Former babus want code of conduct for politicians
NEWDELHI: Former bureaucrats on Saturday rooted for a “Code of Conduct” f or politicians to ensure smooth relationship between bureaucrats and politicians, the two pillars of democracy.
Speaking during a panel discussion, former chief secretary of Delhi, Omesh Saigal, said that most of the communication to chief secretary Anshu Prakash from CM or deputy CM was through Twitter, TV or media.
The discussion came in the backdrop of a standoff that erupted after Delhi chief secretary Anshu Prakash alleged in February that he was assaulted by the Aam Aadmi Party MLAS during a meeting at chief minister Arvind Kejriwal’s residence.
“The officer cannot reply…how you respond to these people. We should amend government servant conduct rules and we (bureaucrats) must be given legal defence. People like (Arvind) Kejriwal are attacking Anshu Prakash, he should have a right to answer back. There should be financial assistance to go to court if someone goes against us (the officers),” Saigal said. Delhi chief secretary Anshu Prakash was present in the audience as Saigal spoke.
He also questioned why politicians can’t apologise for their statements (made against officers) when they can apologise to their political adversaries. “We have come to a very unfortunate situation. I hope we can find a satisfactory solution,” he said.
Former cabinet secretary and governor of Jharkhand Prabhat Kumar, who chaired Saturday’s discussion said: “The relationship between the bureaucracy and the political executive should be guided by principle of ethics.”
Former bureaucrat Bhure Lal, who is also the chairman of Supreme Court appointed EPCA, said that political executive’s objective is very clear which is to win the elections and occupy the seat of power.
Lal said that the politicians tell the public that they want to deliver but the bureaucrats are an obstacle. “There is a need to define roles of the bureaucrats as well as the politicians. We (bureaucrats) are facing pressures and are getting cowed down. Politicians cannot have the upper hand on us. We are here to carry out constitutional duties,” Bhure Lal said.
The former bureaucrats were speaking at a panel discussion — titled ‘ Relationship between elected representatives (including political executive) and Indian Civil Servants - Evolving a Code of Conduct’ — stressed on the need to define roles for both the political executive and the bureaucracy. The event was held under the aegis of Delhi Administrative Officers’ Academic Forum.
Following the Anshu Prakash incident the Delhi government officers (IAS, DANICS and DASS) had decided to boycott meetings called by the ministers and maintain communication only through “written channels”.