Revisiting service delivery

It is highly encouraging to see that the top level of government feels that the state of public service delivery in the country is poor and the people have not been able to feel any difference over the months under the governance of two leading political parties. It is equally discouraging that the issue has not been able to motivate the other parties represented in the parliament towards contribution to the solution of the problem. Ruling and opposition parties could actually join hands in legislating measures for rendering the PSD timely, comfortable and responsive to the need of the people at the grass-root level. Far from doing so, the leaders and political parties are looking at PSD from their own partisan interest. It seems that they are preparing a narrative of their own on the PSD; it appears that the issue has been so politicized that no common ground is visible. Revisiting PSD has therefore been essential at this point of time. For this all in politics should be convinced about the sense of service attached to PSD; it is not the mercy of any one that people seek as they talk and expect PSD; it is not the convenience of those who are in supply point that should determine the modality of PSD; it is not any body’s consideration that guides the PSD. All determinants of PSD are with the people who pay taxes for the timely delivery of services they need. Those in the supply front should be accountable for this; should they fall behind in being responsible for this they should be penalized. Similarly the service deliverers should ensure that the services they are offering are affordable and responsive to what people need. Efficiency in administering PSD and honesty in use of resources meant for PSD should be the guiding principle for all who are engaged in PSD. Experts of PSD always stress that the noble cause of PSD should not be forgotten as policies and legal regulations for the same are worked out. The same principle should be followed in all three levels of government – federal, provincial and local. Federalism, specialists emphasize, should reflect on the way PSD is practiced and timely follow-up is undertaken. As parliamentarians discuss the PSD in the coming weeks and months, they should try to develop a modality that is both: digital friendly and user friendly. All negative components –fraud, waste and corruption – in the chain of PSD – from top level to bottom- should be well scrutinized. Members of parliament know this and now is the time they could contribute significantly and positively to the high cause of PSD. May the MPs contribute to designing a modality of PSD in Nepal which is corruption-resistant, hassle-free and efficient!