. 26/10/2024 10:48 AM
Introduction
The National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) recently wrapped up its 34th Capacity Building Programme (CBP) for Maldivian civil servants, further cementing the collaboration between India and the Maldives in promoting effective governance. Conducted in New Delhi from October 14–25, 2024, this training initiative is part of a new five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, and Maldives’ Foreign Minister, Mr. Moosa Zameer. Under this MoU, which will be in effect until 2029, India has committed to training 1,000 Maldivian civil servants in various aspects of governance, technology integration, and transparency, thereby advancing the shared goal of a modernized and accountable public administration system in the Maldives.
At the closing ceremony, Shri V. Srinivas, NCGG’s Director General, underscored India’s achievements in leveraging technology for governance improvements. He highlighted initiatives like Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) and Aadhaar, which have transformed service delivery in sectors such as healthcare, education, and public welfare by enhancing transparency and minimizing delays. The Maldivian civil servants who participated in the program shared presentations on topics ranging from technology-driven governance to educational advancements, showcasing the value of this collaborative learning experience.
Fathimath Hilmy, the head of the Maldivian delegation, expressed gratitude for the practical knowledge and insights gained during the program. Dr. B.S. Bisht, the course coordinator, emphasized that the training program focused on sharing India’s successful governance models, particularly those aimed at improving administrative efficiency. These insights are intended to empower Maldivian officials with tools to implement similar reforms back home, fostering a more effective, transparent, and accountable public administration in the Maldives.
The training program also included visits to some of India’s leading institutions, such as the Forest Research Institute, AIIMS, National Science Institute, and Indira Paryavaran Bhawan. These exposure visits provided participants with firsthand insights into how India addresses various governance and development challenges. The delegates also toured cultural landmarks, including the Taj Mahal, offering a glimpse into India’s cultural richness while strengthening diplomatic ties through cultural exchange.
NCGG’s commitment to global governance training is not limited to the Maldives. The center has trained civil servants from over 33 countries, including Bangladesh, Kenya, Tanzania, and Sri Lanka, focusing on best practices in good governance, administrative efficiency, and public accountability. India’s capacity-building initiatives, like the CBP, underline the country’s role in fostering international partnerships that advance governance and sustainable development.
As the 34th CBP concludes, the positive impact of India’s governance expertise continues to grow, deepening Indo-Maldivian relations and enhancing public administration across the Maldives. Through this program, India not only reinforces its diplomatic ties with the Maldives but also strengthens its position as a global leader in good governance training and international cooperation.