HYDERABAD, February 11: The future of the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR) has come under uncertainty as the Union Budget 2025-26 has not allocated funds for its operations. The institute, headquartered in Hyderabad with regional centres in Guwahati, Vaishali, and New Delhi, has been a key player in rural development and governance training for over six decades.
NIRDPR has played a crucial role in shaping rural policies, supporting Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), and providing training to 29 State Institutes of Rural Development (SIRDs) and 90 Extension Centres nationwide. The sudden withdrawal of funding has raised concerns about its continued functioning, impacting its employees, training programmes, and rural outreach.
The institute currently has 222 employees, including members from SC, ST, and OBC categories, who now face job uncertainty. Reports indicate that the decision was taken without prior consultation, and the Ministry of Rural Development has distanced itself from taking responsibility for salaries and operational costs. The 200-acre Hyderabad campus, which has served as a training hub for PRIs functionaries, NGOs, and development professionals, now faces financial strain with an estimated maintenance cost of ₹70 crore.
Academic and administrative staff have urged the Centre to reconsider its decision and restore funding to ensure the institute’s continued contribution to rural development. Stakeholders and employees now await a response from the government regarding the future of NIRDPR.
