The Supreme Court some years ago had very rightly observed that governance would not have faced a chaotic situation had the bureaucracy not allowed itself - the "steel frame" of the state - to be rusted.
In Goa this steel frame has rusted beyond recognition. We lack a neutral bureaucracy. What we are seeing is an utterly rusted frame, which has been torn to pieces, broken, mangled, crushed and its very backbone languishing in impotence. The very frequent transfer of government officers for no logical reason or purpose or sometimes for just personal reasons to satisfy the whims of those in power is disruptive and adds to the confusion making it difficult for officials to administer smoothly. In the interest of Good Governance, this administrative circus must stop immediately. The politicians in Power want the entire bureaucracy to mutely tow the government line, while officers who dare to speak out being marginalised. This can be seen from the very way officers are being shuffled all over like a pack of cards. The string of reversal of orders and circulars issued by the government only exposes a total collapse of governance in the state. The knee-jerk decisions made by the Government without careful thought, consultation with experts or due process is symptomatic of the further erosion of governance in the state. Good governance has been lacking for quite some time but sadly it is rapidly deteriorating with a Government which may be in power but which infact is not in control. The bureaucrats have to be allowed to function in accordance with law and be able to apply their experience and expertise independent of political interference or pressure. They cannot be forced and coerced to act as caged parrots. Ministers and ruling MLAs have gone to the extent of appropriating the power to assign postings of constables to Police Inspectors and even Dy SPs to SP’s. The malafide intent and manner behind depriving the DGP and IGP of their rightful authority in such routine administrative matters is deplorable. The damage done to the status of the DGP and IGP is incalculable and unacceptable. Today the DGP and IGP lack the power to even transfer or discipline a constable. Every decision by the government has to be well thought out and carefully considered. This will minimize the recurring embarrassing situations that this Government suffers from the erosion of trust that the people have in any decisions this Government takes. The much required advice from experts and feedback from people that matter must be heeded to urgently address the glaring failings of this Government. Aires Rodrigues Advocate High Court C/G-2, Shopping Complex Ribandar Retreat, Ribandar – Goa – 403006 Mobile No: 9822684372 Office Tel No: (0832) 2444012 Email: [email protected] Or [email protected] You can also reach me on Facebook.com/ AiresRodrigues Twitter@rodrigues_aires www.airesrodrigues.com
