Saturday, February 18, 2012

UNDP interested in learning about Kerala e-governance

Geraldine J. Fraser-Moleketi, Practice Director, Democratic Governance Group, United Nation’s Development Programme (UNDP) has expressed interest in visiting Kerala and learning about the government’s work in the area of democratic governance.
“We would be happy to explore areas of mutual collaboration in strengthening South-South learning initiatives and possible partnership with the government in the area of e-governance, anti-corruption, governance assessments and local governance,” the Director said in a letter to Chief Minister Oommen Chandy from New York.
Expressing his deep appreciation for the innovative practices in democratic governance initiated by Kerala in strengthening the people’s access and participation in human development and governance, Mr. Fraser-Moleketi said that many countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America might be able to learn from the innovative practises in democratic governance in Kerala.
“I have accessed media reports about the innovative approach to ensure transparency and accountability in Governance, particularly your decision to web-stream the entire functioning of your office. Your mass contact programme, in many ways, is the first of its kind to ensure the right to direct access to leaders and senior civil servants of the government.
“On visiting your website I was impressed by the 24X7 call centre to the office of Chief Minister and the whistle blowing provisions for combating corruption. The idea box for Vision 2030 also seems to be an interesting case of developing an inclusive approach to building shared vision within the society.”
He said that during his tenure as the Cabinet Minister of South Africa and in his present capacity, leading the world-wide democratic governance practise of UNDP, he emphasised the need to promote South-South learning in the area of democratic governance.
“I believe that many countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America may be able to learn from the innovative practises in democratic governance in Kerala. The Democratic Governance Group of UNDP will be interested exploring how best to show case options for south-south learning from Kerala.”
Mr. Fraser-Moleketi is scheduled to visit India in the second week of March.

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