First ever female aide to Japan’s PM appointed; How Abe attempts higher growth by pro-woman steps

A WEEK ago, Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe appointed Makiko Yamada as his official secretary, creating history by appointing the first ever female aide to prime minister. Most see this as a part of Abe’s ongoing initiative of achieving higher economic growth by empowering women. The appointment of the 53-year-old bureaucrat in such a key post along with other initiatives of bringing more Japanese women into the workforce have prompted…

China to crack the whip on excessive partying by bureaucrats

INDIA may love to follow China in most respects, from chasing growth numbers to building massive infrastructure, but when it comes to its bureaucracy, Indian babus must try not to emulate them. If the latest report on China’s plan to crack down lavish parties by its bureaucrats, is anything to indicate, there have been a number of instances in which Chinese bureaucrats indulged in sex and booze-fuelled parties apart from being beneficiaries of the country’s rampant corruption.

According to media reports being highlighted in US among others, the cost of the visit to foreign junkets including trips to Las Vegas amount to about USD 60 billion per year. The reports further point out how Chinese top politicians took notice of bureaucrats’ indulging in parties filled with casual sex, drinking and under-the-table payments. None other than President Hu Jintao himself warned officials of the temptations of beautiful women, money and power. Recently, the ruling party has come out with a plan to weed out corruption which also included an end to excessive partying at the expense of tax payers’ money.

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China asks military officers not to create blogs 

Japanese bureaucrats are back!

The influence of Japanese bureaucrats in the country’s decision-making process could come back once more as there are indications that they would again attend crucial meetings which are now being confined to political leadership. Once anti-bureaucrat Democratic Party of Japan came into power in September, 2009, senior bureaucrats were kept out of the decision-making process. Now, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshito Sengoku says that vice ministers and deputy vice ministers both of whom are non-elected bureaucrats in Japan, should attend the ministerial meetings.

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Japanese bureaucrats get lessons from comedians

Bureaucracy bashing as a fashion statement

Action and Appointments

Alok Prasad made India’s ambassador to Japan

a) Alok Prasad, an Indian Foreign Service officer of 1974 batch and presently Deputy National Security Advisor, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Japan, to replace HK Singh (Read: HK Singh as a good host). According to a release by ministry of external affairs, Prasad is expected to take up his assignment shortly.

b) Rakesh Sood, a 1976 batch Indian Foreign Service officer and India's Ambassador to Nepal, has been appointed as Deputy National Security Advisor (NSA) in place of Alok Prasad.

It’s not funny: Japanese bureaucrats get lessons from comedians

MORE than 100 young transport ministry officials in Japan got special tips from professional comedians last week as a part of training to enhance their communication skill, a reuters news said. Quoting a Japanese government official involved in the process, the report said that by experiencing comedy routines, they hoped to learn more about how to speak to clients and how to manage their staff. The main motive was to soften the stiff image of bureaucrats in the country. This unique module was introduced in the training as they felt the approach was better than just listening to lectures for young officials, who are often tired from long working hours. Critics in Japan have, however, termed this exercise a mere wastage of tax payers’ money. Here is Babu Blogger’s question – should Indian bureaucrats be more humorous? Let’s start a debate.

Laptop for all officers above the rank of deputy secretary In yet another bonanza for government officials, laptop computers can now be issued to officers of the rank of deputy secretary and above for discharge of official work, an office memorandum by the department of expenditure under the ministry of finance said. The power to buy laptops will continue to be exercised by secretaries of the concerned ministry or department in consultation with financial adviser, said the office memo which was sent to all ministries and departments. There is, however, a rider that the cost of laptop including standard software shall not exceed Rs 70,000. The memo also said that the officer using the laptop would personally be responsible for the safety and security of the laptop which needs to be returned at the time of handing over the charge. The officer will have the liberty to have the laptop insured at his personal cost. A good gift to woo officers on duty! But remember, if you lose you pay through your nose.