Innovation In Governance

Human society is constantly moving in the direction of higher level of development. It is the new ideas and inventions which enable the people to resolve the problems related to livelihoods, governance, service delivery, population growth and economic crises over the centuries. The invention of fire was perhaps the greatest innovation in human history, which transformed the primitive society into civilisational stage. Innovation is the implementation of new and creative ideas, facilitating the people to navigate through the complex societal issues and live a better life. Innovation is largely understood as the scientific inventions and technological breakthroughs, which spurred agriculture and industrial revolutions in the 19th century. The invention of steam engine, electricity, chips and the spread internet has ushered into advanced industrial era.  

Today we live in an internet-driven digital age that witnesses revolution in the way the people communicate, interact and share ideas with each other. Nowadays everyone has smatphone in his/her hand. But the idea of innovation is not only confined to the flashy gadgets, it encompasses diverse areas of human activities. It generates goods and services or improves the process of delivery of goods or services. In Nepal, there have been several initiatives to promote new ideas and technological innovation at the government and private levels. Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration has set up Pratibha Dabali (Talent Forum) for the civil servants to bring innovative idea about improving service delivery. Last year it approved operation procedure to provide opportunities to the employees from federal, provincial and local level to showcase their genius that helps enhance the capacity of government, and formulate and implement policy and incerase growth.

The Ministry in collaboration with Idea Studio Nepal called for the submission of applications by April 13, 2023, asking the potential applicants to offer innovative ideas and solution to the problems, and advantages of their programmes. It has shortlisted 10 ideas from among civil servants and picked the top three. Mohan Raj Paudel, who proposed 3 D model in the selection of the local level projects, was declared first. Ram Dutta Bhatta, who offered idea of finding places using digital technology, and Rabichandra Paudel, who proposed tracking system in civil service, emerged second and third. The top ten candidates had presented demonstration that was broadcast on television. This initiative is praiseworthy in promoting the employees to contribute to the good governance and nation-building.

Addressing the Pratibha Dabali event in Kathmandu Tuesday, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda emphasised the necessity of adopting a fresh mindset to steer social transformation. Underlining the need for good governance, PM Prachanda appreciated Nepal’s civil servants abilities, talents and experiences. Pratibha Dabali forum is expected to promote and bring out the talent of those familiar with the problems of Nepali bureaucracy. However, innovative ideas need to be fully applied and embraced by the civil servants for the effective and efficient service delivery.

The Ministry should implement the innovative scheme of top three winners to improve the performance of the bureaucracy. The service seekers still complained that red tape has posed obstacle to the smooth functioning of the bureaucracy. The government needs to chalk out and enforce an action plan so as to promote good governance, transparency, accountability and effective delivery of goods and services. Policy innovation, people-centric approach and digitsation are a must to realise good governance and desired economic growth.