Headlines
For good governance, Modi introduces new work culture at PMO
By
Ashok TandonNarendra Modi has brought about a transformation in the day-to-day
functioning of the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) in the last one year.
He
has changed the work culture by introducing the practice of Kaizen, a
time-tested Japanese system of 'continuous improvement' in quality,
technology, processes, work culture, productivity, efficiency and
leadership.
Modi has also tried another Japanese practice, that
of Quality Management System emphasizing on regular improvement in all
departments of the Prime Minister's establishment. It has cut red-tape
and made the office responsive, pro-active and effective.
The
Kaizen principles involve every employee in the PMO - from Principal
Secretary and all IFS, IAS & IPS officers to the subordinate
functionaries. The word Kaizen means 'continuous improvement'. It comes
from the Japanese words 'kai' which means 'change' or 'to correct' and
'zen' which means 'good'.
Everyone in the PMO has been encouraged
by the prime minister to come up with suggestions on small and simple
improvement. This is not a one-time, monthly or yearly exercise, but
something to be practised on a regular basis.
As a response, he
has been receiving a large number of suggestions from his team members.
These ideas are recorded, shared, and discussed and, if found valuable
and practical, are implemented by the PMO.
In most cases, these
suggestions may not be ideas for major changes. Modi strongly believes
in making little changes on a regular basis to improve productivity,
safety and effectiveness, while reducing wastage in time and
expenditure.
The staff at PMO has been urged not to limit their
suggestions to any specific area of government functioning. They are
motivated to come forward with proposals and ideas for making changes
wherever improvements are necessary and possible.
The western
world believes in the work philosophy "If it is not broken, don't fix
it." Modi's philosophy for good governance is "Do it better and improve
it, even if it isn't broken, because if we don't, we can't compete with
those who do."
The prime minister's ideas on improvement extend
even to social activities. He is applying these concepts in his personal
life too.
(Ashok Tandon was media advisor to former prime
minister Atal Bihari Vaypayee. The views expressed are personal. He can
be reached at [email protected])