Friction between logical bureaucrats and political Executives

The friction between the political executive and the bureaucracy has been a long-standing issue. In fact, Political Executives often feel proud as they have got the mandate of the electorates. In contrast, there are logical bureaucrats who remain firm in their resolve, strictly adhere to the principles, and not easily swayed or pressured. As reports reveal Nitish Kumar reaped  immense benefits by the reshuffle of bureaucrats.

Some bureaucrats tend to become excessively obedient and often simply follow the orders of those in power without question; They even lack independent spirit or their responsibility to adhere to their rulebooks.

As the political executives enjoy the constitutional power to dictate the bureaucrats, they often exhibit their power. The axe of wrath falls on them in the name of punishment posting or transfer or even garage postings.  India remembers the history of Poonam Malakondaiah, who had to face seven transfers in six years. Manoj Nath had to face transfer over 40 times in his 39-year career.

Indeed, Durga Shakti Nagpal and Rajni Sekri Sibal are a few of logical bureaucrats who faced the wrath by disobeying their political bosses.

Alapan Bandyopadhyay, is another classical example of such an irony. He had to face similar consequences when he fell in a crux between the Chief Minister and Prime Minister. Notably, Alapan Bandyopadhyay got a prize postings even after his retirement.

Emergency period has witnessed a major debate over “neutral” civil servants and “committed” ones.  We have heard the term of committed judiciary in that dark era of Emergency.

Scenario of bureaucrats in West Bengal

Now, let us turn to our home state, West Bengal. Mira Pande, Sushanta Upadhyay, Godala Kiran Kumar are a few to name in West Bengal, who had to face the wrath. Damaynti Sen had to face almost a punishment posting; from City Police Joint Commissioner (Crime) to Deputy Inspector General (Training) in Barrackpore.

Manoj Kumar Agarwal, another firm-minded official, who has been constantly receiving the harsh criticism from the Government.

The political executives always prefer the Subservient bureaucrats, who will fulfil their wish and whims without bothering for the laws. We have seen a notorious instance in the recent past in West Bengal regarding punishment of a couple of poll-bound officials. The egoistic fight even reached up to a level where the Election Commission asked for the physical presence of the Chief Secretary, Manoj Panth.

logical bureaucrats aids Strong Foundation of Government

If political executives want to execute some projects for the poor or even for their vote banks, the resolute bureaucrats may become hindrance for applying their independent spirit or even for vendetta.

One can’t simply generalize the reasons of these tussles. They need to be judged on case-to-case basis. What we feel, if a logical bureaucrats prefer to go by the rule book for benevolence of the state or country, the political masterminds should not force them. Unfortunately, the reality remains different.

There are some logical bureaucrats, who prefer to remain compliant, either to secure better postings or to avoid potential hazards. However, such tendencies may eventually lead to calamity. For example, if the Home Minister attempts to shield his party’s hooligans while pliant officials continue to comply, the situation inevitably descends into anarchy. Furthermore, one cannot overlook the political involvement in such cases.

in fact, Political research reports reveal that whenever the ruling party enjoys an absolute majority, the government tends to exercise a form of dictatorship over the bureaucracy.

Conversely, when coalition politics weakens the government, it tends to act with greater restraint. Unfortunately, the judiciary, too, is not free from similar allegations.

Perhaps such an array of incidents may raise an acrimonious debate, whether the functionality of a Bureaucrat should be judged in terms of Obsequiousness or efficacy.