State simplifies processes, stresses RTI

Decca chronicle; September 26th, 2010;

Sept. 25: In an effort to simplify administrative procedures, the state government has decided not to circulate files across more than three levels. The third level should be the decision-making level, it has ordered.

Accepting the recommendation of Administrative Reforms Committee headed by Justice A.K. Rajan, the state government has ordered that the system of level jumping already been introduced in Secretariat. “As per the system, the files are passed through three levels including decision-making level. The recommendation may be accepted,” the order said directing the department of personnel and administrative reforms to issue suitable instruction to all departments.

The government has also accepted a recommendation that technical files should be processed from Under secretary level upwards. Similarly, the state government has agreed to a suggestion that tapals and files be disposed of speedily, waiting for note from the clerks must be avoided.

Justice Rajan committee has asked the government to recruit candidates district-wise for group C posts. Declining to accept the suggestion, the government said: “in order to get best talents into government service, recruitment should only be on state level instead of district level. Therefore the suggestion is not accepted.” The government has directed the P&AR department to issue necessary orders to all the departments to strictly adhere to the provisions of Right to Information Act. Section 4 of the Act insists that every public authority should maintain all its records duly catalogued and indexed in a manner and the form, which facilitates the right to information under this Act. It also asked the authorities to ensure all records computerised and connected through a network all over the country on different systems so that access to such records is facilitated.

However, the government has chose to ignore the suggestion that professionals be appointed as heads of departments and experts in the field be appointed as heads.