Interview with Krishna Hari Pushkar, the new director of the Department of Foreign Employment. Himal Khabarpatrika, 16 February
Himal Khabarpatrika: After taking up leadership at the department, what do you see as the main challenges?
Krishna Hari Pushkar: You often hear about how the department is plagued by various problems. But most of it is just rumours spread by those who want to take advantage of the situation. There are many people within and outside the department who have intentionally created loopholes in the system so that they can cheat service-seekers. Also if previous leaders had been honest, then most of the mess would have been cleared a long time ago.
How will you tackle interference and influence from outsiders?
If the chief of Foreign Employment Department doesn’t seek personal gains from anyone, then the department will not be subjected to unnecessary pressure and threats.
How will your tenure at the department be different than your predecessors?
I will try my best to motivate my staff so that we can provide better service delivery. Starting this month, the department will be open from 7am to 7pm to renew labour permits. I can assure that the ordinary Nepalis will feel the difference in two weeks.
You were part of a committee that had proposed a list of reforms for the department. Will you be able to execute these changes?
Most of the recommendations have already been implemented, for instance documents now get processed through a single desk, unlike earlier when it had to be taken to 22 different places.
The department has already initiated two work shifts to improve efficiency. Now all that needs to be done is to mend some of of the technicalities.
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