Kathmandu, November 20:

The ruling coalition has come up with a set of new directives to expedite dispensation of services.

Aimed at “simplifying government’s decision-making procedures”, the exercise urges ministers and various state organs to take snappy decisions and render services within a day. Superiors are only empowered to make exception to this rule. The directives state that such clarification ought to be reasonable.

“The basic thrust is to expedite the decision-making procedure. It will be strictly enforced from now on,” promised Bhoj Raj Ghimire, principal secretary.

Dr Shanker Prasad Sharma, former member of the National Planning Commission, said implementation held the key to the government’s latest move.

“The efficacy of the new directives will be proved if it can take corrective measures. For instance, sorting out the anomalies in tender projects that have fallen prey to rampant corruption,” added Dr Sharma. The government has spelt out certain key provisions for these directives. For example, on policy matters, cabinet decisions will be kept within four layers.

Ministerial and administrative-level decisions will be taken by three and two layers, respectively. If an issue comes up before 2 pm, the decision has to be taken on the same day. It can only be decided the following day, if the issue has been moved after 2 pm or the superior authority agrees to an extension of the deadline. Ministerial decisions that require cabinet nod will be sent to the council of ministers within two days. As for administrative matters, officers have been empowered to take decisions. Those who fail to discharge their duties — an officer will be given up to three chances — will be hauled up. Accountability is a cornerstone of the directives.

The directives hold out hope for service seekers. If s/he fails to get the service on the same day, the individual can lodge a complaint with the higher authorities. The delay calls for department action.