(LANKAPUVATH | COLOMBO) – The National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) in Mussoorie has launched the 3rd Capacity Building Program for the senior civil servants of Sri Lanka. This two-week programme, running from May 13 to May 24, 2024, brings together 41 senior civil servants from various key departments of the Sri Lankan government.
The attendees include Assistant Divisional Secretaries, Assistant Secretaries, Deputy Secretaries, Directors, Senior Assistant Secretaries, Assistant Directors, Deputy Directors, and other high-ranking officials from the Prime Minister’s Office, Presidential Secretariat, Department of National Police Commission, National Audit Office, Attorney General’s Department, Ministry of Finance, and other significant institutions.
The NCGG, an autonomous institution under the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions, Government of India, has been a pioneer in fostering good governance and capacity building both nationally and internationally. This initiative aligns with the Indian philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, which means “The world is one family”, and aims to strengthen bilateral ties and foster cooperation with other nations.
The session was inaugurated by V Srinivas, Director General of NCGG and Secretary of the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG). In his opening address, Srinivas highlighted the importance of this milestone, reminiscing about the successful participation of senior Sri Lankan civil servants in the first capacity-building program led by Anura Dissanayake, Secretary to the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka.
He emphasized the shared governance practices between India and Sri Lanka and the potential for mutual learning. The keynote also stressed the concept of “Maximum Governance, Minimum Government”, advocating for digitally driven governance with a citizen-centric approach.
AP Singh, Associate Professor and Course Coordinator, provided an insightful overview of the NCGG’s operational framework and the program’s objectives. The program is meticulously designed to impart knowledge about various policies and governance strategies in India that can be adapted for societal improvement in Sri Lanka. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics including:
* Overview of All India Services
* Constitutional Foundation of Policy Making
* Decentralization in India
* Public Contracts and Policies
* Role of E-Office in Effective Office Administration
* Changing Paradigms of Governance
Additionally, the programme delves into specific policy areas such as skill development, agriculture, disaster management, and healthcare initiatives like the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana. Participants will also gain insights into transformative policies such as Right to Service, Housing for All leveraging digital technology, and the Digital India initiative. The course content includes planning eco-friendly smart cities, Aadhar as a tool for good governance, gender and development, emotional intelligence, land record management, national security, election management in India, and Indo-Sri Lanka relations.
Field Visits and Practical Exposure
To provide practical exposure to governance mechanisms, the program includes immersive field visits to prestigious institutions such as the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy (IGNFA) and the Forest Research Institute (FRI) in Dehradun. Participants will also visit the Cyber Security Cell in Noida and the National Institute of Solar Energy, along with the International Solar Alliance in Gurugram, to gain firsthand insights into cutting-edge technologies and initiatives shaping governance practices.
Additionally, exposure visits to District Gautam Budh Nagar and Pradhanmantri Sanghralaya, as well as a cultural visit to the iconic Taj Mahal, are planned to enhance participants’ understanding of administrative processes.
Expanding Global Reach
Since its establishment in 2013, the NCGG has been committed to promoting good governance and sustainable development. In partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the NCGG has provided training to civil servants from 17 countries, including Bangladesh, Kenya, Tanzania, Tunisia, Seychelles, Gambia, Maldives, Afghanistan, Laos, Vietnam, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Cambodia.
The 3rd Capacity Building Program for the civil servants of Sri Lanka at the NCGG is a testament to the commitment of both India and Sri Lanka to strengthen their bilateral relationship through mutual learning and capacity building. The program is expected to equip Sri Lankan civil servants with the knowledge and skills needed to implement effective governance strategies and technological advancements for societal improvement. This initiative not only enhances the professional capabilities of the participants but also fosters a spirit of cooperation and shared growth between the two nations.
India News Network
