SIRD-TN offers training programmes in several thrust areas of rural development and decentralized governance for the elected representatives of PRIs, functionaries of rural development and sectoral (line) departments, NGOs, bankers and rural micro credit institutions. The institute provides intensive training in face to face mode, using contemporary methodologies and technologies to suit different programme requirements. The form, content and delivery mechanisms of the programmes are developed with the assistance of panel of experts in the field. A right mixture of presentations, panel discussions, demonstrations, lectures, case-studies, role-playing, experience sharing, brain storming and field exposures is effectively used in the training process with emphasis on participatory and interactive learning components.

Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) and Ministry of Panchayat Raj (MoPR), Government of India have suggested that SIRDs organize training programmes on specific topics. These programmes are incorporated in the training calendar. Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department, Government of Tamil Nadu has initiated many efforts for the training of functionaries on the state sponsored and special schemes and these training programmes are given priority in the training activity of SIRD. A few significant titles of training programmes are listed below:

•  Foundation Course for Block Development Officers

•  ToT for SIRD and RIRD faculties

•  Workshop on Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme

•  Course on Managerial Skills

•  Course on National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme-TN

•  Course on Computer Applications in Rural Development and PR

•  Course on Implementation of Rural Development Programmes

•  Course on Rural Development Schemes and Guidelines for PRIs

•  Course on Financial Management and Audit in PRIs

•  ToT on SGSY

•  Course on Leadership and Organizational Development

•  Course on Panchayat Raj Finances

•  Course on Management of Micro Credit and Micro Enterprises in SGSY

•  Course on Marketing Management of Micro enterprises in SGSY

•  Course on Rural Engineering