Every journey begins with a small step, and looking at the National Institute of Communication Finance (NICF) now, we can only be thankful to the many, many people who have contributed to make this institute what it is today. Housed in 53 acres of sylvan lush green surroundings, it is easy to forget that one is in the middle of a constantly rushing, feverishly busy, concrete jungle. The calm and green environment at NICF is designed to promote learning and growth.
Today, NICF hosts a wide range of training and capacity building programs, including induction trainings for Group A, B & C cadres of IP&TAFS service, in-service refresher courses and workshops, Mid-Career Trainings as well as a whole host of thematic workshops and webinars, in collaboration with reputed names from industry, academia as well as other training institutions. To gauge the vigour of NICF, we have trained over 337 people on campus and 305 through online webinars just over the last three months, amounting to 6405 man-days in a quarter. The profile of the trainees is diverse, ranging from senior officers of the IP&TAFS cadre to newly inducted officer trainees of the service, Officer trainees from Indian Civil accounts service (ICAS), Indian Postal Service (IPoS), Indian Telecom Service (ITS), officers of IRRS from the WPC wing of DoT, finance and accounts officials from the HQ and field offices of Department of Posts and Department of Telecom etc. NICF has hosted trainings in collaboration with eminent bodies and institutions, including the International Telecom Union (ITU), INGAF, IICA, IIM Bangalore, IIPA and ASCI. In our commitment to excellence, we continue to offer a wide spectrum of training programs tailored to diverse needs.
Just as the modes of communication are evolving, so are our training methods, with a rich resource pool of trainers comprising in-house faculty, senior officers with functional knowledge, academicians, industry practitioners and domain experts. Whether through traditional classroom settings, online platforms, or immersive workshops, our institute remains dedicated to providing high-quality education. The method of delivery includes group discussions, lectures, case studies and simulation exercises. Our institute serves as a catalyst for personal and professional growth. Our training and capacity building programs are thus built on three pillars: Domain competencies particular to entire gamut of telecom licensing and spectrum policy and regulation as well as postal finance; Functional Competencies including transferable skills with cross-departmental
application; and Behavioural Competencies imparting transferable skills that have applicability across domains like leadership, communication, negotiation, conflict resolution, teamwork and change management. In an encouraging development, NICF is not just the youngest, but also one of the few CTIs to have been ranked as “UTKRISHT’ by the Capacity Building Commission, a body constituted by DOP&T to evolve a harmonious, standardised, autonomous and collaborative capacity building system for the civil services to produce the role oriented civil servants ready to facilitate and usher in the future of India.
Equipped with 220 + hostel rooms, multiple state of art computer labs, an impressive array of classrooms and conference halls, an upcoming library and an enviable sports complex, NICF is poised to make its distinctive mark on the training landscape in the days to come. The Community Centre, Officer Trainees Club, spacious lawns and open seating areas all make for a vibrant space to promote extracurricular activities, team building activities and esprit de corps.
Our institute, a hub of diverse learning experiences, is a testament to the power of education and training. As we envision the path ahead, I am thrilled to share that our journey of growth is poised to reach new heights, with multiple international trainings and broadened domestic collaborations with industry and academia on the horizon. The upcoming year holds the promise of exciting collaborations with esteemed international institutions. These partnerships will not only broaden our global perspective but also provide unique opportunities for cross-cultural learning. NICF is also endeavouring to cater to inter-departmental needs within India by developing standardised cutting-edge flagship programs which serve a whole host of functional training needs of various departments.
As we stand on the cusp of a new year, brimming with potential and possibilities, I extend my warmest wishes to each one of you. May the coming months be filled with joy, accomplishments, and continued growth.
राष्ट्रीय संचार वित्त संस्थान National Institute of Communication Finance