India's National Centre for Good Governance continues to lead in providing critical training to international civil servants
The National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) concluded its 3rd Capacity Building Program for senior civil servants from Sri Lanka on May 24, 2024. The programme saw the participation of 41 senior civil servants, including Assistant Divisional Secretaries, Assistant Secretaries, Deputy Sergeants, and Directors, adding to NCGG's impressive record of having trained 95 Sri Lankan civil servants.
 
The programme's success underscores NCGG's pivotal role as identified by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) as an ‘institution in focus.’ The NCGG continues to lead in providing critical training to international civil servants, aiming to enhance governance standards globally.

The valedictory address was delivered by V Srinivas, Secretary, Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) & Department of Pension and Pensioners' Welfare (DoPPW), and Director General of NCGG.
 
He emphasized the transformative role of technology in bridging the gap between citizens and government, encapsulated in the policy of “Maximum Governance-Minimum Government.” Highlighting India’s strides in digital empowerment and transformation under the Digital India program, Shri Srinivas stressed that the training program is designed to enable officers to learn from India’s best governance models and replicate these practices in their respective countries.

The session also featured insightful group presentations by participants on diverse topics, including Land Acquisition, Public Personnel System for Sri Lanka, Maintaining a High Human Development Index (HDI) in Sri Lanka, and the Post-COVID Tourism Boom in Sri Lanka. Shri V. Srinivas lauded the participants for their comprehensive and forward-thinking presentations, which demonstrated a deep understanding of governance challenges and potential solutions.

AP Singh, the course coordinator, highlighted the extensive and diverse curriculum covered during the program. Topics ranged from various aspects of governance and digital transformation to developmental schemes and sustainable practices. 
 
Singh provided an overview of the field visits that enriched the program, including trips to prestigious institutions such as the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy (IGNFA) and the Forest Research Institute (FRI) in Dehradun, the Cyber Security Cell in Noida, the National Institute of Solar Energy, and the International Solar Alliance in Gurugram. Participants also visited District Gautam Budh Nagar, the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya, and the iconic Taj Mahal, offering a blend of academic and practical learning experiences.

Programme Supervision
 
The programme was supervised by AP.
Singh, Associate Professor and Course Coordinator, MK Bhandari, Associate Course Coordinator & Faculty at NCGG, and Sanjay Dutt Pant, Program Assistant at NCGG. Their combined efforts ensured that the program ran smoothly and effectively. Additionally, Consultant and Chief Administrative Officer at NCGG, Prisca Poly Mathew, and Assistant Professor, Gazala Hassan, were present during the event, providing valuable support and guidance.
 
Building on a Strong Foundation

The 3rd Capacity Building Programme builds on the strong foundation laid by NCGG in its previous initiatives. Since its inception, NCGG has focused on enhancing the skills and capabilities of civil servants from various countries, promoting good governance practices globally. The training programs are tailored to address the specific needs of participants, ensuring that they return to their home countries equipped with practical knowledge and skills to improve governance and public administration.

The successful conclusion of this programme marks another milestone in NCGG's ongoing efforts to foster international cooperation and capacity building. The training provided to the Sri Lankan civil servants is expected to have a significant impact on their professional development and the governance systems in Sri Lanka. The participants' exposure to India's best practices in governance, digital transformation, and sustainable development will enable them to implement similar initiatives in their country, contributing to its overall development.

Commitment to Excellence
 
NCGG's commitment to excellence is evident in its comprehensive training programs, which are designed to address contemporary governance challenges. By facilitating knowledge exchange and learning from best practices, NCGG is playing a crucial role in shaping the future of governance in participating countries. The success of the 3rd Capacity Building Programme for Sri Lankan civil servants highlights the effectiveness of NCGG's approach and its dedication to promoting good governance worldwide.

The 3rd Capacity Building Programme for senior civil servants of the Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka at the National Centre for Good Governance has successfully concluded, leaving a lasting impact on the participants and further strengthening the ties between India and Sri Lanka. The program's success reaffirms NCGG's position as a leading institution in capacity building and international cooperation, committed to enhancing governance standards globally.