The one-week training program on public policy and governance for senior civil servants of Gambia has concluded in New Delhi. The program saw participation from 30 permanent secretaries, deputy permanent secretaries, and directors from Gambia.
During the valedictory session, an important Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) and the Gambia Public Service Commission, outlining a commitment to training Gambian civil servants. Shri V Srinivas, Secretary DARPG and DPPW & DG, NCGG, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
In his address, Shri V Srinivas underscored the transformative power of technology in improving citizens’ lives. He emphasized the need for a conceptual framework to meet people’s expectations and drive holistic development. Additionally, he stressed the importance of international partnerships and an enabling environment among nations.
Shri Srinivas highlighted the National Centre for Good Governance’s (NCGG) mission to enhance civil servants’ capacity through knowledge, skills, and attitudinal changes to ensure effective performance of their duties. He explained how the training program aimed to facilitate knowledge exchange and the sharing of successful Indian practices in digital governance and public service delivery.
The DG encouraged participants to identify key takeaways from the program that could be adapted and implemented in Gambia, with necessary adjustments to suit specific requirements.
During the valedictory ceremony, Mr. Mustapha Jawara, High Commissioner of the Republic of The Gambia, praised the training program’s comprehensive nature and expressed the need for continued collaboration with Indian institutions. He highlighted the potential for people-centric governance to enhance the quality of life in Gambia. Mr. Jawara also requested future training programs for Gambian civil servants, possibly extending to two weeks, and emphasized India’s partnership role in Gambia’s development.
Dr. A. P. Singh, course coordinator, discussed the topics covered during the training program, which included Artificial Intelligence in Government, digital governance in healthcare, housing for all, Government e-Marketplace (GeM), insights on good governance, and India-Africa relations, among others. He noted that exposure visits to various institutions, including the Research and Information System for Developing Countries, NITI Aayog, and AIIMS, enriched the participants’ learning experience.
This successful training initiative reflects India’s commitment to strengthening international collaborations and sharing knowledge in the realm of public policy and governance.