A closer look at the civil service

But the sicknesses of the bureaucrats were not being much publicized, and the authorities do not seem to be keen to start Operation Clean-up (start with some filter effects, then prepare a road map for sustained campaign, to restore the good image of the civil service). The latter is in public interest, as these officials are public-servants, and are expected to process their assignments as per well established procedures, which are covered by rules and regulations.

Our officers are experienced and well trained, as the tradition comes from the British Raj days, who ran one-fifth of the world for two centuries. Our training institutions are second to none. Then what's the problem?

The problems are in the human factor area, and most of it is imposition by the superiors, leaving hardly any option for the officer under duress. The former include the political masters, which change from time to time, as regimes do.

Political polarization is a hidden evil in the system, or environment. The initiators do not admit it, and the victims cannot openly complain. It means that the internal forces cannot isolate issues and take impartial remedial measures. But there are ways and means for cleansing a closed system.

The steel frame can be retrieved, but human laundering is not that easy and simple. Humans react, while materials do not. The head and the heart have to be in tune, and act synchronously. It is more reorientation than repair. The cosmetic aspect comes later.

Once started, the operation should work. But who will cast the first stone?