What's New Giving Chance to E-governance Baboodom, a gift of the Raj, is enough to scotch any initiative in the jungle of procedures and precedents. By Utpal K. Banerjee Plough Back Telecom Revenues I t has ushered in an era which is marked by, among others, a culture of innovation. Bureaucracy, on the other hand, is known to be rigid and unimaginative.
Seniority is a sacred cow in the government that makes a virtue of status quo.
Chief vigilance commissioner N. Vittal, with his irrepressible brand of humour, describes seniority as a matter of fact, like maternity that can't be challenged. Fortunately in IAS and other services, a lot of technocrats and qualified youngsters from IITs, IIMs and medical colleges are entering the services. In Vittal's view, the government should focus on this pool of talent, and let them loose on the system so that, with their innovative approach, they can make E-governance a reality. Seniors are expected to play a supportive role. Looking closely, one can discern half a dozen factors that run counter to Vittal's laudable idea.