It has been an uphill task trying to achieve reforms within the civil service due to structural constraints. Current employees working as part of the public service sector face hurdles when it comes to promotion, increment and incentives. Evidently, the qualification of the employee often trumps the experience or skillset when promotion decisions are made. The consequences are visible in the way the organisation functions.
The frustration of the employees in the public sector often translates into their behaviour with civilians, after being constantly approached with complaints and queries. If we are to view this extremely hierarchical organisation, their behaviour may even seem justified. We can raise questions upon looking at the range of professionals who are employed as civil servants: from doctors who attend to patients and diagnose illnesses to an ex-cadre civil servant who has now been appointed to look into administrative affairs of education, the recruitment process is nothing short of unfair.
Furthermore, what is even more absurd is that the Department of Police is headed by the FIA, the district government is controlled by an army captain, and accounts and audit is given under the supervision of an engineer. Another issue is that senior ranking officers are treated like they belong to a lower caste while civil servants are treated as higher ups in the hierarchical order, even when the latter lacks competency. Power begets power. The same is the case with government institutions. Those who have made their place in the higher ranks use their power to achieve more power, and stay in control for as long as they can.
While we need to work on our flawed governance systems, there is also a need to make sure that those appointed do not misuse their power. There should be strict accountability and punishment measures in place to ensure that power is not being abused.
It is about time that radical reforms should be initiated by senior and experienced employees while the overarching issue of nepotism and class-based politics should also receive attention. The only way for a nation to pave the path of progress and prosperity is if systems and organisations at the grassroots level are not only functional but also efficient.
Ashfak Siyal
Karachi
Published in The Express Tribune, July 4th, 2020.
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