Gustakhi Maaf Haryana-Pawan Kumar Bansal

Gustakhi Maaf Haryana-Pawan Kumar Bansal

Bureaucratic Arrogance and Corruption: A Retired Haryana Official’s Insight

Introduction: A Reflection on Bureaucratic Culture
R.K. Garg, a retired Engineer-in-Chief (EIC) of Irrigation Haryana, has shared a page from his book Reflections, offering a candid look at the dynamics of bureaucratic corruption in Haryana. In his observations, Garg contrasts the bureaucratic cultures of Delhi and Haryana, drawing attention to the feudalistic tendencies and the excessive power wielded by bureaucrats aligned with political forces in the state.

Power Dynamics and Bureaucratic Arrogance in Haryana
During his five years at the Delhi Jal Board, Garg noted a distinct difference between the bureaucracies of Delhi and Haryana. He attributed this difference to the structure of State versus Union cadres. In Haryana, bureaucrats, especially those working in the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), often develop an inflated sense of power. The CMO, being a strong political center, fosters a culture where the importance of an officer is judged by their proximity to the political elite. Postings in departments related to town planning, urban development, and industrial land are typically reserved for those close to the political powers, resulting in a privileged, arrogant class of bureaucrats.

A Personal Encounter with Arrogance
Garg recounted a personal experience with the arrogance of a senior officer during a dispute over a 50% pension cut. Mr. Jalan, a colleague, advised Garg to meet the then Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister (PS/CM) to resolve the issue. Despite a prior appointment, Garg was told that the PS/CM was too busy to meet him. He waited, but when he tried to accompany the PS/CM to his lunch, his request was firmly denied. Garg was left without an audience, experiencing firsthand the kind of bureaucratic arrogance that often flourishes under the protection of political power.

The Fall of the Arrogant Bureaucrat
Garg went on to describe the officer involved in the incident, a person who had come from a humble background and was once known for his simplicity and balance. However, after aligning himself with a powerful Chief Minister, the officer gained significant influence, eventually being appointed to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). His tenure, however, was cut short after a CBI raid, and he is now an accused in several ongoing land corruption cases. Garg pointed out that this was not an isolated case and that many other officers had similarly succumbed to the lure of power and corruption during what was known as the “golden time” for the state bureaucracy—an era marked by corrupt land deals and unethical practices involving the change of land use.

Comparing Haryana and Delhi Bureaucracies
In contrast, Garg noted that the bureaucracy in Delhi lacks the same strong political power structure. While Delhi bureaucrats are more rule-bound, they are often more accessible and down-to-earth. The absence of a strong political center means that bureaucrats in Delhi are less likely to develop the same sense of arrogance or entitlement. However, Garg also acknowledged that the more rigid, rule-based nature of Delhi’s bureaucracy can sometimes lead to inefficiencies and less effective governance.

Conclusion: The Price of Power and Corruption
Through his personal experiences and observations, Garg sheds light on the dangerous intersection of political power and bureaucratic arrogance in Haryana. His reflections highlight the systemic corruption and moral decline that can result from the concentration of power within a few hands. While the bureaucracy in Delhi may lack the same level of influence, it too faces its own challenges in terms of effectiveness and efficiency. Ultimately, Garg’s account serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity, accountability, and the dangers of unchecked power within government institutions.