Editorial
R&H engineers seeking 'protection'!
Could there be a more ridiculous plea?
The engineers of the Roads and Highways Department have demanded that no organisation other than the communications ministry should take action against them for their mistakes. It is very difficult not be amused by these demands. Coming as it does from a highly educated, and what one hopes, responsible section of the society, it is simply bizarre.
Reportedly, these gentlemen were seeking the 'protection' of the ministry for any past or future mistakes that they might have committed or might commit. That is to say they want that no outside agency should have the mandate to enquire into their activities, and that they should be responsible to their minister and the ministry only. Apparently, the appeal stemmed from their having come under the surveillance of the ACC for allegation of corruption.
We find the demand outlandish for many reasons. We wonder why the R&H engineers should get into panic if they have no skeletons in their cupboards. And one has not forgotten that during the past CTG quite a few R&H officials made voluntary disclosure before the erstwhile truth commission and sought mercy for their wrongdoings, including the then chief.
We wonder whether these gentlemen understand the inanity of their plea. What if every other ministry sought the same dispensation for their 'mistakes?' And what exactly is the definition of 'mistakes'? Does it mean financial indiscipline and irregularity in the use of funds and the like? If that be so, shouldn't others who commit the same 'mistakes' be excused too?
Without sounding denigrating we have to say that the R&H department has had a very bad performance record. And allegedly, much of the poor conditions of the roads and highways are due to defalcation and misuse of funds. And we are glad that the communications minister has emphasised on zero tolerance for graft.
A public servant who works with due diligence and with probity should not have to worry about any investigation from inside or outside their own department. In fact, it should be welcomed rather than abhorred.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments