U MIN THU, the Union Minister for the Office of the Union Government, met with staff of the Kayin State General Administration Department at the State GAD office in Hpa-an, Kayin State, yesterday.
Firstly, the head of the Bago Region GAD, U Kyaw Soe, introduced the Union Minister to everyone in attendance and explained about the State GAD’s processes and performances. The Union Minister then delivered a speech.
GAD’s roles and plans
The Union Minister said the GAD has been strengthening the administrative mechanism of successive political systems for the nation and the people. He said now is the time for the GAD to make visible changes for the public to see to be in line with the changing political system and government policies.
It was with this mindset that the workshop on reform was held in Nay Pyi Taw for GAD staff from 26 to 28 February. There, GAD staff and officials engaged in meaningful discussions on taking further steps for the future of the GAD, said the Union Minister
Vision, mission of the GAD
The Union Minister said the workshop produced vision and mission statements, workplace standards and reform procedures for the GAD. The vision statement was chosen as ‘Building good administration and mechanism based on the people’. This is the long-term objective chosen by the GAD staff.
The mission statements made at the workshop include proliferating the rule of law and community peace, implementing State Policy, establishing a good administrative system, and carrying out people-centred regional development. These mission statements were designated by the GAD staff and thus they must undertake them with deep consideration, said the Union Minister.
Three main reform tasks
The Union Minister said the workshop also facilitated the emergence of 3 tasks for reform: (1) reforming policies, (2) reforming regulations and managerial components, and (3) establishing regional development and good practices.
The first reform task includes reviewing amending laws, bylaws, written orders and directives as necessary. The Union Minister said this task requires some preparation as the GAD has been transferred to his ministry and includes the need for some flexibility and lessening of restrictions. He said this task will be undertaken on a step-by-step priority basis.
The second reform task includes handling the GAD’s manual, organization, administrative management, e-Government and the digital platform, capacity development, and public interaction. These will also be ordered on a priority basis.
The third reform task will also sort out and prioritize steps to be taken towards establishing good practices that are in line with the current political system, and to produce noticeable regional development. The Union Minister said the reform tasks need to be carried out at the same time in uniformity with each other and with the One State-One Township project.
Ideals to maintain on the path to reform
The Union Minister urged GAD staff to systematically implement the vision, mission and reform tasks in a uniform manner. He said the GAD is working towards becoming an administrative sector that initiates reforms as an example to others will being people-centred. He said there are three points to remember in this regard.
The first point is to regularly meets, discusses, and solicits advice with the public to become a GAD that promotes public participation. He told GAD staff to always be ready for the people and stand together with them.
The second point is to be refrain from promoting self-interest and to be free from corruption, said the Union Minister.
He said the GAD must follow existing laws, rules, regulations, and procedures and avoid burdening the public. He said they will take serious action against all forms of corruption.
The third point, said the Union Minister, is to take bold steps towards changing what needs to be changed while having a forward-looking approach to reforms.
Change starts from the individual no matter where it is being implemented and as such, GAD staff need to follow the policies and procedures set by the ministry to cultivate a strong mindset for change, said the Union Minister.
Concluding remarks
The Union Minister asked GAD staff to exercise more effort in their daily tasks to become better and more effective. He asked them to closely review the designated policies make any necessary changes in their workplace. He told them to be more careful when interacting with the public, as offering polite conversations is the GAD’s most basic service. He told to bear in their hearts that they are serving the public and to work handin-hand in fulfilling the motto of ‘Change begins with the GAD’.
Afterwards, GAD staff in attendance submitted requirements to the Union Minister, who gave necessary suggestions and directions and then urged the staff to respect and follow the policies and procedures of the Ministry of the Office of the Union Government. —MNA (Translated by Zaw Htet Oo)
