Cabinet gets NRC proposals on boosting bureaucratic efficiency
THE CABINET has acknowledged the proposals of the now-defunct National Reform Council (NRC) on improving the efficiency and quality of the bureaucracy, which include suggestions for a principal law to push forward reform of the bureaucracy plus amendments
The matter has now been passed on to the Office of the Public Sector Development Commission and the Office of the Council of State for further deliberation and study before submitting it to the Secretariat of the Cabinet within 30 days.
Among the proposals are formulation of a law for improvement of bureaucratic efficiency and quality as well as the setting-up of a national committee to oversee such improvements.
The NRC has also proposed the setting up of an internal quality-enhancement team and state agencies’ consultation team, plus an internal assessment of state agencies’ development.
In addition, the NRC has proposed that 17 laws and regulations be amended in line with the reform plan. Among them is the Ministries, Bureau and Departments Refining Reorganisation of Ministries, Government Agencies and Departments Act BE 2545.
The NRC has concluded that Thai bureaucrats have serious problems due to lack of efficiency and quality despite the high expenditure the state has incurred for them.
Corruption is also on the rise, while officials are often stuck with procedures and rules more than outcomes. Also, their performance-assessment system is not reliable. Without reform, they could impede the country’s development, the NRC concluded.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, speaking at the excellent finance administration award on Wednesday, remarked on the need for the state administration to be reformed.
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha remarked on the need for the state administration to be reformed.
The PM mentioned corruption as a matter of concern to four sectors: government, public servants, the private sector, and the people. These play a role in determining whether outcomes are good or bad, he said, adding that if faults could not be corrected, then they had to enter the justice process.
Prayut said he understood that the problems in the past were complex and that abuse of power by politicians persisted. This often is a cause for many public servants who are uncomfortable with their situation to leave, he said.
“If people at the top are good, those in the middle and at the lower ends will be good too. The public would also benefit. So I want to urge everyone to help figure out what each organisation should do to strengthen the country sustainably. Today, public administration must be adjusted,” he said.
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