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This book explores some of the little known areas of the bureaucracy. It analyses the functioning of bureaucracy in a historical perspective and its symbiotic relation with the society at large. The system of governance we inherited was suited to a colonial system, with rulers and subjects. However, the same system, which was devised for colonial governance was transplanted on a democratic system.
This immediately created a problem of incompatibility. It is easier to rule than administer. This has not helped in developing a healthy political system or an efficient administrative structure. Bureaucracy is also a successor to the courtier system. With dominant feudal elements in the society, the gap between both has narrowed. Spoils system has also made its in-roads in the system, where personal preferences give way to objectivity. This has also eroded the credibility of the system.
Globalisation and economic reforms have created a close nexus between government and private business. This has created a situation of huge corruption. Present reported scams are only the tips of huge icebergs of corruption. The Government system, which was designed to prevent any wasteful expenditure, has been allowed to deteriorate to a personalized system.
Dismantling of the system of checks and balances over the years has degenerated public administration to private administration. Any organization can function effectively, if there is an internal system of checks, without which, it degenerates into a personal fiefdom. It is necessary to put in place proper checks in the government system, instead of over policing it.
The present day movement against corruption by Anna Hazare, a social reformer and follower of Gandhian philosophy, and public response thereof, is ultimately the outcome of a failed bureaucracy. Necessary reforms in its functioning will have to be made to make it people-friendly.ISBN - 9788170494003
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Pages : 258
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