Trivialities should always remain
what they intrinsically are, yet their very penchant to occupy centre stage in
the sarkari way of working can neither be overlooked nor appreciated. They
invariably continue to remain at the core of all that happens or does not happen
within the sarkari tantra.
The most common example of
trivialities overtaking the core issue is amply on display during functions
relating to laying of foundation stone or inaugural ceremonies. On such
occasions, the sitting arrangements, presentation of floral bouquets and
unnecessary protocol effectively shrouds the primary reason behind the
ceremony.
Even during the course of official
working one often realizes that issues other than work play the major role in
shaping careers. Concern for the boss and taking care of his needs and also
that of the spouse is universally recognized far more important that the sheer
act of delivery itself. Even during informal gatherings in club premises,
kowtowing to superiors and their better halves is blatantly visible for that is
a sure shot way of rising, if one calls it rise, within the organization. Possessing or putting on display even a semblance
of self-respect is almost fatal in bureaucratic circles, a lesson learnt fairly
early in life by the bureaucrat of today.
So shorn of self-esteem many of
us are that even a difference of opinion by someone lower down in the hierarchy
is viewed as dissent, while at the same time even blatant abuse by superiors is
taken as manna from the heavens. And in the process major issues that should
normally be dissected threadbare and discussed, move as per the whims, fancy and
understanding of the top honcho chairing the meeting ceremony.
Unfortunate it is that plain and
simple work has become a ceremony in the sarkari sector where massaging the ego’s
of those who matter occupies a much higher pedestal than delivery itself. This
work culture needs to be shown the door and hopefully the new government would
do so. After all a spade would continue to remain a spade regardless of what it
is regarded as by those drunk on power.
Amen!
In railway bureaucracy, it is fashionable to discuss your worries about completion of a work, than to actual work.
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