CHANDIGARH: Strongly pleading for evolving an effective mechanism for the speedy clearance of developmental projects and decentralization of powers, the Punjab Governor and Administrator, Union Territory, Chandigarh, Gen. (Retd.) S.F. Rodrigues, PVSM VSM called for speeding up the process of reforms in governance and the Administration, for strengthening delivery systems, by introducing best practices and innovative techniques, to fulfill the goals enshrined in our polity.

He said our Administrative system must be responsive, accountable and transparent, with the focus on empowering our citizens and their effective participation in the development process.

During an interaction with the National Administrative Reforms Commission, led by its member V. Ramachandran, which called on the Governor at Punjab Raj Bhavan, here Friday, General Rodrigues said that our administrative processes and procedures are cumbersome and create hurdles in the process of harmonious development. These need total restructuring and the Administrative Reforms Commission can play a pro-active role for toning up the Administrative machinery and strengthening organizational structures of the public service institutions.  More effective strategies need to be developed for promoting e-governance and application of technologically advanced measures to manage the official business and implementation of government schemes.

Rodrigues informed the Commission that the Chandgiarh Administration has already initiated revolutionary steps for broadening the scope of public-private partnerships in every sphere of activity.  He said that a citizen charter has been prepared by each department to address various challenges in the organization and strategies have been developed for effective implementation of the programmes, with an adequate monitoring system.

He said that all the decisions are taken with the active involvement of people and by taking their advice and finally cleared by the Administrator’s Advisory Council.  He reiterated that every matter is being viewed in the larger public interest and implementation is done in harmony with the rules and procedures.  He said that our aim is that everyone must be a partner of this social change and we must leave something special for the future, by improving higher standards of service delivery.

During the discussion, the Commission Members appreciated the vision, involvement and commitment of the Administration in development oriented ventures. They also shared concern with the Administrator and assured all support from the Commission in clearance and implementation of various plans conceived for the benefit of the society and its people.