Editorial
Rejuvenating the administration
Partisan approach has to be shunned to make it possible
QUESTIONS are being raised in the government about the efficiency and commitment of the administrative bureaucracy, especially in relation to its short and long-term development agenda. And to address the problem, administrative action is also being contemplated now.
We tend to agree with the government in that there is an issue of efficiency so far as it concerns the bureaucracy. But how has this vital organ of the administration become afflicted with this debilitating syndrome of inefficiency and sloth? In point of fact, the problem arises fundamentally from the fact that the bureaucracy has been subject to political victimisation over time from one regime to another. It often so happened that upon assuming office a particular government made sweeping changes in the administration through a fresh spate of promotions, transfers and postings, while at the same time punishing some by making them the so-called Officers on Special Duty (OSD). This is done more often than not on the plea of the administration being politicised by the previous regime. As a consequence, the administration has been the witness to change after change for the umpteenth time. The total impact of these changes has been devastating for the bureaucracy. Small wonder we have now a bureaucracy that is completely demoralised and in a state of virtual stupor.
But how is the government to lift the administrative bureaucracy from the morass of demoralisation, inaction that it has found itself in? This has also been a long-standing public demand. The government is talking of increasing bureaucracy's efficiency. However, to increase efficiency mere exhortation, as was the practice before, or the threat of listing and punishing the inefficient officers, as is being talked about at the moment is not the ideal answer.
On the contrary, the government must demonstrate its resolve in effecting the desired change in the bureaucracy. It also implies that in running the administration with efficiency, the government should wholly shun the partisan approach to handle it. If it is possible to rid the bureaucracy of partisan interference in its work, then the culture of professionalism, impartiality, fairness in dealings, or in short, the time-honoured norms of administrative functioning will return as a matter of course. And once the pernicious influence of partisan interference goes, the prospect of the technically improving the bureaucracy through provision of necessary motivation and training also opens up.
Another inhibitive factor that leaves a paralysing impact on the bureaucracy is the conflicting messages they often get from the ministries and the Prime Ministers' Office (PMO), in particular. On this score, we may refer to a good number of advisers inducted in the cabinet who have been given roles in a cluster of ministries leading to duality in administration, issuance of directives and making decisions. In the circumstances, rejuvenating the bureaucracy also calls for bringing about wholesale systemic reform in it. How efficient the ministers themselves areit is pertinent to ask. All in all, the government will have to approach the issue with a firm resolve and political will.
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