Development Management Institute (DMI) was set up on February 13, 2014 pursuant to a desire of the Government of Bihar to establish a High Performing Knowledge Institution (HPKI) and based on the view that active participation of citizens is a pre-requisite to efficient management and effective governance of institutions, enterprises and resources. The establishment of DMI was based on the firm belief that the livelihoods of small producers and marginalised people can be enhanced by organising them to form participation-based, democratically managed institutions that leverage the strengths of collectives and build enduring partnerships with professionals for reaping the benefits of technology and market integration. Inspired by and recognising the growing need for development management professionals, the visionary leadership of the Government of Bihar grasped the initiative to establish DMI as an autonomous institution.