The IAS Officers’ Association, Odisha, has welcomed the judgement of the Supreme Court which has insulated bureaucrats from political interference with sweeping reforms in the functioning of the bureaucracy.
Notably, the Supreme Court on Thursday delivered a landmark verdict suggesting a fixed tenure for Babus and held that they should not function on verbal or oral instructions given by their political bosses.
“I welcome the judgement of the Supreme Court and expect it would be implemented in letter and spirit. This would help strengthen independence of IAS officers,” said IAS Officers’ Association, Odisha, secretary Madhusudan Padhi to mediapersons.
It is the duty of a bureaucrat to aid and advise the Government as to how to ensure good governance at all levels. As per the SC judgement, a fixed tenure of a bureaucrat would increase his efficiency level and ensure implementation of schemes and projects within timelines, he said.
Asked if a fixed tenure would lead to corruption in the system when a corrupt IAS officer is made to stay at a particular post, Padhi said, “There would be a Civil Service Board to be constituted by the Government as per the Supreme Court verdict. It would not be like a one-way traffic and there would also be provisions for restraining and removing corrupt officials.”
The apex court has asked the Government to constitute boards to decide transfers and postings for civil servants till a proper legislation is enacted.
In view of controversies surrounding Ashok Khemka, an IAS officer of the Haryana cadre over the DlF-Robert Vadra land deal and Durga Sakhti Nagpal, Uttar Pradesh cadre IAS officer targeted by the State Government for initiating action against sand mafias, the court verdict is expected to go a long way in giving freedom and independence to the functioning of the bureaucracy, it is
generally felt.