Essay on the need for greater transparency and openness in Government

There is remarkable political consensus on the need for greater transparency and openness in Government, and providing access to information to the public. Tamil Nadu and Goa have already enacted legislation for Right to Information.

Apart from improved efforts for strengthening the grievance redressal machinery at all levels, computerised monitoring of replies and designation of nodal officers, there is a growing effort of taking administration to the people.

Greater Responsiveness to the People :

A concrete manifestation of the commitment of the Government to provide services to the people is the formulation and enforcement of Citizen’s Charter by a number of Central Departments and agencies with public interface, such as the Central Board of Direct Taxes, Central Board of Excise and Customs, Life Insurance Corporations etc. Similar efforts for Citizens’ Charter have been made in a number of States.

Changes in Regulatory Framework:

It is recognised that there are limits to what can be achieved by officials within the scope of the existing legal system. Significant improvements are possible only if efforts are made to repeal obsolete provisions and rules and make them more citizen-friendly, simple and consistent with the requirements of liberalisation and delivery of services.

Such legal reforms will help to reduce delays and scope for corruption implied in the present system of cumbersome rules and regulations for approvals and permits, assessment of taxes, sanctions of schemes, etc.

As important as the formulation of standards for services and the operation of Citizens’ Charters is the empowerment of citizen groups and users for the design, implementation and management of services in urban and rural areas. This is being done in respect of a number of local schemes, like operation of primary schools, healthcare, education, nutrition, women’s welfare, etc.

Civil Service Reform : Finally, there is considerable debate on validity of the concept of permanent civil service, or a generalist cadre, of the type devised by the British in various countries of the Commonwealth, in an era where flexible contracting, administration and specialisation is the order of the day.

Civil service is the key factor in promoting integrity of the country and in bringing about major developments in post-independent India. Included in the bureaucracy are not only the All India Service, but also the functionaries of various services who have an interface with the public.

Hence, the need to improve efficiency, morale, integrity and responsiveness of the civil services through a series of measures which focus on:

1. Agreement with the political leadership on institutionalised systems for stability of tenure and placement of officials;

2. Comprehensive assessment of various factors which have a bearing on motivation, incentives, productivity and working conditions of the civil services on the basis of recommendations of the recent Pay Commission; and

3. Steps to curb corrupt practices, prosecute offenders quickly, and to install a regime of self-regulation through Code of Ethics for Public Services.

Conclusion

Administration reforms in India have been a continuous process starting from the comprehensive^ excellent reports of the Administration Reforms Commission. The suggestions made in the Report the Fifth Central Pay Commission on a variety of issues relating to public service management I indicate the directions in which the reforms should proceed. However, in a vast country, like Infill consisting of States with varied administrative practices and local conditions, it is difficult to be prescript! About the extent of reform

However, it is remarkable that there is considerable agreement on the thrust areas in reform! Immediate priorities, especially the need to make administration more people-centred, open decentralised, flexible and free from corruption.

The increasing trend for entrustment of functions* resources to the Panchayati Raj institutions and Nagar provide the basis for decentralised of services at the local level, even as the Central and State Government become more facilitators flexible in policies and procedures.

The changes to be effected in the civil service systems and procedures, methods of per formal appraisal and incentives and motivation facing the bureaucracy, and changes in the mindset of official at the levels are critical to the realisation of the intended objectives of reform. The crucial requirements are, of course, consistent political commitment and support for a Government that works more, is caring and responsive.