CHANDIGARH- SEPTEMBER 18, 2008: The Indian Institute of Public Administration, Regional Branch for Punjab & Chandigarh in collaboration with the Department of Public Administration, Panjab University organized a Special Lecture on “New Public Management with Reference to India” by Dr. B.P. Mathur, former Deputy CAG, Govt. of India on 18th September, 2008.
Sh. Sudhir Sharma, Chairman, Department of Public Administration introduced the speaker and emphasized on the relevance of the New Public Management to the students of administration.
Dr. B.P. Mathur began his presentation by referring to the weaknesses in the Traditional Weberian Model of Public Administration, which emphasized on hierarchical structure, centralization, rigidity and impersonality. He elaborated upon the origin of the paradigm of New Public Management beginning with the political backing by Ms. Margaret Thatcher in U.K. and Mr. Ronald Reagan in U.S.A. and theoretical contributions of David Osborne and Ted Gaebler in the form of ten principles given in their book “Reinventing Government”. Dr. Mathur opined that bureaucrats are basically good people trapped in bad system. He concluded by emphasizing on the need for inculcating more professionalism in the government sector, making standards of services measurable, bringing about more managerial autonomy, and ushering in economy, efficiency and effectiveness.
S. Paramjit S Sahai (IFS Retd.) in his Presidential Remarks said that for bringing about change in the system the first and foremost thing we need is to change our mindset. He emphasized on innovation and appreciation of new ideas.
S. Gurdial S Pandher (IPS Retd.) expressed his view points on the current administrative system and lack of application of mind in dealing with current problems. He blamed vested interests for this sorry state of affairs.
Mr. Akshat Mehta, Lecturer, Police Administration, C.E.A.S.S raised the issue of the equity principle, which is unfortunately missed in the paradigm of New Public Management. Quoting Alexander Pope, “for the forms of government, let the fools contest as that system is best, which is administered the best” he said that we put more emphasis on the implementation of systems in existence.
Mr. Munish Kumar, a student, expressed his reservations about the application of NPM in developing countries. Mr. Hardeep Singh, a student, wanted some clarification about the role of law in case of disciplinary proceedings initiated against a civil servant.
Dr. Ramanjit Kaur Johal, Reader, Department of Public Administration, presented the Vote of Thanks.