Trip to Delhi
The most important question that bothers the state bureaucracy these days is what will be the government’s decision on the chief secretary? Bade Sahib will continue to have the command of the state administration, or some other officer will get it. The officers expected that the government would not be in a dilemma over the issue this time. But the situation has come to such a pass that although August is nearing its end, a clear picture is yet to emerge.
Against this backdrop, a sudden trip of the head of state to Delhi caused speculations in the bureaucratic circle. There may have been other purposes behind the trip. But the main reason behind the visit was related to a decision on the chief secretary. People in the corridors of power say the head of state went to Delhi to take permission to appoint an officer as officer-on-special duty. It is, however, unknown to anyone whether the name he had proposed had got Delhi’s clearance or not. Sources say the central government did not approve any name. A decision on the head of administration will be clear only after an office in Delhi, which will play an important role in the matter, gives its approval for it. Many works are suffering because of the dilemma.
Race for collectorship
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The officers are making efforts to get the collectorship of an important district in the state. Such is the importance of the district that every officer wants to go there as collector. The name being discussed for the collectorship of the district is that of an officer who is working there. Some officers have a liking for this officer. But some important politicians do not want him to become the collector.
Despite this, he is ahead of others in the race for the collectorship. Some other officers have also set their eyes on the district. For this reason, a collector of the neighbouring district is trying to get the collectorship of the most important district of the state. He is lobbying for it. Some powerful people in the state capital are in his favour. On the other hand, there are a few officers who are opposed to the Sahib. Some other IAS officers are also trying to go to the district as a collector there. All the aspirants for the position are making efforts either through their clout in bureaucracy or through politicians.
Changing tune
The tune of an officer considered efficient has changed. The department where the officer is posted recently organised an event. At the function, the Sahib praised the head of state in his speech. The words of appreciation that he used even surprised the minister of the department as well as other officers. In the past 20 months, the officer has received several shocks. The government kept on posting him from one place to another. The head of state got so angry with the officer at a meeting that he sent the Sahib to the loop line. Afterwards, he was there for several months. Now that he has been brought back to the mainstream administration, he is able to understand the importance of mainstream administration. This is the reason that the Sahib tried his best to please the head of state in his speech. The Sahib wrote some phrases which the head of state loves to hear.
Eye on post
The post of commissioner in a department, considered important by the government, is falling vacant by month-end. The woman officer holding this position is going to the centre on deputation. She will, however, be in the state. But, in her place, the government must send someone to the department. There are reports that two officers have set their eyes on the department and are trying to get its command.
One of them is the commissioner of a department. But he wants posting in this money-making department. Another officer has set his eyes on it. The government has always given priority to posting a female officer there. Among the women officers, the government is pondering over the names of two. One is posted as commissioner in a department, and the other is in the loop line. It is yet to be decided who will be posted to this important department. But the government always ruminates about the credentials of the officers before sending anyone there.
Gambit of chess
A gambit of chess between the minister and the commissioner is underway in a department. The minister is considered sharp. He wants the department to issue supply orders according to his wishes. The suppliers move around his bungalow. A list, consisting of the names of suppliers to be given orders, is prepared at the minister’s bungalow. He also wants to decide who should get which order.
The commissioner is no different. Several suppliers are also connected with the commissioner, who wants to oblige some of them. This is what has sown the seeds of hostility between them. The minister does not want to get into a direct conflict with the commissioner. So, he is using other sources to mount pressure on him. Because of bitterness between them, many supply-related works in the department are stuck. On the other hand, their embittered relations have caused trouble to the lower-rank officers in the department. The Principal Secretary of the department is upright, so he keeps away from the disputes between the minister and the officer over making money through offstage deals.
Twice a week
Twice a week is not the time fixed to see a doctor but the office-going schedule of an IAS officer. The Sahib is posted in the loop line these days. So, he goes to the office twice a week. If there is any problem, he attends the office thrice a week. Now, those who are working with the Sahib have understood the reasons why he is not interested in coming to the office. The Sahib has the additional charge of a department.
Thus, he has told his staff if anyone asks about him, they should say he has gone to another office. At the same time, many employees of his department are unable to understand what he does at home throughout the day. The officer is trying to get a posting to another department. He has set his eyes on a department. Because he is not getting a plum posting, he has almost stopped working in the present department.
