Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'An honest IAS officer decides to quit government service' that was published in Newsband

An honest IAS officer decides to quit government service

Vijay Maruti Pingale, a 2004 batch officer of the Tamil Nadu cadre, joined the civil services because he wanted to reform governance from within the system. But after 14 years of trying, the civil servant, who holds an MBBS degree, has decided to throw in the towel. Now he hopes to pursue his goal of governance reform by joining an NGO.

He was the man who had introduced advanced technology to fix responsibility for shoddy work on civic infrastructure projects thus winning him much support among the public. He involved IT companies in develop a digital dashboard for monitoring all civic projects on a real-time basis at the field level. Dr. Pingale had also unearthed a scam in the maintenance of public toilets.

More such officers are needed to cleanse the system and integrate it with the latest technology available. Corruption is endemic in India, worshiping Lakshmi at all costs is the norm, the greater good is left by the wayside. if all the cohort or comrades of Administrators act in unison (what is good for the country) as trained upon passing the competitive exams, the echelon bureacracy would certainly be a 'steel frame' one, with transfers having no impact as the sucessor would tread the same path. In this case, the sucessor is expected to be more amenable, flexible, close one eye etc, and get along to save his or her skin.

We need reformers like Pingale. Corruption and embezzlement of government fund has become the order of the day. Despite getting crores of money for developmental activities some states are in shambles from all angles. And the absence of any mainstream media makes the matter worse. Accountability is almost zero.

Pingale was a dynamic and upright officer. Certainly it will be a big loss to Government sector. But people will not care as long as they get their freebies, reserved government jobs and promotions. Let us hope the Central government steps in and absorbs him in a suitable capacity.

Such heroes should be respected by being conferred upon the highest National awards like Padma Shri, Padma Bushun etc. to be a role model for young generation. It is sad that officers like him are seen as enemy by the powerful and as people who stand to suffer; we do not have any say in this matter. The system does not allow us to question the political bosses as to why he is treated "badly" when doing good for people. We need fundamental change to give more powers to people [not this once in 5 years during elections].

Nobody is interested in doing some sincere service to the people. Those who are found to do so are, certainly, hounded out till they leave out the department vexed absolutely with it. Dr. Pingale's case is one such. Innumerable movies have dealt with the theme of cleansing the Augean stable of politics in this country. But all to no avail. Dr. Pingale is another victim of Government corruption. His decision to give up his prestigious career is one of an unqualified Sacrifice in this world of mundane pursuit.

It is very disheartening to see a person of such a great caliber has failed in front of these corrupt officials.This has to stop if we want a corrupt free nation. So sad to see a person who wanted to transform the basic standard of living losing against the corrupt and antisocial. He can do lots of good to community with an NGO which is righteous.