will
be allowed to continue further with the Classroom terms of PRM. Such participants would get their
PGDRM only after completing the OTS/MTS.

10
 vi. Participants have to report to their host organisation for OTS/MTS and return to IRMA after OTS/MTS
at the stipulated time and day as notified by the OTS/MTS Coordinator. Any delay in reporting at both
ends or leaving the host organisation before the stipulated date will be considered as unauthorised
absence.
vii. Unauthorised absence brought to the notice of OTS/MTS Coordinator shall be considered as a breach
of discipline. It would attract a minimum penalty of deduction of GPA at the rate of 0.20 per day of
absence. In addition, the PRM Committee might impose appropriate additional penalty as specified in
Rule 2.3.
2.3.5 Placement Procedures, Norms and Conduct of Participants
i. The campus placement is conducted under the overall leadership and supervision of the Placement
Coordinator appointed by Director, IRMA.
ii. IRMA ensures placement of all participants in the designated sector organisations through its campus
placement facility.
iii. Participants are not permitted to directly contact any organisation for the implicit/explicit purpose of
placement, either individually or collectively, and canvassing in any form is strictly prohibited.
iv. Violation of norms, rules and procedures by any participant is treated as indiscipline and strict action
will be taken against any participant violating these norms. The PRM committee will take action
against any violation of these norms. The decision of the PRM Committee in such matters will be final.
2.4 Action for Violating Disciplinary Norms
The PRM Committee shall decide upon the action to be taken against participants who violate any of the above
disciplinary norms. Such actions shall include but shall not be restricted to imposition of fines, suspension from
a course/term, and being asked to withdraw from the PRM. Any participant who is aggrieved about such
actions taken by the PRM Committee may appeal to the Director of the Institute. The decision of the Director in
all such instances shall be final and binding.
3. 0 Award of Certificate (CRM) and Diploma (PGDRM)
3.1 Certificate in Rural Management (CRM)
Only the Sponsored candidates are eligible for the award of the CRM. To qualify for the award of the CRM at
the end of the first year, a participant must have fulfilled the following:
i. The participant should have met the minimum standards prescribed in Rule 1.1.3 for the Classroom
terms I, II, and III, and the minimum standards prescribed in Rule 1.2.3 for the Fieldwork Segment.
ii. In addition, she/he should have fulfilled all the conditions specified by the Director, in case she/he had
appealed in Rule 1.2.4.
Such participants shall be allowed to rejoin the second year of the programme within a period of three years,
complete the second year requirements in force at that time and get the PGDRM. The candidates who opt for
CRM shall be allowed to rejoin the second year of the programme only if:
i. The candidate is still working in the same organisation that initially sponsored her/him to the CRM,
and
ii. The organisation sponsors her/him to the second year of the programme.
All the candidates who opt for CRM and planning to rejoin the second year of the programme shall:
i. Inform IRMA about their intention to rejoin the programme by March 15 of the concerned year (if
March 15 is a public holiday, then by the next working day), and
ii. Register for the optional courses offered in Classroom Term IV before the due date for their
registration, along with the Term IV fee.
The details of the optional courses and the due date for their registration will be communicated to the participant
when she/he communicates her/his decision to rejoin in the second year of the programme.

3.2 Postgraduate Diploma in Rural Management (PGDRM)

To qualify for the award of PGDRM at the end of second year, a participant must have fulfilled all the
following criteria:
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 i. Secured minimum standards prescribed in Rule 1.1.3 for all the Classroom terms, and met the
minimum standards specified in Rule 1.2.3 for the FwS, OTS, and MTS.
ii. Cleared all the ―I‖ grades, if any, awarded in any of the Classroom terms, FwS, OTS and MTS.
iii. Should have fulfilled all the conditions specified by the Director, in case she/he appealed to the
Director in Rule 1.2.4.
4.0 Review of PRM Rules and Regulations
The PRM rules and regulations are subject to change. The PRM Committee is authorised to make any
changes in the PRM rules and regulations. The revised rules and regulations shall be effective from
such time as may be decided by the PRM Committee and notified by the PRM Coordinator.
5.0 Refund of Fees for Candidates withdrawing from PRM
Participants withdrawing from the PRM will have to inform the PRM Coordinator and with his
approval she/he will circulate the clearance form and submit the same to the PRM Office for settling
the dues.
The following procedure is set apart for the refund of the fees:
Acceptance fee Will be forfeited
Deposits
Caution Will be refunded after adjusting the dues
Mess Will be adjusted against Mess Bill
Books Will be refunded after adjusting the dues
Participant Activities Fund Will be forfeited if withdrawn after joining the first term
Fees
10% deducted if withdrawn during Remedial/ Induction

Tuition fee & Service fee
Associate Membership
IRMA Club
SPIC MACAY
Medical Expenses
50% deducted if withdrawn during first week of a class room term
Forfeits entire amount if withdrawn after the first week of a class room term
of Will be forfeited
Will be forfeited
Will be forfeited

C. PARTICIPANT REPRESENTATION AND PARTICIPANT BODIES

The Institute encourages the pursuit of extracurricular activities by participants. These are organised under the
aegis of different Committees run by participant representative(s) elected by the participant body. The PRM
Coordinator conducts these elections.
The PRM participants have at their disposal a Welfare Fund constituted from the Participant Activities Fund
(PAF). Participants are advised to carefully manage the fund. Expenditures out of this fund are undertaken by
the various elected committees on behalf of the entire participant body and subject to the approval of the PRM
Coordinator. Participant bodies may, at their discretion, invite the PRM Coordinator to attend their meetings in
addition to consulting him on important policy matters.
All the participants constituting each batch will elect the representatives/members on various Committees
representing that batch. Election of such representatives on various Committees can be held simultaneously for
both batches or independently for each batch. The members of the various Committees shall continue to hold
their offices until the new Committees are constituted.
The tenure of the Class Representative and of all the Committee members shall be one year. If fifty per cent or
more of the general body membership desires a change in any of these positions, they shall consult the PRM
Coordinator who may then authorise fresh elections.
The functions of various Committees and the participant representatives are briefly summarised as follows:

12
1.0 Class Representative
There shall be one Class Representative (CR) for each batch. The CR is the most important of all the elected
offices, since the CR would be the sole vehicle for the transmission of the opinions of the batch in question and
for the conduct of discussions with the Director and PRM Coordinator on all matters. The CR would be
responsible for co-ordinating, guiding and monitoring the activities of all the Committees. She/he would have
the authority to call for a general body meeting at her/his discretion and would adjudicate in complaints by
participants against the functioning of any Committee or Committee member.
2.0 Academic Committee
The Academic Committee shall consist of five members, preferably drawn from different disciplinary
backgrounds. The principal function of this Committee shall be to provide the PRM Coordinator with an overall
feedback on academic matters, notably the magnitude and staggering of workload, the effectiveness of the
phasing of courses over successive terms, the extent if any of duplication between different courses, and any
other observations and suggestions that could facilitate an improvement in the PRM. It should, however, be
clearly understood that on all these issues the role of the Committee shall be purely advisory. Grievances
relating to the implementation of the academic content of the PRM shall be broached only with the PRM
Coordinator and not with Faculty in general.
3.0 Computer Committee
The Computer Committee shall consist of one participant representative from each hostel block and one
representative from FPRM participants. Preference should be given to participants having prior experience in IT
related field and / or having qualifications in IT area while constituting the committee. The key responsibilities
of the Committee shall be as follows:
i. Liaising with the Computer Coordinator for all the matters related to IT infrastructure and services
concerning participants;
ii. Liaising with the Computer Centre for maintenance of IT components deployed for participants;
iii. Recommending any disciplinary action for any improper use of the facility by individual participant(s)
to the Computer Coordinator.
4.0 Mess Committee
Catering arrangements at the hostel are organised and managed by participants themselves through the agency
of a co-operative mess. Every participant is required to become a member of the IRMA Participants‟
Mess.
The IRMA Participants‟ Mess Committee shall consist of four members, two from each batch. One of the two
members from the senior batch will be the President, Mess Committee. The Manager of the Mess will be the ex-
officio Secretary of the Mess Committee. The following are the major functions of the Mess Committee.
i. Draw up rules for smooth running of the mess.
ii. Advising the President on all matters pertaining to the running of the Mess.
iii. Preparation of Menu. While preparing menus, the Mess Committee, should pay attention to the
diversity of the Participant body. The Menu should reflect the variations in taste of participants drawn
from all parts of the country.
iv. Drawing up monthly bills of the participants and helping to keep overall discipline in the Mess.
v. They will oversee the upkeep of surrounding areas in terms of cleanliness and neatness.
Non-payment of dues to the mess (including fines) as levied by the mess committee and non-compliance of
rules framed by the Mess Committee is an act of indiscipline and strict action will be taken against such
misconducts.
Functions of the Manager of the Mess Committee
i. The Manager of the Mess will directly report to the Warden and the President of the Mess Committee
and will act as per the decisions of the mess Committee under the over all directions of the President.
ii. The Manager of the Mess Committee will be directly responsible for the various functions of the mess,
e.g. purchases, accounts, discipline of mess employees (including hiring and dismissal), etc. and works
in accordance with the decisions of Mess Committee and the President.

13
 iii. In addition, the Manager shall be responsible for the fixing of mess timings, the guest and extra
charges, organising the diet for the participants falling sick, and the hiring of kitchen staff in
consultation with the Mess Committee and the President.
iv. Participants, the members of the mess committee and the President shall not directly instruct any
employee of the mess on matters related to policy. All complaints and suggestions should be passed on
to the Mess Committee through the President.
v. The President and the Secretary of the Mess Committee will have the power to operate the bank
account and sign the cheques.
vi. Both the President and the Secretary of the Mess Committee will be responsible for the maintenance of
all the fixed equipment in the kitchen and mess hall.
vii. The President of The Mess Committee may refer all acts of indiscipline to the Warden for proper
action.
viii. Mess committee, being a transitory body, is not entitled to take decisions contrary to the general
interest of the participants and IRMA. Decisions that may have such implications for long term can
only be taken in consultation with and the concurrence of the Warden.
ix. Mess Committee is expected to extend co-operation to the Institute‘s administration for organising
Institute‘s functions.
x. Warden in consultation with the participants‘ general body may arrange for filling up the vacant
positions to the Mess Committee.
The Mess Committee will function under the overall supervision of the Warden.
5.0 Participant Events Committee
The Participant Events Committee shall consist of 14 members, seven members from each batch. There will be
two members, one from each batch, as:
i. Cultural Secretary
ii. Sports Secretary
iii. Film Secretary
iv. Hostel Secretary
v. Treasurer
vi. Media Secretary
vii. Alumni Secretary
The Participant Events Committee shall be responsible for all decisions relating to the utilisation of the fund and
its expenditure proposals shall initially be put to the general body and subsequently to the PRM Coordinator for
approval. Each of the seven members of the Committee shall be entrusted with specific responsibilities. These
are as follows:
(i) Cultural Secretaries
The two Cultural Secretaries shall be responsible for the organisation of various cultural activities. After due
consultation, the Cultural Secretaries may also delegate responsibilities for specific activities, e.g., music,
drama, etc., to participants. The Cultural Secretaries shall also be responsible for the upkeep of any equipment
falling within the jurisdiction of her/his responsibilities.
(ii) Sports Secretaries
The two Sports Secretaries shall be in charge of all outdoor and indoor sports facilities and for the maintenance
of associated equipment. They shall also be responsible for organising sports events and for the regularisation
of the use of facilities.
(iii) Film Secretaries
The two Film Secretaries shall be in charge of organising film presentations. They shall actively coordinate with
the President and Film Secretary of the IRMA Staff Club to arrange for screening of films desired by the
participants.
(iv) Hostel Secretaries
The two Hostel Secretaries shall be responsible for the general cleanliness and appearance of the hostel
premises, including the common room facilities and equipment. They shall also be responsible for the provision
14
of newspapers and periodicals that reflect the general desire of the participant body and for the preservation of
back numbers, if called for. In the event of the organisation of a circulation library, its operations shall also be
the responsibility of the Hostel Secretaries. In this, block representatives shall assist them. They shall be
responsible for facilitating the work of the Institute‘s administrative staff in the maintenance and upkeep of
hostel facilities and fittings. In all matters, however, the dealings of the Hostel Secretaries shall be with the
Warden and not with the Institute‘s administrative staff.
(v) Treasurers
The two Treasurers shall be responsible for the maintenance of all the financial records pertaining to
expenditures out of the Welfare Fund and for the disbursements of amounts appropriated for various activities
by the Welfare Committee. In the maintenance of financial records and their organisation for the annual audit,
the Treasurers shall seek the assistance and advice of the Accounts Officer of the Institute. They shall maintain
a savings bank account with cheque facility with the State Bank of India. Operation of this account, which will
represent the proceeds of the welfare fund, shall be done jointly with the PRM Coordinator or, in his absence,
any member of the faculty to whom he delegates power of attorney.
(vi) Media Secretaries
The two Media Secretaries shall be responsible for creating and disseminating information about Participants‘
Events at IRMA. They will also be responsible for the promotion of participants‘ events inside and outside the
campus using various kinds of tools such as website, newsletters, news channels, handouts, posters, and videos.
These representatives will also help IT section in updating the participants‘ events and contact information
pages on IRMA website.
(vii) Alumni Secretaries
The Alumni Secretaries work in consultation with Alumni Coordinator and help IRMA in maintaining alumni
database; facilitate alumni interaction with the current participants; conducting Bees Saal Baad and other alumni
reunions planned at IRMA. They also help Alumni Association in collecting content and publishing ―Roving
IRMAns‖ magazine (electronic); sharing updated information with the current batch; sending newsletters and
regular updates to the alumni.
6.0 Editorial Committee
The Editorial Committee shall consist of four members, two from each batch, who shall be responsible for
bringing out the participants‘ magazine (Terra Firma). The Committee shall also liaise with alumni with regard
to magazine circulation.
7.0 Placement Committee
The Placement Committee consisting of a maximum of eight participants elected by the concerned batch work
with the OTS/MTS Coordinator and Placement Coordinator. . The election of the placement committee
members must take place in the presence of the Placement Coordinator. The election of the placement
committee will take place towards the end of the TERM II, Norms, rules, and procedures for participation in
campus placement, attending interviews, acceptance of job offers etc. are developed by the Placement
Coordinator. The Committee will assist the OTS/MTS and Placement Coordinators in regard to the following
areas:
 Design of brochures including finalisation of its content and layout
 Preparation of an updated list of designated organizations
 Offering suggestions for inclusion of new institutions in the list of designated organizations of IRMA,
as and when considered necessary
 Facilitate allocation of OTS/MTS projects.
 Ranking/categorization of organizations for the purpose of being invited to participate in Campus
Placements
 Framing of rules regarding the options to be exercised by participants in the matter of placements
 Ascertaining the preferences of participants regarding organizations invited for participation in Campus
Placement Session
 Finalisation of the schedule of interviews etc. during the placement week
 Any other matter entrusted to the Committee by the OTS/MTS and Placement Coordinators
15
D. HOSTEL RULES
A reminder: The facilities that you have inherited are a direct reflection of how preceding batches utilised their
respective budgets. Try to approach your expenditures with this fact in mind and that you represent a link that
stretches out both to the past as well as the future.
1.0 Introduction
The Programme in Rural Management is a fully residential programme. The participants are required to stay in
the hostel and take their meals in the mess unless exempted by the Warden.
The Institute provides best possible amenities to make participants‘ life in the hostel comfortable. It is therefore
expected that every participant uses these facilities judiciously. These facilities can be maintained only with the
co-operation of the participants.
It is expected that IRMA participants conduct themselves with grace, dignity, and decorum and maintain high
standards of discipline and respect for rules. These expectations go much beyond the rules, which have been
stated here.
2.0 Institute‟s Policy with respect to the Use of Hostel Facilities
The policies of the Institute with respect to the use of hostel facilities are as follows:
(i) The graduating participants shall vacate their rooms within 15 days from the date of IRMA convocation
or on the date as announced by the Institute. The Class Representative shall give a list of the participants
who intend to stay after the convocation to the Hostel Warden in advance with period and reason for stay.
(ii) If the registration of a participant is cancelled, she/he shall vacate the hostel room within 48 hours.
(iii) Accommodation to the guests will be provided based on the availability of rooms. The participants who
want their guests to stay overnight shall obtain permission from the Warden on the prescribed form.
(iv) The Director may, at his discretion, permit an alumnus or other guests of the Institute to stay in the
hostel.
(v) The participants shall enter necessary details at IRMA gate if coming in or going out of the campus after
11.00 p.m.
(vi) A participant cannot keep their guest in her/his hostel room even during day time, unless permitted by the
warden.
3.0 Misconduct
The following, amongst others, shall constitute cases of misconduct and shall invite disciplinary action:
(i) Remaining absent from the hostel overnight without prior permission of the Warden while staying in the
hostel.
(ii) Consuming alcoholic beverages and intoxicating drugs.
(iii) Male participants entering or staying in the ladies hostel
(iv) Female participants entering or staying in the boy‘s hostel between 11.00 p.m. and 6.00 a.m.
(v) Gambling within the premises of the Institute and indulging in any riotous or disorderly behaviour.
(vi) Possessing any lethal weapon while in the premises of the Institute.
(vii) Unauthorised use of hostel rooms, office facilities, machines, vehicles and other properties of the
Institute.
(viii) Canvassing for political parties.
(ix) Campaigning for any cause which has potential for controversy/vitiating the general amity inside or
outside the Institute.
(x) Employing private servants in the hostel.
(xi) Keeping pets in the hostel.
(xii) Allowing guests to stay in the hostel without prior consent of the Warden.
(xiii) Theft, fraud, dishonesty or causing damage to any property.

16
(xiv) Offending or injuring other participants while celebrating any occasion, organising any event or playing
any games.
(xv) Anything that is done which causes discomfort to others such as playing musical instruments, musical
systems and television loudly.
(xvi) Any form of discriminatory conduct, harassment, sexual harassment or ragging by any participant
towards any other member of the IRMA community, including other participants, faculty or staff
4.0 Disciplinary Authority
(i) The disciplinary authority, the Warden and the PRM Committee, may impose penalties on the participants
as deemed fit considering the gravity of charges.
(ii) An appeal over any decision of the Disciplinary Authority may be made to the Director and the decision
of the Director in this respect shall be final and binding.
(iii) If any question of interpretation or doubt arises in relation to these rules, the matters can be referred to the
Director whose decision thereon shall be final and binding.
5.0 Participants‟ Mess Rules and Norms
i. All PRM participants are members of the IRMA mess unless there is a specific request for withdrawal of
membership and the Warden approves the same. If a PRM participant is not a member of the mess then
he will be charged for mess services at guest rates.
ii. For mutual convenience, members should follow the timings specified below:
Weekdays Holidays
Breakfast 7.45 - 8.45 a.m. 8.00 - 9.30 a.m.
Lunch 1.00 - 2.00 p.m. 1.00 - 2.30 p.m.
Evening Tea 5.30 p.m. 5.30 p.m.
Dinner 8.30 - 9.30 p.m. 8.30 - 9.30 p.m.
Night Tea 9.30 p.m. 9.30 p.m.
iii. All meals will be served in the mess unless a member is sick and room service is necessitated.
iv. The mess has a self-service system and co-operation for order by queue is solicited. Please avoid spilling
food on the table or while serving etc. Please do not enter into the kitchen.
v. Members should enter the ‗extras‘ taken in the extras register immediately or follow any alternative
method (e.g., coupons) prescribed for this purpose by the Mess Committee.
vi. If rule 5 is not adhered to, then a fine amounting to five times the extra‘s rate will be charged.
vii. Rebate in mess charges will be given as per the terms and conditions agreed upon by the Mess Manager
and participants‘ Mess Committee.
viii. Members should not take any of the mess cutlery, utensils, etc., outside the mess premises. Members are
liable to be fined an appropriate amount in case they are found doing so. However, in the case of diet for
the sick participants, the mess worker will be authorised to carry necessary cutlery.
ix. After consuming tea, cold drinks, etc., members tend to leave the glasses/bottles on the mess lawns,
porch, and common room. This is HIGHLY UNDESIRABLE. Members should keep the glasses at the
washing counter and the bottles in an empty crate kept near the service counter. This norm should strictly
be adhered to. Members not conforming to this norm are liable for an appropriate fine.
x. Wastage of food is undesirable and members will be penalised for the same.
xi. Members should intimate in advance to the Mess Secretary or Mess Manager about any guests they wish
to entertain.
xii. Members should not lend any money to the mess workers.
xiii. Members should avoid using the mess bicycle or any mess vehicle for their personal use.

17
xiv. Members must clear their mess bill within a week from the date on which Mess Committee puts up the
bill on the notice board. For final year participants, the Mess bill of March should be cleared before
Convocation.

E. DISCRIMINATORY CONDUCT, HARASSMENT OR RAGGING

IRMA is committed to the creation and continuance of a community that is non-discriminatory, non-sexist, non-
violent and a safe learning and work space for all, particularly for women. As an educational institution, IRMA
strives to ‗be the change that we want to see‘ in society.

This is a complex and sensitive task because the participants often come from diverse background and cultures.
While most of the participants are technically ‗adults‘, we realise and accept that in social/ cultural terms some
are still in a pre-adult process of ‗growing up‘ and learning. IRMA strives to create an enabling environment to
additionally support such learning apart from curricular goals. IRMA is also committed to observing all extant
legal requirements regarding discrimination in various forms, sexual harassment and ragging, in both letter and
spirit.

A Sexual Harassment Complaints Committee (SHCC) has been constituted to deal with all formal complaints of
sexual harassment or discrimination. Sexual harassment includes such unwelcome sexually determined
behaviour (whether directly or by implication) as: physical contact and advances, request or demand for sexual
favours, sexually coloured remarks, display of pornography, and any unwelcome physical, verbal or nonverbal
conduct of a sexual nature. Use of gadgets like mobile phones, phones, computers and internet for sexual
harassment or ragging is strictly prohibited. Such behaviour constitute sexual harassment when: it is implicitly
or explicitly suggested that submission or rejection will be a factor in academic decisions, evaluations, or
exclusion or inclusion in any activity or when conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering
with an individual‘s academic or work performance or creating an intimidating or hostile academic, work or
living environment.

Any form of discriminatory conduct, harassment, sexual harassment or ragging by any participant towards
any other member of the IRMA community, including other participants, faculty or staff is undesirable,
unwelcome and would attract action for violating disciplinary norms including expulsion from PRM.

If participants feel they are being subjected to any form of harassment, discrimination, ragging, or unwelcome
behavior from any other member of the community, including other participants, faculty or staff, they should
report this either to faculty advisors, program coordinators, Director or any other member of the faculty they are
comfortable with. Participants can also directly approach any of the members of the SHCC if such harassment
or discrimination is of a sexual nature.

F. FACULTY ADVISORY SERVICES

IRMA has an impressive team of faculty members who are professionally qualified and have varied experiences
- both academic and industry. Apart from regular faculty members, IRMA has, visiting faculty members and
visiting fellows who contribute largely to the academic richness of the programme.
The regular faculty members of IRMA represent a wide range of disciplines like various functional areas of
Management, Economics, Sociology, Behavioural Science, Quantitative Methods, Law, Rural development,
Gender Issues, Ecology and Environment, etc. Most of these faculty members have doctoral degrees from
prestigious institutions in India and abroad and have rich experience in managerial positions. Every faculty
member contributes to teaching, training, research and consultancy. Moreover, faculty members take turns to
shoulder the academic administrative responsibilities, thus infusing fresh thinking in the programmes
continuously.
Practising managers are also invited as visiting faculty to enrich the practical dimensions of the education and
training programs. Visiting fellows augment the faculty resources during their stints at the institute, through
conducting courses, doing research, and publishing their works.
A profile of the faculty is available in IRMA‘s website at https://www.irma.ac.in
Every participant will be allotted a faculty advisor, who will be a mentor for the participant. This is a purely
advisory role. The participant may at times, with the prior consent of the advisor, may meet and discuss personal
difficulties during the period and may also seek advice in selecting courses based on interest and ability. The
faculty advisor is required to help the participant get integrated into IRMA culture and play an inspirational role.

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G. MEDICAL FACILITIES AND REQUIREMENTS
At the time of joining the programme, the participants are expected to produce a medical fitness certificate from
a medical officer of a status not less than that of a civil surgeon. They will also be required to undergo medical
examination by a doctor appointed by the Institute.
The participants will be required to get themselves inoculated against TABC on their arrival at IRMA. It is
essential for all participants to get themselves inoculated because they will be required to visit various villages
throughout the programme. The Institute on the campus will provide inoculation facility, at normal charges.
Alternatively, participants may produce valid TABC inoculation certificate from a medical officer of a status not
less than that of a civil surgeon.
The facilities of a part-time doctor are available to participants on campus, free of cost between certain fixed
hours in C-1 quarter. In an emergency, participants may contact the Warden for the services of a doctor.
If a participant is sick, she/he will keep the Warden informed of her/his condition.
Any incidence of infectious disease will be immediately reported to the Warden and precautions will be taken to
prevent its spreading in accordance with the advice of the doctor.

H. LIBRARY
1.0 About the Library
An essential instrument for strengthening and expanding the Institute‘s activities is its library - The Ravi J
Matthai Library. The Library was named after Prof. Ravi J Matthai, one of the founder members of the Institute
and was formally inaugurated by the then Prime Minister of India, late Shri Rajiv Gandhi, on March 22, 1986.
Ravi J Matthai Library supports the teaching and research Programmes of the Institute. It has built up a need-
based collection to meet the information needs of the faculty and participants of various programmes of the
Institute. The collection includes books, journals, back volumes, project reports, microfilms, microfiche,
videocassettes, maps, compact discs and state, national and international documents. It has developed an
information retrieval and dissemination system for effective and efficient utilisation of the available resources.
Services provided by the Library include reference, library orientation, inter-library-loan, Internet access,
microfilm/microfiche printing and photocopying. The Library is also subscribing to E-Resources i.e. ABI-
Inform (Management e-journals database), EBSCO (Management e-journals databases), JSTOR (Social
Sciences database), CMIE (Prowess, EIS, Business Becon, SAS, and Indian Harvest) and Indiastat.com, a
database of Socio-Economic statistical information.
2.0 Library Timings
The library will remain open on all days of the week. The timings for the library would be as follows:
Monday to Friday: 09.00 - 23.00 hrs
Saturday: 10.00 - 22.00 hrs
Sunday/Holidays: 14.30 - 23.00 hrs

3.0 Rules and Regulations

3.1 Lending Services
3.1.1 The Librarian allots the carrels available in the Library to the users as per the need and availability.
3.1.2 Bar-coded Identity Card will be issued to all the participants. These identity cards are non-transferable
and will remain effective for the duration of their programme. Books will be issued only against the
identity cards.
3.1.3 Loss of identity card should be immediately reported to the Library and a duplicate will be issued only
after verifying the issue record. A fee of Rs.100/- will be charged for issuing a duplicate identity card.
However, the user will be responsible for any misuse of the original identity card. In case the
original identity card is found, the user should return the same to the Library. If the user is found using
both the original and the duplicate identity card, she/he will be penalised heavily. The Convener,
Library Committee, will decide about the extent of penalty.

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3.1.4 Reference books and back volumes of periodicals will be available for OVERNIGHT ISSUE only.
Such material(s) will have to be returned on the next working day within one hour of the opening time
of the Library. Defaulters will be penalised at the rate of Rs.5/- per book/periodical per hour.
3.1.5 MTS/OTS/FwS Reports will have to be referred to within the Library. Photocopying these reports is not
allowed.
3.1.6 The timing for issue of book/periodicals and photocopying will be as follows.
Issue of books: 9.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m.
OVERNIGHT issue of books/bound periodicals: After 10.00 p.m.
3.1.7 New books will be issued only after complete processing.
3.1.8 Participants wishing to reserve any book may contact the Library staff at the Circulation Counter and
submit a request for the required book. Such participants will be intimated about the availability of the
document on its return.
3.1.9 Participants are entitled to borrow four books at a time for a period of 15 days. The books should be
returned on the due date. Books can be renewed only once if there is no demand from other users. For
renewing, the book(s) should be brought to the library. In case a participant leaves Anand for a long
tour/leave/vacation and is not expected to return before the due date, then she/he should return or renew
such book(s) before leaving Anand.
3.1.10 If a book is not returned to the Library on the due date, the participant shall have to pay overdue
charges @ Re 1/- per day for the first five days and Rs 2/- per day for the subsequent days. Overdue
charges will be collected in cash at the Circulation Counter.
3.1.11 The Library can recall the books issued to a participant at any time, if required. However, if a book is
issued to a faculty member, the priority will be given to the faculty‘s requirement.
3.1.12 Only two books or as determined by the Librarian will be issued to the participants during their
FwS/OTS/MTS.
3.2 Inter-Library Loan Facilities
For documents not available in IRMA Library, arrangements could be made to borrow them from other
libraries. Materials borrowed from other libraries will be issued to the participants as per the
availability. The ILL material should not be retained for more than 15 days.
3.3 Photocopying and Printout from Computer
The present rates for photocopying on A4 and A3 size paper are Re 1/- and Rs.2/- respectively and Re
1/- per exposure for printout. These rates are subject to change as needed from time to time.
3.4 General
3.4.1 Any participant who leaves the Institute shall return the Identity card and pay overdue charges, if any,
to get the „NO DUES‟ certificate from the Librarian.
3.4.2 Participants coming to and leaving the Library will have to sign the register kept at the circulation
counter in the Library.
3.4.3 Personal belongings such as bags, briefcases, umbrellas, etc. are not allowed inside the Library and will
have to be kept at the circulation counter.
3.4.4 Participants leaving the Library should allow the security staff at the property counter to examine their
belongings, and also get the issued library documents counter-checked by him.
3.4.5 Participants are requested to maintain SILENCE within the Library premises.
3.4.6 Smoking, chewing pan/tobacco/gutka, and having coffee/tea/snacks are not permitted inside the
Library.
3.4.7 Participants are requested to turn their mobiles into ‗SILENT‘ or ‗DISCREET‘ mode while inside the
Library.
3.4.8 Participants will be responsible for the materials borrowed from the Library. If a material borrowed
from the Library is lost/damaged (mutilated/disfiguring of pages), the borrower will have to replace the
document or pay the replacement cost of the document. In case of out-of-print documents, the

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 borrower will have to pay the cost of photocopying the same and also pay a fine equal to the cost of the
document.
3.4.9 Reference materials including books, current newspapers and periodicals must be used in the reference
section only. Bound volumes and back issues in the periodicals section must be placed in the book
trolley or adjacent table after their use. Periodicals needed for long-term use must be placed in the
designated areas only.
3.4.10 Participants are requested to ensure that all the documents taken out of the Library are properly issued.
In case anyone is found taking out any Library material without properly issuing it, the person will be
heavily penalised. The Library Committee or Librarian shall have the authority to debar such persons
from entering the Library and using its facilities until the Director and/or such body as may be deputed
by the Director for overseeing the disciplinary action has cleared the matter.
3.5 Action under the General Rules in IRMA
The following will be treated as misconduct to be reported to the PRM coordinator for action under the
relevant rules of IRMA:
- Unauthorised removal of library documents,
- Mutilation and disfiguring of library documents,
- Removing pages from the library documents,
- Non-response to the intimations of library for return of documents; and
- Misbehaviour with the library staff on duty.

I. COMPUTER SERVICES
Computer centre strives for extending appropriate services to the participants‘ community and updates IT
infrastructure regularly for the purpose. A participant in the campus network enjoys various services. Most
prominent among them are file, print, mail and internet services. The participants are expected to maintain
discipline to ensure sustainability of these services. Each participant needs to take note of the following aspects.
1. File Services
All the participants‘ computers are connected to Participant Server running Novell operating system for
providing basic file services. Each participant is allotted 500MB storage space on the Participant Server. It is
suggested that the participants store their user files in their individual computers and use the server space for
keeping backup copy of important files. Apart from 500MB disk space for each participant, a common user
folder of 100GB is available in participant server. Participants are advised to refrain from broad-casting spurious
files (jpg, mpeg, dat, exe, mp3 etc which are normally used for movie, images and sound). Participants are
encouraged to use the ―Notice-Board‖ which is web-enabled for handling common messages and files.
However, care should be taken to avoid uploading virus infected and pornographic files. Each user would be
completely responsible for any activity under her/his account and is supposed to store only non-executable files
in her/his server space. Users will be given required rights on Participant server to avail services. Users should
not tamper with these files stored on the server and refrain from changing their settings.
2. Print Services
Institute will provide printers in strategic locations in different hostel blocks. Cartridges and web based
printing services would also be provided in the campus. As regards use of cartridges, Computer Committee
will liaise with the computer centre and issue cartridges for the printers. Each participant will have a monthly
quota of printing 50 pages beyond which the participant would pay Rs. 1.00 per extra page of printing.
Unutilised quota for the participant would be carried forward for future use. In addition to this quota, 20 pages
per participant per year would be credited to the batch to meet the printing requirements related to Milaap,
Udaan, Placement and Anand-Run since these are considered as institutional activities. In order to facilitate the
process, individual participant, Computer Centre, Accounts Section, Computer Committee and participant
representative will have access to the printing services and related MIS through web. Each of these categories
of users has been specified responsibilities to facilitate smooth functioning of print services in the campus as
detailed below.

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Computer Centre:

i. Uploading of participant‘s printing log will be done by computer centre at the end of each month.
ii. Dues will be generated at the end of every quarter.
iii. A system generated mail will be sent to all the Computer Committee members, Accounts Officer and
Assistant Systems Officer after uploading of the print log.
iv. A system generated mail will be sent to all the Computer Committee members, Accounts Officer and
Assistant Systems Officer after the payment is received by Accounts Section and receipt number is
entered in the database.
v. A specific User ID for Milaap, Udaan, Placement and Anand-Run will be created for specific use of
printing services during the period. The period will be mutually agreed upon by Computer Centre and
respective Computer Committees. After expiry of the period, the User ID would be discontinued
automatically. Any misuse of these User IDs would lead to penalty as per rules.

Computer Committee:

i. One Committee member will be allowed to gain access to participant level data. Computer Committee
should decide and nominate the person and inform Computer Centre.
ii. Computer Committee should work on minimum stock and reorder level for the cartridge and intimate
Computer Centre for further action. This is in the interest of participant community.
iii. Computer Committee will ensure proper quality of paper (preferably paper of minimum 80GSM) being
used by the participants.

Participants:

i. A user ID and password will be issued to each new participant as per rules.
ii. Participants need to logout from their desktop/ laptop before allowing other participants to have access.
iii. Participants in their own interest should not allow batch mates to take print outs from their desktops /
laptops.
iv. Participants need to pay the dues within seven days of notification.
v. Defaulters will be disconnected from printing network if they fail to pay their dues within the above said
time frame.

Accounts Section:

i. On receipt of the mail the Accounts Section should verify the amount due and collect payment from the
Computer Committee.
ii. Accounts Section will generate receipt, enter the receipt number in the database and mark the status of the
payment as ―dues paid‖.
3. Internet Services
The campus network is equipped with 6 mbps leased internet services facility (24 x 7). However, generally
internet services for participants are regulated and will not be available in their hostel rooms when classroom
sessions are in progress. In case of any specific requirements, the facility may be extended on the basis of
requests made by Computer Committee. Participants need to note that internet services in the campus are
provided to them for enriching their academic activity. Any activity of browsing or usage of the Internet facility
that would bring disrepute to IRMA would, therefore, invite appropriate disciplinary action.

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4. Mail Services
Web-based mail services are available for participants to enable them to have access globally. Participants may
use any licensed version of client mail software of their choice. Each participant is provided with 1GB disk
space for such services. Participants are advised to maintain this disk space by periodically scavenging their
mail folder. This will facilitate a better performance of the mail server. This facility is for academic and
professional activity and should be used judiciously. While individual privacy would be protected, the computer
staff, noting the origin and destination of the mail and the size of the mail transmitted, would monitor Email
services. Participants are not allowed to subscribe list servers or discussion groups without the permission of the
Computer staff. Each user would be completely responsible for any activity under her/his account and is
supposed to store only non-executable files in her/his server space.
Each participant is encouraged to use mail ID allotted by the Institute and should refrain from using third party
mail accounts (for example, gmail, yahoo, etc.) for academic purpose. Mail forwarding from Institute‘s email
account should also be avoided. Any disruption of mail services should be brought to the notice of Computer
Centre.
5. Intranet Services
Browser enabled intranet services are being extended to participants‘ community progressively. Initially,
campus management services are available on the intranet. A participant can lodge complaints on hostel related
services which will be addressed by the Estate Department.
6. Computer laboratory
The campus network has two well equipped computer laboratories for participants. Participants can avail of
these services as required in consultation with Computer Centre.
7. General information
Participants are expected to receive rights for access to the campus network. They should ensure acquisition of
licensed software for the purpose. Some client level settings are required to be provided in the participant‘s PC.
An instruction manual will be uploaded in the participants‘ common folder for their guidance and reference.
Participants may also contact Computer Centre to get one such manual before accessing to such services.
Participants may note that any misuse of the computer facilities would attract a minimum fine of Rs 500.00. The
Participants must not misuse the facilities. Misuse would include, but not limited to the following:
i. Damage to the IT Infrastructure in any form;
ii. Introduction and spread of viruses and spam;
iii. Tampering with system files on the server and setting of the client PC;
iv. Keeping executable files, multimedia files, and pornographic files in the user directories
v. Misuse of internet facility;
vi. Any attempt to hack/ phish in the campus network;
vii. Spread of abusive notifications in the network.
A Memo will be issued to the user(s) found misusing the system. Fines and Penalties would have to be paid
within 10 days from the issue of the Memo. As soon as a Memo is issued, the user account will be disabled and
the network and printing facility will not be accessible until the fine is realized. If there has been a misuse of the
facility and the person responsible is not identifiable, a minimum fine equivalent to repair charges would be
levied to the entire batch(es). It would be the collective responsibility of the users to pay the fine within the
stipulated period. On the issue of a Memo, the judgement of the Computer Coordinator shall be final.
The terms of reference for using IT Infrastructure and services may be amended from time to time for its better
functioning and would be binding on participants.

***

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 Annexure 1

Brief Descriptions of Core Courses

Term I (6.0 credits)
Economic Analysis for Rural Management - I (1.0 credit): Basic economic concepts, principles and theories;
applications in decision-making in the context of rural people and their organisations; tools and techniques of
economic analysis; consumer behaviour and demand analysis; production, cost and breakeven analysis; market
structures; economic efficiency and welfare; economic theory of cooperative firms; pricing methods; impact of
government interventions – taxes, subsidies and price controls; long term planning decisions – capital budgeting
and cost-benefit analysis.
Financial Accounting (1.0 credit): The primary objective of this course is to help the participants to appreciate
accounting as a language of business and accordingly develop their ability to understand, analyse and interpret
the data contained in the financial statements for improved decision-making. The course covers the framework
of Accounting Concepts, Standards, and Policies that govern the mechanism of accounting. It takes the
participants through the entire process of accounting - starting with recording of transactions, followed by
preparation of the statements, and ending with analysis and interpretation of the statements. The participants
also learn to use accounting software through project work. Thus, the emphasis is essentially managerial and not
legal.
Individual and Group Behaviour (1.0 credit): The course attempts to develop and enable participants to
understand human behaviour and its different dimensions. In this process, it is envisaged that they would be able
to recognize the importance of, and difficulty in, understanding another person's point of view. In the process of
doing so, the need for identifying one's own feelings, perceptions and assumptions that intervene in one's
interaction with others will be made evident. The final objective is to enable participants to become better
managers of people, without losing their respect for human dignity. The course includes understanding of
individual, interpersonal, and group behaviour. It covers perceptual process including sensitisation to perceptual
errors and individual decision making, the nature of attitudes, origins and development of attitudes and attitude
change process, theories of motivation and human performance, human inference process, self concept,
interpersonal communication, active listening and feedback, small group behaviour, leadership and power -
theories and applications, team building, managing conflicts, and management of stress. The pedagogy of this
course would involve an ad-mixture of interactive lectures, case discussions, exercises, and demonstration.
Managerial Analysis and Communication (0.5 credit): Participants learn about case method of learning,
sharpen their analytical skills, and learn to use systematic frameworks for managerial decision-making. They
also practice written analysis and communication.
Quantitative Analysis for Rural Management (1.0 credit): This course focuses on quantitative data analysis
and problem solving through logical reasoning; descriptive statistics and graphical presentation of data; basic
probability concepts; standard probability distributions; sampling and sampling distributions; confidence
intervals; Basic Elements of Scientific Method of Enquiry: Concepts and Hypothesis; Research Design and
Hypothesis Testing; introduction to tests of hypotheses; regression analysis; and time-series analysis.
Rural Livelihood Systems (0.5 credit): The course provides a holistic and interdisciplinary exposure to the
understanding of concepts, processes and relationships between available endowments, production systems and
livelihoods of rural people. The course starts with developing livelihood perspectives; discusses life support
systems and sustainable livelihoods, providing macro-micro linkages for sustainable livelihoods; make the
participants familiar with processes, tools and techniques for designing livelihood interventions; and
measurement of sustainable livelihoods. The second modules deals with the major agro-climatic region-wise
associated production systems and livelihood options. It also deals with the gaps and potential of agriculture,
livestock, and allied agricultural activities in various agro-climatic zones. In the third module, the course deals
the critical understanding of livelihood promotion approaches adopted by major development organizations in
India.
Rural Research Methods (0.5 credit): Introduction to research methods and methodology; variables;
indicators; methods of measurement and scaling; questionnaire design; quantitative and qualitative methods for
understanding rural society; Micro and Macro Approaches to understand Rural Changes; Case and Village
Study approaches including field research methods; Practical application and experiential learning of
participatory research methods for diagnostic studies will be done as a part of the preparatory module before
fieldwork.

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Rural Society and Polity (0.5 credit): IRMA specifically aims at promoting equitable and sustainable rural
development through preparing professional managers to cater to the needs of rural producer organisations,
enterprises, projects and the people. Obviously, the managers intended to work for the rural sector need to
understand the rural social and political scenario, which would facilitate tackle the management related
problems and challenges coming their way. The objective of this course is to provide a general overview of the
socio-political scenario with a focus on the main features of the structure, dynamics and changes of rural society
and polity in India in the post-independence period.
Term II (6.0 credits)
Collective Action and Cooperation (1.0 credit): Participants learn about market failures, government failures,
and the need for collective action. They acquaint themselves with reasons for absence and/or failures of
collectives; methods and strategies for collective action, illustrative cases from farmers‘ movements,
cooperatives and other sectors. Participants also get exposed to theories of leadership and the role played by it in
making collective efforts succeed. They also learn about institutional economic theory of cooperation, agency
theory; theory of contracts, transaction cost economics, game theory and robustness of reciprocity; and welfare
economics and cooperatives.
Computer Applications for Rural Management (0.5 credit): The objective of the course is to expose the
participants to introductory concepts of information technology and its managerial applications, which are
required for the effective functioning of a rural manager. It exposes the participants to end-user desk-top
application packages relevant for a rural manager like electronic spreadsheet (Excel), DBMS (Access), and GIS
(ArcGIS). Emphasis is given to the practical aspects in the course. After successful completion of the course, the
participants get oriented to work with the above desk-top application packages for managerial applications. This
course also aims at understanding the ICT as an infrastructure and providing a knowledge base on its
components, which would help understand the technology, appropriateness of use of technology. It exposes the
participants with e-governance, and digital divide that exists in India.
Economic Analysis for Rural Management - II (1.0 credit): Concepts of macroeconomics and
macroeconomic aggregates, inter relationship between target and instrument variables, national income
accounting, growth and development, conceptualisation of inflation, unemployment and poverty as central
endogenous macroeconomic variables, fiscal and monetary policies, understanding of government budgets,
economic reform and structural adjustment programmes, implications of the policies of liberalisation,
privatisation and globalisation as parts of economic reform, global environment and perspectives in economic
analysis including WTO agenda.
Financial Management (1.0 credit): The primary focus of the course is on financial decision making in
organisations. The course covers concepts and methods related to financial analysis; financial planning, working
capital assessment and management; capital investment analysis/capital budgeting techniques; concepts of risk
and return, valuation of securities, cost of capital and capital structure. Concept of time value of money and
annuities and concepts of operating, financial and total leverage also form the topics under this course.
Gender and Development (0.5 credit): The main objective of this course is to broaden participants‘ conceptual
clarity about institutional structures, which determine the construction of gender relations and, in turn, affect the
status of women and men in rural India. The course would attempt to develop an understanding of perspectives
on gender and development, discuss in detail the gender question in selected development sectors and
globalisation and familiarise with the different tools and techniques for gender planning, analysis and evaluation
in the development sector. The course has three modules covering these three aspects of gender and
development.
Production and Operations Management (1.0 credit): Role of production function; types of production
systems; work measurement; methods improvement; location and layout; capacity planning; materials
management; planning and scheduling; and managing quality and reliability form the major topics under this
course. Several OR techniques like linear programming and its variants like transportation problems and
assignment problems, queuing theory/waiting-line models, integer programming, goal programming, will be
covered. This course will also sensitise the participants to the applications of OR techniques to issues connected
with rural development, such as selection of projects under conditions of conflicting objectives, optimal
selection of products and projects under resource constrains, determination of the optimal number of service
centres, etc and also the rudiments of simulation.
Understanding Organisations (1.0 credit): This course attempts to provide participants with the fundamental
concepts and tools of organisation theory and organisational analysis to help them understand organisations. An
attempt is made to understand organisations as human artefacts. The course has two distinct parts: (a)
organisation theories, organisational structure, and organisational design issues, and (b) organisational
dynamics, growth, development and change. A few sessions are also devoted to cover latest developments in
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organisation theory that have significant implications for Indian organisations. The topics will include nature of
organisations, the evolution of organisation theory, dimensions of organisation structure and determinants of
structure (strategy, size technology, environment, etc.), power and control, and organisational design options in
the first part. The second part will include organisations and environment, organisational culture, managing
organisational change, organisational conflict, managing organisational growth and evolution, organisational
development, organisational effectiveness, designs for managing quality, and learning organisations. The course
will wrap up with a discussion on Indian management thoughts. The sessions will be conducted through
discussions on readings/cases, presentations, small group work, and lectures.
Term III (6.0 credits)
Costing and Management Planning (1.0 credit): This course covers the concepts, tools and techniques for
determining costs of products, processes and services, cost concepts for managerial decisions, flexible
budgeting, standard costing and analysis of variances, responsibility centres, performance measurement and
transfer pricing. Module on Management Planning includes development of general framework of management
planning and control functions and application of the same for non-profit service and development organisations
as well.
Development Theories and Practices (1.0 credit): The broad objective of the course is to provide an overview
of the major strands of development theory and practice in the last fifty years. It will give the salient features of
different strands of theories and approaches with its influence on policy and programmes. The course also
intends to provide an analytical handle to understand policies in the light of underlying theories that shape it.
The course will have two modules. Module I will focus on understanding the major theories and the recent
approaches to development. Module II will focus on understanding the development perspectives and practices
adopted in India after Independence.
Human Resource Management (1.0 credit): This course aims at helping the participants to develop a
perspective on Human Resource Management (HRM). HRM is contextual in nature, and therefore it is essential
to understand the context of various HRM decision-making situations that occur in a typical organisation. The
course will cover different aspects that include the contextual aspect, the functional aspect and the legal aspect
of human resource management. In the functional aspect, the focus is on what is the function of HRM in an
organisation, and thus the discussion is on HR planning, job analysis, recruitment & selection, training &
development, motivation & employee compensation. The topics included in the legal issues are; grievance
management, managing employee discipline, industrial relations, industrial disputes, contract labour/ apprentice,
trade unionism, collective bargaining, and safety and health. The course will culminate with a discussion on
strategic human resource management. The outcome of the course should be an internalisation of the fact that
successful HRM requires correct use of HR concepts, tools and techniques as the situation demands.
Managing Cooperatives (1.0 credit): The course attempts to enable the participants to learn concepts unique
to cooperatives as well as apply concepts from other functional areas to develop understanding that is required
for successful management of cooperatives. The course tries to capture both uniqueness and competitiveness
through different modules, viz., introduction to managing cooperatives, emergence, endurance, and growth of
cooperatives, salient and unique management challenges in cooperatives, the design issues in cooperatives and
the leadership issues in cooperatives. The topics include; the logic of cooperatives and its evolution, technology:
production and marketing, agri-business cooperatives, coordination strategy, enabling and disabling conditions,
cooperative principles, issues in establishing agricultural cooperatives – (problems of multiple objectives
equitable sharing, ensuring compliance, & mobilizing capital), democratic governance in cooperatives,
cooperative principles & economic rationality, excellence and enduring performance, energetic farmers
organisation, design of Anand pattern – the federal structure, causes of sickness, leadership in cooperatives, and
managing boards. The course will conclude with sharing of real life experiences of cooperative leaders.
Pedagogy for the course will include interactive-lectures, case discussions, and conceptual learning through
class projects.
Management Information System (1.0 credit): Concept of management information is at the core of this
course. Concepts like data and information; systems analysis and design, structured programming etc., will be
covered. Skills in using database management and networking software will be imparted. Stages of information
technology adoption in an organisation, strategies and management of information technology resources will
also be covered.
Marketing Management (1.0 credit): Brief overview of history of marketing, introduction to managerial
action frameworks vis-a-vis marketing concept, 4Ps and 4Cs. Detailed coverage of marketing components,
namely, product, price, promotion, and distribution through related illustrations, viewpoints, and caselets. The
course integrates through concepts like positioning, segmentation, branding, and advertising campaigns.

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Term IV (6.0 credits)
Marketing Research (0.5 credit): This course is specifically devoted to marketing research problem
formulation, design issues in marketing research, sampling and measurement, analysis of information and
qualitative research. Topics include customer satisfaction, brand equity measurement, industrial marketing,
media and advertising research.
Project Management (1.0 credit): The concept of the project life cycle; peculiarities of agribusiness and
development projects and their differences form core of this course. Diverse skills needed in project
management; project selection, design, appraisal, execution including resource management, monitoring and
control; network techniques like PERT; and appreciation of project management software will be imparted
through this course. The course also brings out the differences in approach to management between commercial
projects and social development programmes. The specific aspects covered in this course include:
identification, formulation, appraisal including social-cost benefit analysis, need for participatory approach and
tools for such an approach (like LFA), monitoring and evaluation, and issues associated with large-scale
replication of a successful pilot project.
Rural Development Interventions (1.0 credit): Concept, measures and determinants of rural development;
Critique of major rural development approaches and strategies; growth v/s equity oriented approach, area v/s
group based approach, top down v/s participatory and people entered approaches to development planning;
Contemporary growth and poverty alleviation programmes; different interventions for rural social and
infrastructure development; Role of Institutions in Rural Development - PRIs, NGOs, Cooperatives and CBOs;
Success and sustainability of rural development interventions; targeting, financing, design, monitoring and
evaluation of interventions.
Social Entrepreneurship and Ethical Leadership (0.5 credit): The theoretical issues in defining the social
good and assessing the role of market forces, philanthropy and government are examined. Practical issues like
developing an organisational mission, recognising specific opportunities for social improvement, forming an
enterprise that responds to those opportunities, developing organisational and funding strategies, evaluating
performance, managing the enterprise, and creating sustained positive impact and social value are also covered.
Specifically, this course includes the concepts, practices, and challenges of social entrepreneurship, frameworks
and tools that will help social entrepreneurial pursuits. The course will have interactive sessions with eminent
individuals who played social entrepreneurial and leadership roles by initiating large-scale changes to derive
inspiration from them.
Strategic Management (1.0 credit): Basic concepts of strategy and strategic management, strategy
development processes, strategy analysis through an understanding of business environment, organisational
resources and stakeholders, strategy choices at corporate and business unit level, including alternative directions
and methods of strategy development, strategy implementation encompassing organisation structure and design,
resource allocation and control, and managing change, special issues of strategic importance with reference to
quality and technology; and turn around management.
Term V (6.0 credits)
Legal Environment and Cooperative Law (1.0 credit): Functional use of various legal documents like acts,
rules, notifications and executive orders for managerial purposes will be part of this course. In addition,
participants get exposed to salient features of commercial and regulatory laws of general interest and laws
related to organisational forms and recent developments in alternative dispute settlement mechanisms. The
course will have a specific module on evolution of cooperative laws; trends in cooperative legislation; laws
relating to multi-state cooperatives and producer companies; laws of mutually aided cooperatives, and other
state cooperative acts; and aspects relating to internal regulation of cooperative enterprises are covered in this
course.
Strategic Issues in Development Organisation (1.0 credit): The broad objective of the course is to understand
various strategic issues faced by (non-profit) development organisations. The first module includes placing the
organisation within the development field (debates on the state, civil society & market), analysis of the NGO
environment, evaluation of stakeholders and resources to align the organisational strategies in line with the
mission and vision and to understand the strategy development process. The second module includes strategy
choices available like collaboration, networking and advocacy to influence the scope of the organisation
(scaling-up and transcendence) and make structural changes in the society including movements. The third
module strategy implementation includes organisational design, resource allocation and control (monitoring,
evaluation, transparency and accountability) culminating in change management.

***

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 Director

Jeemol Unni Ph.D. (Gujarat University)

Faculty

Ajay Dandekar Ph.D. (Jawaharlal Nehru University)

Anand Venkatesh Ph.D. (Mumbai University)
Asmita Vyas M.Com., C. A.
Atulan Guha Ph.D. (Jawaharlal Nehru University)
Debiprasad Mishra Fellow (IIM, Ahmedabad)
Girish Kumar Agrawal Ph.D. (IIT, Mumbai)
H. S. Shylendra Ph.D. (ISEC, Bangalore)
Harekrishna Misra Ph.D. (Utkal University)
Himadri Roy Choudhary Ph.D. (Kolkata University)
Hitesh Bhatt M.S. (Georgia Tech.)
Ila Patel Ph.D. (Stanford University)
K. V. Raju PGDRM (IRMA)
M. V. Durga Prasad Ph.D. (IIT, Delhi)
Madhavi H. Mehta Fellow (XLRI, AHRD)
Mukul Kumar Ph.D. (Delhi University)
Nivedita Kothiyal Ph.D. (Nirma University)
Paresh J. Bhatt M.Com. LL.B. (Hons), FICWA. CMA (USA)
Pramod K. Singh Ph.D. (Jawaharlal Nehru University)
Pratik Modi Fellow (IRMA)
Preeti Priya Ph.D. (S.P. University)
Rakesh Saxena Ph.D. (IIT, Kanpur)
S. N. Biswas Ph.D. (Allahabad University)
S. R. Asokan Ph.D. (Gujarat University)
Shiladitya Roy BE, FICWA
Sony Pellissery Ph.D. (Oxford University)
Vanita Yadav Ph.D. (MDI Gurgaon)

Visiting Faculty and their institutional affiliations

R. S. Sodhi MD, GCMMF

Mahesh C. Gupta C.S., MBA, LL.M.
Tara Nair Faculty, GIDR, Ahmedabad
Tushaar Shah Principal Scientist, IWMI

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 IRMA Board of Governors

Dr Yoginder K Alagh Chairman

Chairman Institute of Rural Management Anand

Dr Amrita Patel Chairman

National Dairy Development Board, Anand
Shri B. K. Sinha Secretary, Rural Development
Department of Rural Development & Land Revenue,
Government of India, Ministry of Rural Development, New Delhi
Ms Rita Teaotia Commissioner and Principal Secretary (Rural Development)
Government of Gujarat, Gandhinagar
Dr Prakash Bakshi Chairman
National Bank for Agriculture & Rural Development (NABARD),
Mumbai
Prof S Parasuraman Director
Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai
Shri S. R. Chaudhary Managing Director
Banaskantha District Co-operative Milk Producers‘ Union Ltd.,
Palanpur
Prof Bina Agarwal Director
Institute of Economic Growth, Delhi
Dr Sudarshan Iyengar Vice Chancellor
Gujarat Vidyapeeth, Ahmedabad
Shri Kiran Karnik Former President, NASSCOM
Shri Deep Joshi Former CEO, PRADAN
Dr Yaga Venugopal Reddy Former Governor, Reserve Bank of India
Prof. MS Sriram Adjunct Professor
Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad
Shri Apurva Oza CEO
Aga khan Rural Support Programme (India), Ahmedabad
Prof. S N Biswas Professor
Institute of Rural Management Anand
Prof. H S Shylendra Professor
Institute of Rural Management Anand
Prof. Jeemol Unni Director
Member-Secretary Institute of Rural Management Anand

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