Civil service reforms

SO government ministries have been advised to tone down events by keeping within a specific time and sticking to the budget. It is encouraging to know that there is a concerted effort to reduce what Civil Service Ministry permanent secretary Parmesh Chand terms as “wastage”, and improve efficiencies.

In a circular on February 8, he announced a series of policy guidelines.

They are designed to bring some order into government’s operations.

In keeping with that goal, Mr Chand wants people to voice their concerns if they have any about service delivery.

Encouraging the public to voice their concerns about service delivery is an important step towards improvement.

As Mr Chand rightly emphasizes, constructive feedback is a powerful tool for identifying areas requiring improvement.

It can also encourage a sense of shared ownership in the reform process. Any effort to curb unnecessary spending and streamline operations would also be seen as a positive move forward by any government.

In fact it makes sense that we need good people in our civil service, to deliver quality service.

So in that sense, it is good to note the emphasis is placed on this aspect of their work.

Faced with a challenging economic environment, you would expect decisive action, obviously to deal with debt while addressing any shortfalls in efficiency.

At face value, it is good to note the emphasis on toning down events and appreciating public feedback for starters. We need to emphasize quality. We know that any review of operations in the civil service would have an impact on the nation in many ways.

Mr Chand also talks about empowering civil servants and has placed emphasis on delegation of authority.

There is an expectation for effective decision making at every level of government services. We also know that the public can play a very important role in how service is delivered, and how our nation develops.

This is also when constructive feedback can be a powerful tool for improvement.

Cost-cutting measures and the focus on improving service delivery are important for us all.

Engaging stakeholders, empowering civil servants, and fostering open communication with the public should be encouraged and supported.

However, the success of any reform will need engagement, and people taking ownership of changes.

It means changing mindsets and appreciating faults. It means having the courage to make a difference.

It means people understanding why there is a need for change, and the role they can play in making that change. It means nurturing a sense of inclusion and belonging to a project.

That will mean creating an environment that the public feeds on and feels a part of.

That will come when we unite for a common goal. And that will be good for us all!