Kathmandu, Mar.10 : Minister for General Administration Siddha Raj Ojha has said multi-party democracy can be strengthened only if civil servants and politicians maintain good relations.

Mr Ojha, while inaugurating an interaction on the role of the bureaucracy in consolidation of democracy organised by the Nepal Public Administration Association here today, spoke of the need of neutral administration to help democracy take roots in the country.

Chief Election Commissioner Bishnu Pratap Shaha, presenting a working paper, observed that an able, efficient and politically netural administration is an essential component for the success of democratic system.

Mr Shaha also spoke of the need to make more effective the role of the Public Service Commission to enhance self-confidence and morale of the civil servants since corruption begins with the abuse of authority, initiate concrete steps for corruption control and turn the present bureaucracy more service-oriented.

Prof. Lokraj Baral and Prof. Dr Bhimdev Bhatta had commented on the working paper.

Association general secretary Vidyadhar Mallik highlighted the objectives of the programme chaired by former president of the association Chudaraj Uprety.