Playing it safe in the times of discord
Hyderabad, Nov 27 (INN): The bureaucrat-politician-entrepreneur nexus worked out well for long until the edifice fell apart with two seniors coming under CBI scanner for their alleged involvement in what has now come to be known as the Mining Scam.
The blame game and passing the buck has begun and introspection has dawned on the babu log and a demand for the counter signature of the concerned minister on the file is gaining ground, though it is against the statute.
Though ministers and elected representatives may pose before cameras but the actual agreement is signed by the concerned bureaucrat and this gives CBI or any investigation agency lot of ground to probe, when things turn dirty.
Any MoU between Government and a Corporate or between two Governments is always signed by the babu log and not the ministers or Chief Ministers or the Prime Minister.
This is the Achilles' Heel for the bureaucrat. For the level of education and intelligence quotient they have and the perks they are given, they should exercise their discretion and must be in a position to say no to their minister or at least put forth the pros and cons of any decision that may affect public life or that goes against the rule book.
The ultimate thing for such a bold venture would be transferring to an insignificant post but the moral superiority the person gains has no bounds. This act does not go unnoticed and earns reward in the days to come.
On the other hand if bureaucrats work only to please their bosses or have political affiliations or in some cases have a share in the spoils, then they have to face the music.
There cannot be any counter or the contention of signing under coercion does not work as they are the elite people with lot of wisdom and the ability to judge.
Not that all the bureaucrats toe the line of the concerned minister, there are people who are upright and have the courage to say no and there are people who are diplomatic and play it safe.
When hell breaks loose and a scam is established the onus lies on the bureaucrat as his signature will be on the document and not that of the concerned minister.
News Posted: 27 November, 2011
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