People Are Important
THE relations between the bureaucracy and the
public often make headlines. Whether it is efficiency, honesty or anything else concerning
government agencies, time and again complaints are made. It may be true there might be
some constraints for the bureaucrats in dealing with the works that the people want them
to do. Still, lethargy must not prevail as the civil servants are there so that the public
in general can avail their services. Though they are government employees, their main
focus ought to be on serving the people in an expeditious manner. If everything had been
well, they would have always received a pat on the back. That is, however, not the case.
Lapses knowingly or otherwise can occur. This necessarily calls for self-evaluation. As a
human being, errors just creep in. However, there is no need to get alarmed about it but
measures should be initiated to rectify whatever has gone wrong. No one can consider
himself/herself to be all knowing so everyone has to be conscious of his or her
shortcomings. It should always be striving for the best. This is what the people expect of
those in the bureaucracy specially those on the highest rung.
Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, at a
meeting in his office, advised the secretaries present that they should be guided by the
dictum "we are here to serve the people’ and opt for the best way they can work
in the people’s interest. It is not only working honestly is the top criteria but
efficiency too must be present. Delay in executing duties is equivalent to denying access.
The inconveniences facing the government secretaries too must receive attention. The
necessary policies regarding their appointment, transfers and so on must be made more
scientific and merit based rather than on favour him/her basis. Their morale must be
boosted on every occasion so that they will be able to deliver their best. It is quality
that must count and not leanings. On this count, the Prime Minister directed the
secretaries to be prompt in delivering services, as that was the only way to win
people’s favour and retain faith. It is a valid statement as this is the only way to
keep people-bureaucracy relations in harmony.
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