MoHA issues nine-point directives to DAOs to ensure effective public service deliveries

KATHMANDU, April 18: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) has issued a nine-point directive to the District Administration Offices (DAOs) across the country, including the implementation of the 'One-Door Service System' to make public service delivery through these offices more effective.

The circular issued by the MoHA has asked to make necessary arrangements to implement the One-Door Service System from the existing budget in the current Fiscal Year (FY) and to demand the minimum budget required for the improvement work for the upcoming fiscal year.

The MoHA has also reminded the Chief District Officer (CDO), as a representative of the Government of Nepal, of their important administrative roles in maintaining peace, order and security in the district in accordance with the prevailing laws, protecting the lives, property and freedom of the people, ensuring the delivery of public services, strengthening good governance and facilitating development management.

The directive issued in accordance with the secretary-level decision of the MoHA states, "To improve the services provided by the DAO and make them convenient and service-recipient-friendly in line with the expectations of the people, it is necessary to implement the 'One-Stop Service System' as soon as possible to advance further the reform work in line with the directives of the Home Minister and the main spirit of the 100 governance reform agendas of the government,” reads the directive.

“Further expanding and institutionalizing the creative and innovative measures currently implemented in some districts, such as the token system, citizens’ grievance hearing system, online recommendation of new citizenship, controlling the influence of middlemen, and installation of free help desks, are among the core."

The concerned CDO should continuously monitor and supervise the work performance system, install CCTV wherever it is possible, continuously update the office website, strengthen proactive discourse and maintain a balance between confidentiality and transparency of the office. To minimize hassles of service-seekers, the MoHA has asked the DAO to place contact numbers with work responsibilities of all employees, including the CDO, on the office website.

With the directive to the effect, the DAOs will have to mandatorily send progress reports of exemplary work and all other services to the MoHA on the 1st and 16th of every month.