ASTANA – During an enlarged meeting of the Kazakh government on May 6, participants discussed practical aspects of 100 concrete steps to implement five institutional reforms proposed by President Nursultan Nazarbayev.
The President, who chaired the meeting, outlined a number of specific objectives for each reform.
In particular, Nazarbayev emphasised that the Agency for Civil Service Affairs and Combating Corruption should become a single recruiting centre, which will guide human resource management for the entire public service.
Also, the President noted the need to establish local police services that are accountable to local communities.
Such services “will be responsible for the maintenance of public order, combating domestic crime and control of traffic police officers’ activities. This service in close cooperation with the local community should ensure ‘zero tolerance’ for minor offenses,” Nazarbayev said.
The head of state further drew attention to the importance of starting the privatisation of agricultural lands, reform of the tax system, revision of power sector policies, changes in the construction industry, further implementation of the industrialisation programme, as well as improvement of customs procedures and trade policy within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union.
Nazarbayev stressed that Kazakhstan should integrate into international transport and communication flows.
“A multi-modal, high-speed ‘Eurasian transcontinental corridor’ must be created. It integrates air, sea, rail and highway links. The Eurasian corridor will have two directions. The first is through the territory of Kazakhstan, Russia and Europe. The second is through Kazakhstan from Khorgos to Aktau port, then along the Caspian Sea and the Caucasus to Europe and to the south through Iran and the Persian Gulf. In the framework of the project, it is necessary to build a new railway line across the whole territory of Kazakhstan to Aktau sea port,” he said.
In addition, Nazarbayev noted the importance of strengthening national values and patriotism in the minds of the younger generation.
“It is necessary to launch project ‘Big Country – Big Family’. In the framework of the project, different films, TV shows and programmess about the history of the country, the Kazakh culture and modern life will be created. The touristic routes and ethno-villages will be organised. Cultural infrastructure will be available for all people in Kazakhstan. We should consider how to implement the values of Mangilik El into the school standards,” Nazarbayev said.
The head of state noted that the government will have to direct itself at achieving about five or six key indicators.
“In turn, it will determine two or three specific indicators for each minister and governor. Monitoring will be carried out only on the basis of achieving the target indicators. Intermediate control and extra assignments should be removed in order to give more freedom to the state bodies. So, it will become more independent in its work, but more responsible and accountable,” Nazarbayev said.
Also, Nazarbayev noted the need to strengthen the role of community councils in the state bodies and akimats (local administrations).
“Community councils must take part in discussions devoted to the results of the implementation of strategic plans and development programmess of territories; take part in determining the budgets, draft laws and regulations affecting the rights and freedoms of citizens, draft programme documents,” the President said.
Nazarbayev suggested the creation of the state corporation “Government for Citizens,” which will become a single provider of public services.
“We are facing large-scale work that requires extensive knowledge and study of international experience. Its implementation will lift our country to the new level. The population expects us to follow up. To do this, each of you has the necessary knowledge, experience and competence. You must meet the expectations,” Nazarbayev stressed.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Karim Massimov noted that the reappointment of cabinet members will allow the government to proceed with the execution of all orders without delay.
“All relevant ministries and agencies are instructed to draft a programme of action for the next three months, in order to fulfill certain tasks in accordance with your inaugural speech. At the end of June, we will introduce for your consideration proposals for the continuation of reforms,” Massimov said.
At the end of the meeting, members of the government, heads of state bodies and national companies shared their views on the practical implementation of the five institutional reforms.
