Service delivery by civil servants is expected to improve as 41 civil servants have graduated from the first Introduction to Government Machineries programme.
While speaking at the graduation at the Fiji Learning Institute for Public Service in Nasese, Suva, Public Service Commission Chair Luke Rokovada says the civil service exam ensures that new officers understood how government works, the laws and policies that guide them and the values expected of civil servants.
He says its removal in 2015 left a clear gap and over time, this gap affected baseline knowledge, consistency and service delivery across the public service.
Rokovada says with FLIPS now in place and the government placing strong emphasis on professionalism, ethics and service excellence, this was the right move.
He stresses this exam is not about making things harder but about making sure every civil servant starts with the same basic understanding of government machinery and public service standards, as well as public service excellence.
The PSC Chair says after consultations with Permanent Secretaries, it was also agreed that this exam will support promotion, while existing processes continue for confirmation in post.
Rokovada has reminded the graduates that what they have learned is not just to pass an exam, but to help them do their job better, and to serve the people of Fiji with diligence, confidence and integrity.
He says the objective of this exercise is to help civil servants understand that while each of them is an individual, their contribution within the broader system of governance carries the real weight.
Rokovasa adds their work can influence how policies are shaped and how essential services, such as transport, welfare support and health care are delivered.
