The master-slave relationship that still seems to exist within the Indian bureaucracy is a sure indication of its lopsided perspective. The recent election-related incident at Vadakara can be taken as an example at hand. An IAS officer from Gujarat, Mr. Darbar humiliated Mr. Supi, a member of the Assistant Returning Officer's team, by making him perform "etham". This incident, it may be recalled, had generated much public outrage. Finally the Election Commissioner stepped in and took action against the offending official. But, if one is looking for real solutions, one needs to look beyond such measures to the very roots of the problem itself.
Indian bureaucrats, of every region, are widely believed to treat their subordinates rudely and high-handedly. This problem should first be acknowledged and then studied in detail.
As an initial step towards a solution, one might try to reduce the perceived class distinction between "high" officials and their subordinates by going beyond rules-of-conduct written ages ago. A new approach to inter-personal relationships based on our hard earned democratic values can thus be intoroduced.
A complete renovation of the value system of our bureaucracy along these lines may indeed be the need of the time.
Archana S.
1 comment:
But what good would all the study do except learning what you already knew in detail.
I think the system is more or less changing in many fields. And I dont mean just IT even where - though people call each other by names- there is a huge line between the bosses and the newbies.
Thats alright, let the line stay as long as you know how long you will let it be. The minute it takes a turn and tries to slap you with its "superiority", take a step back and then pounce upon it. If there is going to be fighting, us subordinates can strike first!
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