Promoting Public Interest Through State-Provided Services in Nepal

Public services encompass all types of services aimed at promoting public interest, provided by the state. From the inception of statehood, through various phases of governance, investing in public services has always been a necessity. With the evolving nature of investment and increasing levels of public awareness, coupled with the expanding influence of globalization, significant changes have occurred in current governance practices. Today, public services include not only government services but also those provided by the private sector and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), involving comprehensive participation and partnerships.

Evolution and Current Scenario of Public Services in Nepal

In Nepal, the concept of public service has evolved significantly. Historically, the state system alone played the role of public service provider. However, the scenario has shifted to include public-private partnerships, private sector involvement, and contributions from NGOs. This diversified approach ensures a broader reach and higher efficiency in service delivery. Public institutions, alongside civil service, military, and police organizations, now collaborate to fulfill the public service mandate. Most sectors follow a merit-based system for selecting service providers, a principle common in democratic nations worldwide.

Nepal is a country rich in potential and opportunities. Studies and teachings emphasize this potential, delineating responsibilities that, if fulfilled, could accelerate modern development. However, despite some progress, the pace of development has often been slow, leading to significant public dissatisfaction. The blame for this dissatisfaction often falls on public services, with citizens typically placing less blame on private and non-governmental mechanisms. It is widely understood that the government and its public agencies bear greater responsibility for service delivery.

Challenges in Public Service Delivery

Public trust in the overall public service system has declined, largely due to limited policy and legal frameworks and a prevalence of behavioral issues. The practical complexities created by legal and policy aspects also contribute significantly to this mistrust. Various examples illustrate these challenges:

Utilization of Government Property

Constitutional duty mandates the protection and conservation of public and government property. However, complaints about government vehicles and offices being used more for employee benefits than for public convenience persist, preventing citizens from feeling a sense of ownership over public resources.

Inefficient Use of Resources

For instance, a legal provision allows a rural municipality chief 70-80 liters of fuel monthly for official use, which may not suffice for covering necessary geographic areas. Such provisions, intended for service, are often perceived as inadequate and impractical, reflecting the broader systemic issues from rural to central government levels.

Transparency Issues

Despite efforts to promote transparency, many public officials remain indecisive to protect their jobs from potential complaints to oversight bodies, thus stalling effective service delivery.

Improving Public Service Delivery

To address these issues and enhance the quality of public services, several key areas need attention:

Enhancing Ethical Standards

If public service providers maintain ethical conduct, honesty, and full loyalty, the quality of services can improve significantly, leading to greater citizen satisfaction. Ethical behavior fosters trust and ensures that services are delivered with integrity.

Practical Legal Reforms

Legal and policy reforms should be made practical and aligned with the needs of service delivery, avoiding overly rigid regulations that hamper efficiency. Laws should be designed to facilitate smooth operations while maintaining accountability.

Fostering Accountability

Mechanisms for accountability and transparent use of resources should be strengthened to prevent misuse and build public trust. Regular audits and public reporting can enhance transparency and ensure that resources are used effectively.

Boosting Staff Motivation

Introducing a mandatory open examination system for career progression and development, especially for civil servants up to the first-class officer level, can motivate staff and enhance performance. Recognizing and rewarding excellence in service can also drive better outcomes.

Role of Public and Private Sectors

Public services in Nepal must extend beyond government provision to include private and non-governmental sectors, ensuring comprehensive engagement and partnerships. Public service providers selected through merit-based systems are expected to uphold high standards, but adequate efforts to make these systems competitive are still lacking.

Addressing Behavioral Challenges

Most obstacles to effective public service delivery are behavioral rather than technological. For instance, issues like the slow adoption of information and communication technologies (ICT) and an inadequate approach to ethical conduct hamper service efficiency. By:

• Encouraging ethical behavior and a sense of responsibility among public employees.
• Promoting a sense of ownership and proper use of public resources among citizens.
• Eliminating misconceptions about career progression being hindered by performance.

Public service delivery can improve markedly.

Investment in Education, Health, and Agriculture

The state’s investment in education, health, and agriculture constitutes nearly a quarter of the total budget. However, the quality of government services in these sectors remains weak, with commercialization affecting even social development services. Despite the selection of manpower based on merit systems, efforts to make these systems competitive are insufficient. As a result, the civil service mechanism often faces criticism for being a political rubber stamp.

Enhancing Education

Education is a cornerstone of national development. Increased investment in teacher training, curriculum development, and infrastructure can significantly improve educational outcomes. Additionally, fostering partnerships with private educational institutions can help bridge gaps in service provision.

Strengthening Healthcare

Healthcare services require a robust framework to ensure accessibility and quality. Investments in medical infrastructure, training healthcare professionals, and implementing advanced healthcare technologies can enhance the public health sector. Encouraging private sector participation can also lead to innovative solutions and improved services.

Advancing Agriculture

Agriculture remains a vital sector in Nepal's economy. Investments in agricultural research, modern farming techniques, and infrastructure can boost productivity and sustainability. Supporting small-scale farmers through grants and training programs can also enhance food security and economic stability.

Conclusion

The effective delivery of public services in Nepal is hindered by various challenges, primarily behavioral issues and inadequate legal and policy frameworks. To restore the credibility of public services, it is crucial to:

• Strengthen ethical standards and accountability among public service providers.
• Make legal and policy frameworks practical and user-friendly.
• Foster competitive and merit-based selection processes for public service providers.
• Enhance the involvement of private and non-governmental sectors through comprehensive partnerships.

By addressing these issues and focusing on practical, ethical, and inclusive approaches, Nepal can significantly improve its public service delivery. This will ensure a more satisfied and engaged citizenry, driving the country towards sustainable development and prosperity.

Embracing transparency, accountability, and innovation will pave the way for a more effective and trusted public service system. As Nepal continues to evolve, the commitment to public service excellence must remain steadfast, ensuring that every citizen benefits from the advancements in governance and service delivery.