EDITORIAL
Test of good governance lies in how easily ordinary citizens access public services
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant recently warned that action would be taken against government employees who fail to be courteous and urged officials to focus on facilitating people’s work rather than creating unnecessary hurdles. Speaking during Vigilance Awareness Week, he also said that files held up without valid reasons erode public trust and fuel perceptions of corruption.
Sawant touched upon two issues: procedural apathy and deliberate procedural paralysis through sitting on files. Making the statement implies that he has heard of some discourteous government employees. He was of the view that officials must process applications, including subsidy disbursement requests, promptly and explain the legal reasons for rejecting a request instead of subjecting applicants to needless harassment. Many times, one sees senior citizens visiting government offices more than three or four times to get their work done.
This happens for several reasons. Sometimes, the clerk concerned is not very communicative. So, after the required documents have been submitted, new queries come from the dealing hand. It also happens because the app or some software is not working, or the internet connection is down. There are also cases wherein the officer concerned has to attend a meeting or is on “election duty”. In revenue courts, sometimes cases get postponed for genuine reasons. When technology is available, why not use it for the public good? A simple SMS or WhatsApp message would go a long way towards helping citizens by informing them of the absence of the mamlatdar or any other officer concerned.
The inconvenience caused to citizens is mainly due to systemic issues. We talk about “good governance”, but in reality, some citizens struggle to get their work done. The system has to be people-friendly, without the need for intervention from any elected representative. The reason people visit the sarpanch or MLA is mostly because they do not get justice in the departments concerned. Red tape creates hurdles, making the local MLA their only hope. The local MLA would not miss such an opportunity to ensure that his constituent is obliged to him. The government talks highly of e-governance. To what extent is it working? Is there an audit of it? It is for these reasons that Sarkar Tumchya Dari becomes “successful”.
While citizens, as the CM said, face issues with some officials, one needs to appreciate that there are many officials, including clerks and MTS personnel, who are enthusiastic about helping citizens. Those who work with integrity, including upright officials, need to be protected.
Sawant also said that the behaviour of some employees tarnishes the image of the administration due to perceptions of corruption. The principle of ‘na khaaonga na khane doonga’ should be seen on the ground – in government offices, not only in speeches. The government cannot say there is no corruption, as citizens and government employees know about the practice of palm-greasing. How do job seekers know the “rates” for certain posts? Since 2024, several cases of cash-for-jobs have come to light. The government will say that it has arrested those who took money. That is not enough. Where did the investigative trail lead the police? There is no smoke without fire. The party that grew on the anti-corruption plank cannot ignore allegations of corruption. It needs to crack down on corrupt officials. The government must give the Anti-Corruption Branch and other anti-corruption agencies a free hand. Why are no “trap cases” being booked? With strong action, a clear message has to go out to those indulging in corruption. The anti-corruption bodies should be made proactive. Only then will citizens have trust in the government.
