Sta‰ redeployment mooted for better work in Kerala government departments
Promotions based on eciency, redeployment of personnel to prop up understa§ed departments, and the creation of an ‘institutional memory’ bank modelled on Wikipedia are among the recommendations made by the Personnel and Administrative Reforms department for improving the operational eciency of government service in Kerala.
These recommendations are contained in two work-study reports prepared by the department for the ‘adjustment of workload’ in the Departments of Finance and Law.
The reports noted that sta§ redeployment based on workload in the eld departments is not being implemented eciently although department-level committees have been formed for the purpose. “While many departments become idle due to excess sta§, there are departments which struggle to carry out their duties on account of being understa§ed,” the reports said.
Promotion criterion
The reports underscored the need for setting eciency as the criterion for promotions in government service. “At least two” eligibility tests should be a condition for promotions between the ranks of assistant and special secretary. Such tests should also be a prerequisite for the post of additional secretary/special secretary. The reports are critical of promotions made without assessing the eciency of the sta§ once they enter the service, especially the Secretariat, and the absence of subsequent opportunities for periodic training.
‘Secret system’
Further, the department has suggested that a ‘secret system’ be introduced, enabling the assessment of senior ocers by their subordinates.
The reports recommend the creation of a ‘Wikipedia-model’ repository for the ‘institutional memory’ of each government department and a knowledge bank. This would help newcomers inherit ideas and knowledge accumulated over the years, improving overall eciency. The digital repository “should be introduced on the lines of Wikipedia, allowing all employees to freely record their opinions and experiences.”
The reports also recommended a reassessment of the posts in each section of the Secretariat and a ‘cadre revision.’