Continuous skill development offered by training schools would create a pool of candidates who are not only well-prepared but also adaptable to the evolving demands of their roles, writes Mehedi Imam
THE recruitment process in government offices has long been a topic of concern, plagued by inefficiencies, corruption, and a disconnect between theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The current system, where applicants are often appointed based solely on their performance in competitive exams like the Bangladesh Civil Service, has its merits but fails to ensure that candidates possess the practical skills and integrity needed for their roles. To address these issues, in this piece, I propose a new approach to public service recruitment: a comprehensive training school system that prepares candidates with on-the-job skills and evaluates them based on both academic performance and social contributions.
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Training schools for govt recruits
THE crux of this proposal lies in the establishment of specialised training schools for each major government sector 鈥� education, health, judiciary, and others. These trainings can also be ministry-wise. They would serve as a bridge between academic education and professional employment, equipping candidates with the practical skills and techniques required for their specific roles.
For instance, aspiring assistant judges would not be appointed directly after passing the BCS examaminations. Instead, after joining the job, they would enroll in a judicial training school first, where they would learn about court procedures, case management, and ethical decision-making. This hands-on training would be complemented by internships with government agencies, providing real-world experience and further honing their skills.
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Social work and internship
IN ADDITION to academic performance, candidates would be evaluated based on their contributions to society and their involvement in internships with government agencies. This approach recognises that a candidate鈥檚 commitment to public service and their ability to work within the community are just as important as their theoretical knowledge.
Social work during the education period could include volunteering in community projects, participating in disaster relief efforts, engaging in public health campaigns, or for social good. Internships, on the other hand, would provide candidates with direct exposure to government operations, allowing them to apply their knowledge in a practical setting and understand the challenges of public service.
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Merit-based appointment
ONCE candidates complete their training, they would be placed on a merit list, ranked according to their academic performance, social contributions, and internship evaluations. Appointment would be made directly from this list as soon as a vacancy arises, ensuring that no post remains vacant for long. This system would eliminate the need for lengthy recruitment processes, saving time and resources.
Moreover, the continuous skill development offered by the training schools would create a pool of candidates who are not only well-prepared but also adaptable to the evolving demands of their roles. This approach would also reduce the likelihood of corruption as appointment would be based solely on merit and performance rather than on influence or bribery.
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Addressing corruption, political influence
ONE of the most significant benefits of this system is its potential to curb corruption and reduce political influence in the recruitment process. By focusing on skill development, social contributions, and practical experience, the system minimises the opportunity for favouritism or bribery. The transparent and merit-based appointment process ensures that only the most qualified and committed candidates are selected for government positions.
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Ensuring no vacancies remain vacant for long
VACANCIES in government offices often lead to disruptions in service delivery and inefficiencies in administration. The proposed system addresses this issue by maintaining a ready pool of qualified candidates who can be appointed as soon as a vacancy arises. This not only ensures continuity in government operations but also prevents the backlog of unfilled positions that can hinder progress and development.
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Building skilled, ethical public services
THE establishment of training schools for government recruits represents a revolutionary shift in the way we approach public service recruitment. By focusing on practical skills, social contributions, and merit-based appointment, this system has the potential to build a skilled and ethical public service, free from the influence of corruption and political favouritism.
This approach not only ensures that government offices are staffed with qualified and committed individuals but also fosters a culture of continuous learning and development. Most importantly, the office can save resources by not investing in increasing the skills of the newly recruited. In the long run, this system will contribute to a more efficient, transparent, and responsive government, capable of meeting the needs of the people and driving the nation toward a brighter future.
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Mehedi Imam ([email protected]) is a researcher.