Simplify service delivery, Hanafi asks officials

KABUL (Pajhwok): The deputy prime minister for administrative affairs has instructed officials to properly perform their duties and prevent unnecessary paperwork in government departments.

Maulvi Abdul Salam Hanafi issued the orders at the opening ceremony for a programme aimed at simplifying processes at the ministries and departments.

The ceremony was organised by the Administrative Reform and Civil Services Authority (ARCSA), a statement from the Presidential Palace said.

Hanafi said: "The process of simplification and standardisation at all administrative levels is an accepted principle. If this is not implemented, we will be unable to achieve strategic objectives and economic growth."

He added: "Unfortunately, in some departments, there are overly complex and lengthy procedures that urgently need to be simplified. These processes often delay development and cause public resentment."

The deputy premier stressed the need for the implementation of simplification and standardisation across all departments to ensure the country's economic growth, proper allocation of funds, implementation of development projects, facilitation of investments, reduction of paperwork, cost cutting and timely service delivery to the public.

He also emphasised the importance of electronic governance, crucial to achieving the objectives. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is actively working towards its nationwide implementation.

Hanafi believed full cooperation from officials within the IEA departments is was essential for the successful execution of the simplification and standardisation processes.

He added IEA leaders fully supported procedure simplification and were committed to implementing the process across all departments to facilitate smooth operations.

He urged government servants to pay serious attention to their duties and service delivery, and to work together to eliminate bureaucratic procedures.

Mufit Shahzada Noor Rashid, head of ARCSA, stated the authority had simplified 938 processes since the re-establishment of IEA.

He pointed out over 10,000 individuals across Afghanistan had attended capacity-building workshops, and more than 31,000 people had been hired through competitive examinations.

Dr. Mullah Abdul Wasi, chief of staff to the prime minister, explained creating ease within departments was a top priority for the caretaker government.

He argued process simplification led to increased public satisfaction, aligning with the higher objectives of the IEA and the principles of Islamic law.

Meanwhile, Deputy Foreign Minister of Administrative Affairs Dr. Mohammad Naeem Wardak commended the initiative.

He underlined the need to increase public awareness programmes on laws and regulations to further facilitate the services offered by departments.

Wardak also stressed the importance of having guides and assistants in each department to help the public navigate the system.

sa/mud