Babu scarcity
It is not only vacancies in the elite services that are worrying the government, but also dearth of officials in services such as forest management and data collection. There is a growing concern that the shortage of frontline staff for wildlife protection is taking a toll on conservation efforts.
According to the environment ministry, at least 40 per cent of the posts for wildlife staff are vacant. More worryingly, there is a marked reluctance of wildlife officials to serve in the frontline areas such as sanctuaries and forest reserves.
Similarly, the data collected by the National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO) has been criticised in recent times for inaccuracies. Officials at the NSSO are quick to point out that the organisation does not have adequate experienced statistical officers to handle the assigned tasks. According to T.S.A. Anant, chief statistician and secretary, ministry of statistics and programme implementation, about 30 per cent posts in field areas have not been filled because of the delay in government approval.
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Bihar’s legend
If nothing succeeds like success, the opposite is true as well. Now languishing in the boondocks of Bihar politics, the once-mighty kingmaker Lalu Prasad Yadav finds himself at the receiving end, even from babus. A paper penned by IAS officer Santhosh Matthew as part of his doctorate squarely blames Mr Yadav for corruption in Bihar when he and wife Rabri Devi were in power. Naturally, the paper is now a rage among babus in the state.
Mr Yadav’s now depleted band of supporters see politics behind the “indictment” by the IAS officer, who is principal secretary for rural development in the Nitish Kumar regime, and not Mr Yadav’s pitiable governance record. Therein lies the rub.
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Copout
Caught on the wrong foot again during last month’s serial blasts in Mumbai, the Maharashtra government has become rather sensitive to criticism of its handling of the situation, especially from former IPS officers. Already under fire from the media, legislators of all political parties were reportedly very upset to hear retired IPS officers talk on TV about holes in the functioning of the police.
The matter has been now formally placed in the House for debate. But can netas muzzle retired IPS officers? Observers say that the reaction is more from embarrassment at the exposure of the government’s ineptitude, and not a dispute over the facts. Well, then...
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