Vision
Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) are pivotal to India's socio-economic growth, contributing significantly to industrial development, employment, innovation, and more than 13% of the national GDP. As India advances toward its vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, the leadership of CPSEs must be future-ready to navigate complex challenges and global opportunities.
DAKSH, developed by the Capacity Building Commission (CBC) in collaboration with the Standing Conference of Public Enterprises (SCOPE), is envisioned as a flagship Common Leadership Development Program (CLDP) for senior executives of CPSEs. It is designed to build a sustained pipeline of leaders capable of assuming board-level responsibilities, thereby institutionalising leadership succession in the public sector.
The vision of DAKSH is to create a pool of strategic, ethical, and globally competent leaders who can drive CPSEs to higher levels of performance and governance excellence. The program integrates structured learning, international exposure, live projects, coaching, and immersive experiences to develop leaders holistically—enhancing their strategic foresight, technological adaptability, resilience, and ability to lead diverse teams in an increasingly interconnected world.
DAKSH aims not only to address immediate leadership needs but also to embed a culture of continuous capacity-building within CPSEs. Over the upcoming years, the program will equip ~2000 senior executives (GMs, CGMs, EDs or equivalent) with competencies to take on board positions, thus ensuring that leadership transitions in CPSEs are robust and future-ready.
Objective
- Develop leadership competencies among senior executives (GMs, CGMs, EDs) to prepare them for board-level roles.
- Institutionalise a structured selection and assessment process including psychometric tests, individual development plans (IDPs), and coaching.
- Provide exposure to contemporary global practices through international immersion, thought-leadership seminars, and industry visits.
- Facilitate cross-learning among CPSEs through a common platform, building an alumni network of senior leaders.
- Build a sustained talent pool of 2000+ future-ready leaders across CPSEs in the upcoming years.
- Institutionalise succession planning in CPSEs by ensuring a steady supply of "ready now, soon, and later" leaders.
- Enhance organizational agility and competitiveness of CPSEs by equipping leaders with skills in strategy, finance, technology, and change management.
Conceptual Framework
Program Overview
DAKSH is a 12-month leadership program that combines classroom learning, online modules, international exposure, spiritual and outbound training, live action learning projects, and one-on-one coaching. Each cohort comprises 60–80 participants, carefully selected based on a specified eligibility criteria.
The program journey includes: Assessment & IDPs for comprehensive diagnostics to design personalised learning paths; Immersions including domestic and international industry visits (e.g., Alpine University in Austria, UnternehmerTUM in Munich, Red Bull HQ in Salzburg); Live Action Learning Projects with group projects linked to strategic challenges of CPSEs; Leadership Immersion Workshops & Thought Leadership Seminars with global experts, industry leaders, and academic partners; and Spiritual & Outbound Training for building resilience, collaboration, and mindfulness.
The first batch launched in April 2025 with McKinsey as Knowledge Partner and IIM Ahmedabad as Academic Partner. Based on future cohorts will be facilitated by Egon Zehnder with IIM Indore and ISB. DAKSH's long-term ambition is to build a pool of ~2000 future-ready CPSE leaders in the upcoming years, institutionalising succession planning and creating a robust pool of leaders ready to take on board-level responsibilities.
Chronology of Events
Key Milestones
Relevant Data
73 participants
enrolled in Batch 1
Impact Metrics
Participant Engagement
100% of surveyed participants recommend the program to peers. Engagement score: 4.6/5; Program design rating: 4.6/5
Skill Development
Participants reported enhanced global outlook, inclusive leadership skills, and resilience.
Way Forward
Scaling Strategy & Next Steps
- Train ~2000 senior executives (GMs, CGMs, EDs) across CPSEs over the upcoming years.
- Multiple cohorts annually with academic partners (IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Indore, ISB) and knowledge partners (McKinsey, Egon Zehnder).
- Continuous improvement through impact assessments, participant feedback, and Steering Committee oversight.
- Integration with National Capacity Building Plan, positioning DAKSH as a flagship leadership programme for CPSEs under Mission Karmayogi.
- Strengthening alumni networks across CPSEs to promote sustained peer learning and cross-sector collaboration.