Way forward: ‘Strengthening institutions a must for better governance’
Consultative dialogue on ways to improve governance held at SDPI
Speakers at a session on Friday highlighted the need for strengthening institutions in order to improve governance in the country.
They were participating at a consultative dialogue on “Strengthening Capacities and Building Effective Institutions” organised by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), UNDP and the planning ministry on Friday.
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal said the existing government structure was not capable of meeting modern day demands, and only strong institutions can help translate ideas into reality.
“We need to rebuild a system which is accountable, transparent and responsible in service delivery,” the minister said. He maintained that the social action programme (SAP) which was launched in 1993-94 could not deliver due to political instability in the country.
SDPI Executive Director Abid Suleri explained that from technocratic interventions to the use of participatory approaches, “we have now realised that people-led localised solutions are best for development”.
Former education minister Dr Sania Nishtar said devolution in the aftermath of the 18th Amendment has brought opportunities as well as challenges for provinces in terms of service delivery.
Alif Ailaan Campaign Director Mosharraf Zaidi cited a recent survey that found that out of 185 working days a year, teachers are engaged in non-teaching assignments such as polio campaigns, elections, surveys. He said there was re-centralisation of authority in prime minister and chief minister’s posts after the 18th Amendment.
UNDP Country Director Marc-André Franche said that political participation of citizens in Pakistan was still in its infancy and there was a huge deficit of trust between the public and government.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 13th, 2014.
They were participating at a consultative dialogue on “Strengthening Capacities and Building Effective Institutions” organised by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), UNDP and the planning ministry on Friday.
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal said the existing government structure was not capable of meeting modern day demands, and only strong institutions can help translate ideas into reality.
“We need to rebuild a system which is accountable, transparent and responsible in service delivery,” the minister said. He maintained that the social action programme (SAP) which was launched in 1993-94 could not deliver due to political instability in the country.
SDPI Executive Director Abid Suleri explained that from technocratic interventions to the use of participatory approaches, “we have now realised that people-led localised solutions are best for development”.
Former education minister Dr Sania Nishtar said devolution in the aftermath of the 18th Amendment has brought opportunities as well as challenges for provinces in terms of service delivery.
Alif Ailaan Campaign Director Mosharraf Zaidi cited a recent survey that found that out of 185 working days a year, teachers are engaged in non-teaching assignments such as polio campaigns, elections, surveys. He said there was re-centralisation of authority in prime minister and chief minister’s posts after the 18th Amendment.
UNDP Country Director Marc-André Franche said that political participation of citizens in Pakistan was still in its infancy and there was a huge deficit of trust between the public and government.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 13th, 2014.