K-P govt to prioritise citizen engagement

PESHAWAR:

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government has decided to develop guidelines with the help of Sub-National Governance (SNG-II) in order to enhance citizen engagement which is a priority of the provincial government.

The citizen engagement programme will assist the local government and rural development departments in different fields of work.

It is pertinent to note that SNG-II is a four-year technical assistance program supporting the K-P and Punjab government to improve service delivery.

K-P is the first province to adopt and circulate the guidelines. These guidelines will serve as a framework for provincial departments as well as other stakeholders engaged in public participation for a meaningful engagement of citizens in decision-making processes.

According to the SNG-II, the guidelines will help in managing expectations and mobilising citizens to positively contribute in the success of initiatives taken by the department, adding that it is important that the department takes all the necessary measures to proactively share information with citizens.

“It is easier to share information proactively than responding to information requests individually submitted by citizens,” read the SNG-II statement. “An explicit and shared understanding between local governments and citizens about their interaction can foster confidence in the success of the participation process.”

The guidelines effective for local governments to share information and involve citizens in developmental planning and budgeting processes, will also help in the inclusion of marginalised groups in the society like minorities, women from rural areas, transgender communities and people with disabilities.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 12^th, 2020.