Farsightedness Of The New Government

Muslim Murasu, May 2011

First thing that the government does after its formation is to transfer high-ranking IAS officers. This is violent flagrant transgression. It is ridiculous for a politician to capriciously transfer a bureaucrat who has served for around a quarter of a century. This mentality is devastating for state machinery. This will jeopardize self-respect of the officer. It is fitting to dismiss an officer who has wronged, or is untrustworthy, incompetent or disobedient. The documents illustrating the officer illegally misappropriating money, wealth, misusing power can be uploaded in government websites and department websites. Public will stand informed and well-meaning intention of the government will stand illuminated. But transferring to another department will have adverse impact on the efficiency of a thousand employees there. This is not a period of despotic rule.
Chief minister should not forget the scene when they went street by street, lane by lane, bowing to each and every voter, appeasing them, in a distressed and sorrowful manner under the hot sun. People are now adequately informed and educated. To transfer a service minded, honest officer at the behest of district secretary will expose inability of the government.
Higher officers are operating with contrasting features of serfdom and efficiency. Priority should be accorded only to efficiency and rectitude.
In the appointment of new ministers, it is enough to allocate 10% to old sharks. People given to drinking and sexual misbehavior should be kept away from ministerial berths. On the lines of outsourcing, candidates from outside also can be scoured and appointed. New families can be given an opportunity to enter politics.
Politicians, administrating officer, there is no need to have these two different sections. Engineer from electricity board or an electrical graduate should be appointed for electricity department. A post-graduate in public health infrastructure can be appointed for the drinking water supply department. Retired vice-chancellor or research scholar can be given the administration of education portfolio. This will bring the cold war between politician and bureaucrat to an end. Government will work fruitfully and transparently on par with international standards.
All the departments fared well for four months in the absence of ministers. Minister is not going to cast any magic after occupying the office. There is no need for the build-up of siren vehicle, spacious office and gun toting commandos.
Video conferencing can be leveraged to communicate on a daily basis. Foundation stone laying ceremonies should be absolutely abolished. This only helps unnecessary expenditures and corruption. Unbridled special powers will help neither the politician nor the officer. Stress should be laid to turn to serving the public.