Hope for efficiency

As newly appointed Chief Secretary Ek Narayan Aryal assumed his new office in Singha Durbar, people began to hope for efficiency in government administration and public service delivery. Known for skills in team work and focused pursuit of administrative goals, Aryal has expressed commitment to develop Prime Minister’s Office as a Centre of Excellence. Although the idea of making PM Office dynamic, responsive and forward looking is not new, the fresh interest in uplifting it as an exemplary institution of public administration and service is quite appealing. It opens way for not only digitalizing the main center of the country’s administration, but also energizing it in accordance with the principles of democracy, federalism and national interest. The concept of developing PM Office as a Center of Excellence does not refer to a way of centralizing power. Neither does it denote an attempt to exercise more control. It indicates interest in facilitating administration at all levels – federal, provincial and municipal. It signifies inspiring and strengthening all elements essential for good governance particularly transparency, responsiveness, accountability and efficiency. It also demonstrates interest in motivating the non-performers in a positive way and curing, when necessary, symptoms of nonperformance-attitude. Nepal’s civil administration could be made more dynamic in service delivery through the concept and structure of Centre of Excellence. All in political power and in other institutions should of course contribute their best to make the plan a real success. They should not think that the job of making the CoE is the responsibility of the chief secretary. Since the constitution of Nepal has trusted the PM Office with high and serious responsibilities, the CoE will be instrumental in charting path for the same. The new CS has made fresh commitments: finalizing the federal civil service law, not making PM office as shelter for non-performers, dedication to public service, coordinating the three level administrations – federal, provincial and municipal, co-working with private sector and not tolerating double standard. The pledges are great and will contribute significantly to improving the country’s public administration and service. Nepalis expect much from the new CS and they hope this time they will not be disappointed. A difference in public service will be visible and felt soon and will continue in the right direction with a sense of efficiency and service.