Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'A good attempt to prevent arbitrary transfer of bureaucrats' that was published in Newsband

A good attempt to prevent arbitrary transfer of bureaucrats

In Indian government offices, it is a crime to be honest. We constantly hear of cases where an honest civil servant is subjected to arbitrary transfer or suspension by the political executive at the behest of vested interests.

Supreme Court has come up with a landmark verdict in this regard. Three significant administrative reforms arise out of the Supreme Court’s verdict on a petition by more than 80 former bureaucrats: a fixed tenure for civil servants so that they are not transferred at the whims and fancies of the political executive; and a stipulation that all instructions by superiors be in writing, to protect officers from wrongful pressure from their superiors, political masters and vested interests. SC came up with this verdict with the intention of preventing arbitrary transfers, ensuring good governance, transparency and accountability in governmental functions.

The court has found that the ‘politician-bureaucrat-industrialist’ nexus is so entrenched that it requires a sustained systemic effort to cleanse the administrative system. The judicial review by SC might create discomfort among powerful politician who use bureaucrats as puppets for gaining favours. SC’s verdict is bound to provide energetic air to those bureaucrats who really work for people without any undue pressure from seniors and politician.

That the Supreme Court has come with a set of reforms for Civil Servants is welcome. However the bureaucrats should be made accountable for their actions. Their promotions should be based on merit/performance rather than seniority and proximity to politicians. Honest and upright bureaucrats should not only be provided insulation from transfers but also adequate security to them and their families from undue attack from hooligans and powerful politicians. Unless these points are addressed the current sorry state of civil services will continue.

Safe-guards should be included to protect the honest junior and superior members of the bureaucracy, political executive and judiciary. Care should also be taken that the bureaucrats themselves don’t turn tyrannical by using the advised act as a shield.

The Supreme Court judgement is only a step towards an improved and efficient and administration. Unless there is a political will and public awareness, the interference with administration by politicians will continue, though such directives from SC can make it a little tougher. The bulk of interference at mid and grassroots working levels will continue. This fixed tenure can only make the life of higher echelons a little more pleasant. The mid level interference which concerns the common man will continue unabated.

Officials with party leanings and caste leanings have to be tackled before they get fixed tenure. Probably a neutral agency will be needed to keep watch and ward off tainted bureaucrats before they get their tenure. Such fair appraisals can not be expected by politicians who are always on the lookout for pliable bureaucrats.