Beyond just advocating productivity, the Government must also set a good example.

I work in an agency that benefits from government grants for many projects. There are three areas in our dealings with the Government that could be improved for better productivity.

The Accountant-General's Department disburses grants to us in one lump sum. There is no breakdown by project and no reference made to invoices or claims in the credit note.

We, therefore, have to spend unnecessary time and effort figuring out which portion of the grant is for which project.

A staff member seconded from a ministry is also running one of our projects.

To adhere to the Public Service Division's instructions manual, the ministry has to disburse his salary to us, only to have us pay it back. Is this roundabout transfer of funds necessary?

Lastly, my agency regularly submits claims for government grants. The submission is done online, with supporting documents being uploaded online.

However, we are still required to send in hard copies of these same documents to the Auditor-General's Office. Is this not a duplication of work? Why have an online system if we must do it manually too?

I hope the civil service can look into these areas to improve productivity for both the public and private sectors.

Teo Geok Har (Ms)