RAK govt sets up watchdog

Called Administrative Inspection Section (AIS), the watchdog would be assigned the responsibility of keeping a vigil on all government bodies with the aim of enhancing their general performance.

''The AIS which has been established in line with the directives of Shaikh Saud bin Saqer Al Qasimi, RAK Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler, is considered to be the nucleus of comprehensive administrative system in the emirate,'' Dr Muaaz Al Mutawa, Director of RAK Personnel Affairs Department (RPAD), said.

He said the new section is part of the department's new organisational system, which has been recently endorsed by Shaikh Saud. The new body is also part and parcel of the large-scale development that takes place in the emirate's different social and economic sections.

The AIS will undertake different tasks like reviewing qualifications and skills of all the government employees.

''This will include scrutinising the performance of all the government officials," Dr Muaaz said. "This is in addition to identifying the weak and strong points in the administrative performance of each government body," he added.

"The AIS, which will be manned by a group of highly qualified officials, will be focusing on thrashing out modern mechanisms to help these departments get rid of the bureaucratic practices that hinder their efforts to provide fast and hassle-free services to the emirate's residents as well as national and foreign investors," he said.

''The section will present to the concerned bodies quarterly reports to shed light on the performance of the different departments," he said. "Inspections from AIS will also involve surprise visits to the different government bodies to ensure that they adhere to the new regulations and administrative systems," he added.