Public grievances with Nepal’s officialdom are, no doubt, endless. The grievances may be still far from being redressed, but the government at least seems eager to know from the public if all’s well. Times definitely seem to be moving to some end if the Ministry of General Administration’s decision to launch a survey to appraise the quality of services offered by government offices is to be considered. As if not already evident, the government has planned to deploy surveyors across the country to find out if the public is pleased with near indifference that greets citizens at the government offices. At the end of the survey, it is likely that the government for its gesture of concern will get its share of surprises, too.

The question of whether or not government offices carry out their functions efficiently hardly needs an elaborate survey. Even former kings were learnt to have visited common households to know about public grievances. But once their visits ended, consolations crept out of the back door. The government does not need public opinion to improve its services. The public would always be in favour, if the crusade is begun immediately against the evils that have impeded the smooth and efficient functioning of the state machinery. That said, the exercise is harmless, or it could even be of some use, if conducted properly and implemented rigorously.