Mailbag

Mismanagement
Malfunctioning in civil services
Sir,
Observations of Shri Sain Dass Sumbria Published in the Daily Excelsior on date 23.10.1998 tempted and promoted me against to go through the Article of Shri Daya Sagar under reference having appeared in your esteemed paper on 22nd September, 1998. Critical analysis of the article if done judiciously shall only exhibit and reflect the authors prime concern to create general awareness with regard to present malfunctioning in the Civil Services. The article as I understand is neither against any class nor any specific cadre but simply aims to draw attention of the authorities who matter to enforce necessary corrections as can result in streamlining the working procedures in the services for proper accountability and output before it is too late. The article also reflects concern on rampant corruption in public life, expansion of some cadres in Civil Services to suit the individuals rather than the State, escape attitude of the authorities working so to say as Rubber Stamps only to function as per wishes and whims of the two present dominating Finance and Planning cadres in State Service. The article infuses also sense of responsibility in the other departmental heads to understand that Finance is part of their operation as such to be understood and administered the way they take other functionaries. Head of the Departments without financial concepts may otherwise create disaster. Shri Sain Dass Sumbria has quite correctly and in simple and explicit terms defined the present position and role of IAS Cadre in the State as deserves full appreciation. This as I have understood is a class born with a silver spoon in one and a charging rod in the other hand. A class unattached without commitments. Shri Sain Dass Sumbria has supported the views of Shri Daya Sagar projected by him in the article dated 22.9.1998 to awaken the technocrates and professionals from the deep slumber to act and protect the institutional interests. The success of the Finance and Planning departments in creation of posts particularly under their Gazetted Service cadres appears quite high and disproportionate to actual requirements and other departments. This besides mass scale promotions within these cadres, if studied, in depth has not materially contributed in State development or even as any support and strength to the main departments responsible for field executions viz. State upliftment. The Finance cadre unfortunately never feels as part of the operation in any department and having come with concept of limited stay to govern do not bother for departmental limitations of timely executions. Against advocating, establishing, streamlining the financial procedures and book keeping, the lent officers feel interested more in issues of administrative nature like procurements and payments. The departmental heads also succumb to their tactical pressures. Let us hope such heads understand their authority, requirements and administer accordingly.
Yours etc......
Sunshail Bhat
180-A, Subash Nagar, Jammu

Belated move
Sir,
All of a sudden on 6.10.98 the Principal of Model Academy B.C. Road, Jammu notified to the students of 8th class Session 1998-99 that they are to be examined by the J&K School Board of Education.

It is a matter of grave concern that the notification issued at the belated stage is directly injurious to the concerned students and is indirectly effecting their studies, by not informing them at the beginning of the Session 1998-99.

Examining as per J&K Board of School Education syllabus at this stage (i.e. in mid of Session) seems to be an unwanted exercise.

Preparing the students now as per the Board syllabus is not practicable as they have been prepared as per the school examination till date.

I request the Govt. to ask the J&K Board to look into the matter and direct it to maintain "Status Quo'' till next session.
Yours etc..........
S. Kaul
C/o F. 156 Gurah Bakshinagar Jammu

Labour bore fruit
Sir,
This has reference to the letter "Take Initiative'' by Sh. R.K. Sher published in Daily Excelsior on October, 21, 1998.

I am feeling pleasure in informing Mr R.K. Sher and other pre-1987 pensioners that our joint efforts have forced the State Government to issue guidelines/procedures for "Revision of pension'' of pre-1987 pensioners vide Government Order No. 214-F of 1998 dated 14.10.1998. There are, however, many other problems faced by the pensioners as categorised by Mr B L Kachroo in his letter published in Daily Excelsior dated 10.10.98 still outstanding. A joint effort by all concerned is required to be made for the achievement of these demands.

It is well known to every body that the cost of living index (particularly of essential commodities) is rapidly increasing. There had been a significant increase of 2.41 percent in the cost of living index (CPI(W)) during the month of September 1998 alone. With the continuity of rising prices of items of common use, these have now become beyond the reach of ordinary citizen due to sharp decline in his purchasing power. The prevailing cash crunch in the treasuries of the State has further added to his miseries. The pensioners are hard hit as they are even denied regular pension at almost all treasuries. The authorities of Finance Department, despite knowing these facts are not properly responding to the woes of pensioners which is most unfortunate especially when they are unable to restrict expenditure on unproductive schemes. The recent orders of austerity measures are ample proof of the above explained facts.

I would, therefore, 'through' the medium of this letter urge the Pensioners Association of Jammu and Kashmir to arise to the occasion, summon courage and chalk out a programme of struggle for the achievement of aforesaid demands. I will also like to request M/s Predhuman K. Joseph Dhar, R.K. Sher and B.L. Kachroo to continue their efforts through printed media to achieve these demands.
Yours etc......
Sain Dass Sumbria
Pacci Dakki Jammu