Reform Drive: Secretary ARI meets ASCI representatives

Srinagar, June 20: With the objective of introducing corrective measures and latest administrative reforms in Government departments of Jammu and Kashmir and in order to improve the SOPs /Proformas for administrative inspections, Secretary, ARI & Trainings, Shabnam Kamili chaired a meeting with the representatives of Administrative Staff College of India, Hyderabad (ASCI) here today.

Dr. B.N.V. Parthasarathi (Senior Consultant), Prof. Hareesh Meppat (Faculty) and Dr. Bharath Shashanka Katkam (Faculty), from ASCI, Hyderabad attended the meeting virtually.

Secretary (Technical), ARI & Trainings department, Director Finance, Special Secretary, Additional Secretary and other officers of ARI and Trainings department also attended the meeting in which various issues related to Administrative Reforms for UT of J&K were discussed in detail.

During the meeting, the Secretary gave brief introduction of ARI & Trainings department to ASCI intimating its mandate and aim. She conveyed about the procedure adopted for Administrative inspection of the government departments and challenges/concerns faced in the process.

She specifically stressed upon to find scientific ways to put in place result oriented SOPs/ formats and guidelines for removing the lacunae in the system as well as plugging the gaps and improving the system with ultimate aim of enhancing its accountability and transparency vis-à-vis optimizing the public delivery system in the interest of general public.

During the meeting, discussions were also held on optimization of delivery mechanism, proper feedback system, introducing reforms on scientific lines, ways to improve transparency and accountability among others.

The representatives of ASCI, Hyderabad, during the meeting, gave a brief introduction of ASCI intimating various steps being taken by them in improvement of administrative procedures at different places including State of Kerala and Mumbai Municipal Corporation.

After understanding the issues being faced by the department of ARI & Trainings of J&K, they conveyed their perspective for introducing ways to improve the system for increasing the efficacy and efficiency of whole administrative set-up at different levels.

Their suggestions included requirement of structural changes in work flow chart, reporting structure and manpower planning, introduction of self-regulations by the departments, improving the already existing pro-forma and introduction of additional formats for inspections, introduction of best practices and to add values to the existing practices, scientific ways for removing lacunas in the administration, enhancing the inter-personal relationship between seniors and subordinates, capacity building with the special focus on personality development etc.

The representatives requested to identify the scope of work expected from ASCI, along with required timelines so that necessary MoU can be signed at the earliest.

The Secretary on the occasion appreciated the inputs provided by the representatives of ASCI, Hyderabad and requested them to identify the roadmap for collaboration.