NCGG Launches 6th Training Programme for Cambodian Civil Servants on Public Policy and Governance

Mussoorie: The National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) commenced its 6th Training Programme on Public Policy and Governance for Cambodian civil servants today. The two-week programme, organized in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), runs from September 23 to October 4, 2024, and hosts 39 senior and mid-level civil servants from Cambodia. Participants represent the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology, and Innovations of Cambodia.

This program serves as a platform for policy dialogue and exchange of best practices, offering participants valuable insights into institutional transformation and citizen engagement. The training is designed to empower Cambodian civil servants with the tools to improve governance and drive reforms in their respective sectors.

The inaugural session was chaired by V. Srinivas, Director General of NCGG and Secretary of the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), Government of India. In his address, Shri Srinivas emphasized the longstanding collaboration between India and Cambodia, particularly in capacity building. He underscored the crucial role of finance and technology in governance, which serve as key drivers for reforms aimed at national development. He highlighted India’s transformative initiatives, such as Aadhaar, which has revolutionized subsidy transfers and brought citizens closer to the government through digital transformation.

Reflecting on India’s vision for inclusive governance and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s focus on digital reforms, Srinivas explained that the goal is to create digitally empowered citizens and technologically transformed institutions. He emphasized that as India works toward its “India@2047” goal of becoming a developed nation, priority sector programs in health, education, skilling, taxes, and employment will remain central to achieving good governance.

Srinivas also touched upon NCGG’s growing global engagement, stating, “This year, NCGG has welcomed delegations from numerous countries and has initiated several first-time programs, including capacity-building initiatives for nations under the FIPIC (Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation), IORA (Indian Ocean Rim Association), and Latin American regions. Additionally, we are planning specialized capacity-building programs for BIMSTEC and ASEAN countries, further expanding our international outreach.”

Ith Hunly, Deputy Director of Cambodia’s Ministry of Science and Technology Innovations and head of the Cambodian delegation, expressed gratitude to the Indian government for organizing such a comprehensive program. He noted that the insights gained would significantly contribute to implementing good governance practices in Cambodia.

Dr. B.S. Bisht, Associate Professor at NCGG and the Course Coordinator, provided a detailed presentation on the NCGG’s objectives, activities, and achievements. He explained how the Centre has evolved into a Centre of Excellence, training civil servants from 33 countries, including Bangladesh, Kenya, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, South Africa, and many others.