M A I L B A G

How Collectors can achieve PM’s goals

V Eshwar Anand, in his article “The cutting edge: Restoring the primacy of Collectors” (June 4), has analysed the Collectors’ role in the changed scenario. The Collector enjoys unlimited powers and social status under the rules to do public good. It is the individual’s aptitude, skill and will to do and not the tenure that matters. There are examples of dedicated Collectors who performed well even within short periods. Fixed tenure is no solution for non-performers.

The Collector must be a man of integrity. He should be prudent enough to convince the political leadership about the merits and demerits of any action being initiated. He/she should shun the colonial (mai bap) attitude, develop leadership qualities, learn to coordinate with all departments as also local bodies like the Panchayati Raj institutions and honour public opinion.

PURAN SINGH, Nilokheri

II

The PM’s recent initiatives to reform the bureaucracy like his interaction with the Collectors and the new performance appraisal system are praiseworthy. The Collector is an institution in itself and all efforts must be made to uphold its dignity. Owing to varied responsibilities like law and order manager, development executive, crisis manager, coordinator, regulator etc., the Collector is seen as the ultimate custodian of public interest. Despite various deficiencies, people still repose a lot of confidence and trust in him.

The present work environment for the civil servants requires a deliberate attempt to nurture upright officials. The Prime Minister’s recent approval for a new appraisal system — aimed at fixing accountability, increasing efficiency and giving due recognition to IAS officers who work hard and deliver — is a step in the right direction.

ABHISHEK JAIN, IAS, Dharampur

III

Dr Manmohan Singh is convinced that administrative reforms are a must to revitalise the system and make it responsive. The Collectors’ role is extremely crucial in the implementation of the government’s policies at the grassroots level. It is only through their close involvement and unfailing commitment that a sense of social equity and justice can percolate to the marginalised sections of society.

The people’s image of the Collectors holds the key to effective administration. By setting examples of personal integrity and impartiality, the Collectors can ensure a just and fair administration.

Prof B.R. SOOD, Bahadurpur (Hoshiarpur)

Abolish PSSB The Punjab Services Selection Board (PSSB) should be disbanded forthwith to save the huge burden on the state exchequer. It was constituted primarily for recruiting non-gazetted staff. However, since the imposition of blanket ban on recruitment in April 2003, the PSSB’s continuation has become untenable. Recently, the state Cabinet has constituted a group of ministers to examine and recommend ways to redeploy the surplus staff. The PSSB has 11 members who draw salary and perks without recruiting a single employee. This should be stopped immediately by abolishing the PSSB. HARDEEP SINGH SANDHU, PCS (retd), Chandigarh

Package for HP

I refer to the news-item “PM announces mega package for Himachal” (May 30) and the editorial “Packaged funds” (May 31). The Prime Minister pays a visit to Himachal Pradesh and gifts away crorers of taxpayers’ money to the state. The people of adjoining states just look with dismay in the sweltering heat and dust, when the “Santa Claus” from Delhi, is showering bounties on the pampered state!

Is the benevolence prompted by economics, politics or sheer beauty of the state which mesmerise the dignitaries?

S.S. BENIWAL, Chandigarh

II

Himachal Pradesh’s untapped hydel power potential is vast. Lack of political grit and the state electricity board’s incompetence are responsible for the state’s dismal performance in this key sector. The Chief Minister is determined to meet the dual challenge of bureaucratic lethargy and mismanagement. Hopefully, he will succeed.

As regards the Prime Minister’s “economic largesse”, notwithstanding the Opposition’s reservations about the massive Rs 4,000 crore package, its effective utilisation is imperative. The Centre must monitor its effective implementation.

Brig H.S. CHANDEL (retd), Una (HP)

Women teachers

I agree with Amrik Singh’s views in his article “Three cheers to women teachers” that women teachers perform well in the primary schools because of their motherly instinct. Women are also tolerant, patient and God fearing. As teachers they can identify and rectify the problem more quickly than men. By nature, they are also calm and can handle difficult situations easily.

Women teachers are also punctual. Of course, women’s status will improve in society only if their rights are recognised and they are allowed to become self-reliant and economically independent.

ANITA KATARIA, Vice-Principal, DAV Public School, Patiala