People-Oriented Administration
MINISTER for Information and Communication Ramesh Nath Pandey
said that His Majesty's Government is committed to make the administration efficient,
impartial, transparent and people-oriented. Instructing the chiefs of government offices
in Biratnagar the other day, Minister Pandey, who also holds the portfolio of the Ministry
of General Administration, said that the present chaos and crisis in the country were the
creation of the misconduct, bad governance and over-politicisation of bureaucracy by the
past governments in the last 12 years and made it clear that the present government would
by no means repeat these mistakes. Minister Pandey's remarks are, no doubt, reflect the
country's true situation as every sector of the country is in shambles. The institutions
like bureaucracy, educational establishments and some other vital organisations, which
need to work independently, efficiently and impartially, were highly politicised and
misused for the petty and partisan interest in the last 12 years. Transparent and
accountable administration is the hallmark of democratic system. However, nothing of that
sort existed in the past 12 years. From recruitment to transfer and promotion of employees
in the government offices were motivated and guided by political inclination and loyalty
of the employees to the party in power. As a result, the very reputation and efficiency of
the bureaucracy was miserably damaged. Corruption became rampant and institutionalised.
People's live became harder and harder every day. This was, by no means compatible to
democratic ideals and principles. When people's faith in the established institutions and
system evaporates, it gives rise to public apathy and frustration. In such a situation,
some elements may find an opportune time to create instability and anarchy taking full
advantage of people's frustration. This is the unique case of Nepal at present. The
political parties that went to power in the last 12 years either failed to understand or
simply ignored the reality, which ultimately pushed the country towards the present
situation of crisis and anarchy. Now the governemnt has initiated some bold but pragmatic
measures to rescue the country from the crisis. Administrative reform is on the top of its
agenda. The government wants to create really an efficient and impartial administration.
In its drive to reform bureaucracy, the government has taken the policy of strictly
sticking to honesty and merit of the employees while taking any decision about civil
servants including transfer and promotion. The another example of the government to revive
confidence of the employees is the decision to appoint the chairmen and general managers
in the public corporations from among the employees of the same organisation. If
effectively implemented, these measures are expected to bring about positive changes in
making the administration people-oriented and accountable.
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