State officials face tough new scrutiny

COMPLAINTS OF ‘POOR SERVICE’ RISE

Government and state enterprise officials will face tough new performance appraisals after a surge in complaints about poor service.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday ordered a revamp of the review criteria, saying it would make state employees more accountable and improve the efficiency of government departments.

Government spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd yesterday said the Office of the Civil Service Commission and Office of the Public Sector Development Commission would be responsible for devising a new appraisal criteria.

Their recommendations will be sent to Gen Prayut for consideration later this month, he said.

The prime minister’s order came after the government received a high number of complaints from people across the country about unsatisfactory service at several state agencies, particularly local administrations.

“Even though annual appraisals are already conducted, the prime minister urged the OCSC and OPDC to work out new evaluation criteria which will be more effective and [make staff more] accountable,” Maj Gen Sansern said.

The new appraisals will be designed with input from several parties including state employees at all pay grades as well as members of the public.

Maj Gen Sansern said performance evaluations must be taken seriously, and state officials found to be failing in their duties would face disciplinary action.

He said the new criteria will cover “every aspect” of an official’s performance, including personal conduct, their ability to solve problems quickly, public satisfaction and adherence to government policy.

He said it was essential for state employees to work closely with local people to address the root of particular problems and solve them swiftly.

With the new assessment criteria introduced, it is hoped officials will be compelled to deal with problems more efficiently, reducing the burden on the government, Maj Gen Sansern said.

If there is an overlap of roles and duties among state agencies, their areas of responsibility must be redefined and the work reorganised, he added.

In case their operations hit a legal snag, officials can also ask for assistance from the government by proposing matters through their respective ministries, Maj Gen Sansern said.