Dilli Ka Babu
Caste in stone
Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar may be running a “progressive” administration but the caste factor is very much alive in the state. Just how deep caste runs in the state’s bureaucracy came to light when Bihar chief secretary Navin Kumar was told to brief principal secretaries, divisional commissioners, senior police officials and other senior functionaries about “guidelines” on how to interact with the people’s elected representatives.
It seems that Mr Nitish Kumar has been receiving complaints from MPs and MLAs about babus who are “inaccessible” or “discourteous”. Some scheduled caste MLAs have even reported alleged casteist behaviour of some babus. The issue has also been raised often in the state Legislative Assembly. The chief secretary’s missive is aimed at reversing this distressing trend. Will the political class prevail over the babus?
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Cosy boys’ club
It’s quite a cosy boys’ club at the finance ministry, and it’s likely to remain that way following the three-month extension given to R. Gopalan, secretary, department of economic affairs. Mr Gopalan was slated to retire at the end of the month and the coveted post had quite a few aspirants. But the extension has probably taken the wind out of their sails, for now at least. Interestingly, finance secretary R.S. Gujral, who oversees the revenue department, and expenditure secretary Sumit Bose and Mr Gopalan are all 1976 batch IAS officers.
It is rare, sources point out, for a secretary-level babu to get an extension. The usual practice is to reward “loyalists” with plum post-retirement appointments. Mr Gopalan’s extension is likely to have a cascading effect on the postings and promotions of other babus in the finance ministry. That is why this move has surprised quite a few, though the reason is simple: the Budget is yet to be passed in Parliament.
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