Gh Hassan Talib
God knows better as to what comes in the way of our official hierarchy to change its old-fashioned mindset in the governance?
Truancy in Government offices has become a norm. This phenomenon is the application of outdated rules in Govt. offices and non- observance of regulatory procedures have also been the cause of deteriorating Work-Culture in the administration. Elucidating it further I may say that the cumbersome filing business inherited from Britishers is the main contributory factor to redtapism that breeds corruption in the Government Departments. There is a kind of inertia that has taken deep roots in these Departments where no file or application moves without satisfying greedy and needy officials. A file for each case is comprising Note sheets and relevant correspondence. As a part of regular procedure it is, in the first instance entered in ‘INDEX REGISTER’ and thereafter, its entry is made in ‘MOVEMENT REGISTER’ to watch and monitor the process of moving here and there. Sometimes, certain files of an unattractive nature are either put into the cabinet or distastefully laid to rest in the dustbin. In view of these unwarrantable circumstances, if you have the courage of your convictions to seek what is your right under the law and argue the toss, the authorities would begin searching feverishly for an excuse to counterbalance withholding of it from you. Unfortunately, we are being officially served under an uncompromising set-up where all have become our Masters and ruling elite. These people do not now like to be called Public servants for their self proclaimed superiority complex. That’s why it is felt easier to meet God Almighty than bureaucrats on high positions unless one knows them personally. In the words of a philosopher, “Possession of Wealth and Power is a crime under an unjust system; poverty in that case is a Virtue”. In the context of lingering move of files in Government offices it is pertinent to say that on many occasions files remain held up for months together till a source preferably a middleman is discovered to reach the approving authority. Sometimes, it so happens that a file is misplaced on purpose and the person pursuing it made to suffer for none of his faults. There are some officials in different Departments who are born hardnuts and always return files with their objections on flimsy grounds. It is the middleman, popularly called KhasAadmi who finally manages to tie the knot between the two. Political hierarchy and administrative machinery may have to ponder over the issue of overhauling the ongoing filing system otherwise common men shall continue to be victimized for not toeing the political line.
As a matter of fact some harshly applicable rules and self-induced procedures in our public governance have become redundant rather obsolete now. It would be in the interest of common people if these rules are either repealed or modified to suit the circumstances in delivery of justifiable public service. No doubt, the “work culture” in the corridors of power has been a talking point for long, but in practice it is “relief culture” that has ostensibly been operative in the public governance of our state. The relief culture is an offshoot of standstill emanating from frequent official meetings and sittings coupled with strikes and demonstrations occasionally resorted to by the government employees. Public holidays and hartals also contribute to the relief culture resulting in delayed process of files and disposal of pending cases. Filing system along with Clerk-raj is responsible for redtapism and, therefore, the people have no way left but to suffer in silence. The question posed to all of us is: Can we add clean air to the voices of concern that we raise for good governance on those whom we vote for power to govern us.
(The writer is a Rtd. KAS officer)
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