Steel frame needs to rid its rust
T V Somanathan noted that reluctance on the part of certain officers to follow prescribed channels of submission and reporting, driven by individual or 'tribal' concerns like seniority, cadre or parent service, disrupts workflow, and is unacceptable. Such actions, he added, weaken coordination, and delay decision-making.
His concerns are valid.
Officers not submitting files to the next in the chain of command or bypassing them disrupt the system. Somanathan also warned that those officers unable to follow prescribed channels must return to their respective parent cadres.
This tough talk is welcome. Ensuring the bureaucracy remains on track is central to its smooth functioning, including planned non-functioning and delays.
Any disruption to the collective mindset or its functionality is cause for concern.
There is no place for tribalism or ego. Even these must be confined to limits of procedure.
Such discipline ensures consistency in governance and keeps the machinery running, irrespective of individual ambitions or biases. A functioning bureaucracy is the bedrock on which public policies are made and implemented effectively, impacting the lives of those who bring democracy to life and give the executive the power to govern.
