This marks a key milestone in India's efforts to enhance governance standards in the region
In a significant step towards fostering regional cooperation and administrative excellence, India's National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) has initiated its first-ever Mid-Career Training Programme for civil servants from the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) nations. This two-week training programme, running from October 14 to October 25, 2024, in Mussoorie and New Delhi, also includes the 34th Capacity Building Programme for civil servants from the Maldives.

The training initiative, which includes participants from Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Nepal, and Bhutan, marks a key milestone in India's efforts to strengthen regional ties and enhance governance standards across BIMSTEC nations. 

A total of 36 civil servants from the BIMSTEC countries, along with 35 civil servants from the Maldives, are actively engaged in the programme. These participants hold pivotal positions in their respective countries, including roles such as Divisional Secretary, Additional District Secretary, Deputy Chief Secretary, Assistant Commissioners, Directors, and Council Executives representing crucial ministries.

Citizen-Centric Governance and Administrative Reforms
The programme was inaugurated by V Srinivas, Director General of NCGG and Secretary of the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG). In his keynote address, he highlighted the importance of this initiative in upgrading the skills of civil servants in line with modern governance challenges. The focus of the training is on citizen-centric governance models, which aim to bring public services closer to the citizens, thereby enhancing the efficiency and responsiveness of government offices.

Srinivas emphasized that the programme is designed to address the rapidly changing administrative landscape, driven by digital transformation and evolving public expectations. By providing participants with in-depth knowledge and practical insights into these developments, the programme seeks to equip civil servants with the tools needed to lead reforms in their own countries, ultimately improving governance and public service delivery.

The NCGG has long played a crucial role in building the capacity of civil servants, both domestically and internationally. Over the years, the Centre has conducted numerous training programmes, helping government officials from various nations enhance their skills in governance, public administration, and leadership. This particular training programme, however, marks the first time that civil servants from BIMSTEC nations are participating in a mid-career training initiative.

34th Capacity Building Programme for Civil Servants From Maldives
In addition to BIMSTEC civil servants, the 34th Capacity Building Programme for civil servants from the Maldives continues the longstanding relationship between India and the Maldives. The participants in this programme, many of whom occupy senior positions in the Maldivian government, are expected to benefit from the exposure to India’s administrative practices and governance models.

One of the highlights of the programme is the series of field visits and practical exposure to key institutions in India. As part of the second phase of the training, the participants will visit notable institutions such as the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy, the Smart City Project and ITDA, the Smart School in Dehradun, the Haryana Institute of Public Administration, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), and the National Science Centre.

These visits are designed to give the participants hands-on experience with India's digital governance initiatives and other innovative projects aimed at improving public administration. Additionally, the participants will visit Maruti Udyog Limited, one of India’s leading automobile manufacturers, to observe best practices in corporate governance and operational efficiency. As a cultural highlight, the participants will also visit the iconic Taj Mahal.

The collaboration between BIMSTEC nations and India on governance initiatives is expected to yield long-term benefits for the entire region. As the civil servants return to their home countries, they are expected to apply the lessons learned during the training to improve public service delivery, promote transparency, and enhance government accountability.

The National Centre for Good Governance’s first Mid-Career Training Programme for BIMSTEC civil servants and the 34th Capacity Building Programme for Maldivian officials represent a significant leap forward in fostering international cooperation in governance. The knowledge and skills gained are set to contribute to more efficient, transparent, and citizen-centric governance in their home countries, thereby strengthening regional bonds and advancing the shared goals of the BIMSTEC nations.