ToIndia Against CorruptionCAN IAS OFFICERS FUNCTION LIKE REBELS ?Of late, some IAS officers are seen and heard criticising the government that they serve. They unhesitatingly participate in debates in television media making critical remarks about the ministers and policies and methods of the government. One wonders what is the "Lakshman Rekha" for these serving IAS officers who really sound like rebels.
Obviously, Mr. Ashok Khemka who has become well known by frequently defying the government, getting transferred and getting huge publicity whenever such transfers occur and readily giving his views in media and answering questions from journalists, has raised questions as to what would be the rights and responsibilities of an IAS officer and whether the service rule permit such rebellious methods. Mr. Khemka has got away with such approach so far, possibly due to the friendly media that support him all the time even without ascertaining the facts and a government that is unwilling to put its foot down, fearing the media and the so called public opinion.
The fact is that an IAS officer has to obey the orders of the ministers who are voted to power by the people. If he is given an illegal order or an order in which he has no agreement , he is entitled to request the minister to give the order in writing. If the minister would give the order in writing, he has no alternative other than obeying the order, even if he would not agree ; after recording his dissenting note on the file.
Moreover, IAS officer has the responsibility to ensure smooth functioning of the government apparatus by not adopting an approach of confrontation and friction with the minister, by having a "holier than thou" attitude.
People know the happenings in the government only through media. While Mr. Khemka may have his stand, the ministers too may have the stand and every time Mr. Khemka accuses the ministers , the ministers refute such accusations. For the public, there is no real way to know who is right and who is wrong.
In any case, it is absolutely irresponsible and unbecoming of serving IAS officer to give media interviews , criticising the government. The right course open to him is to go to the administrative tribunal, which looks into the issues concerning the IAS officers and give it's decisions.
Mr. Khemka and some of his similar friends are creating unhealthy precedent which will inevitably weaken the administrative structure and create a new unhealthy practice and set bad example to the juniors.
Mr. Khemka and his friends should keep in mind that his juniors may also show similar attitude towards them, due to any right or wrong reasons, learning from them.
N.S.Venkataraman
Nandini Voice For The Deprived
twitter : @nsvchennai
Friday, April 3, 2015
Re: [IAC#RG] CAN IAS OFFICERS FUNCTION LIKE REBELS ?
Wrong orders getting followed is a sure method to doom.In fact we need more officers who can stand against inappropriate functioning
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