Flashbacks from the Field: 1974 to 1978

Theme: The theme of the document revolves around the electoral contest in the Dhandhuka
constituency, providing insights into the dynamics of political campaigning, the conduct of
elections, and the unexpected turn of events. It delves into the contrast between the
formidable campaign machinery of the Congress and the grassroots, principled approach of
the Janata Party. The narrative captures the gradual shift in expectations as the election
results unfold, highlighting the resilience and commitment of the underdog party. It also
portrays the role and observations of the Returning Officer, offering a unique perspective on
the unfolding events. The document encapsulates the themes of political competition,
unexpected outcomes, and the essence of grassroots support in shaping electoral results.
Additionally, it touches upon the sensitivity and significance of electoral processes,
emphasising the impact of individual actions and the broader implications for the citizenry.

- The document describes the political and social unrest in Gujarat during the seventies,
particularly focusing on the Nav Nirman agitation and the authoritarian leadership of
Chimanbhai Patel.

- It highlights the challenges faced by the bureaucratic executive, particularly the District
Collector, in ensuring provisions reached the citizens during the agitations.

- The rise of Santsokben Odedra, a female don who controlled the mafia and became a
Bollywood icon as the '‘Godmother'’, is also discussed.

- An incident involving the Chief Minister presiding over a function at Kirti Mandir, Gandhiji'’s
birthplace, sheds light on the disconnect between historical associations and the attitude of
the residents.

- The document also touches on the friction between civil servants and political leaders, with
a specific example involving the District Development Officer and the Minister-in-charge of
the district.

Story

- Chimanbhai Patel was a leader in Gujarat known for authoritarian governance

- The Nav Nirman agitation broke out in Gujarat in 1974, starting as a student protest against
hostel fees.

- The agitation spread due to deep-seated grievances and revulsion towards political
jockeying.

- The practical aspect of daily routine was never abandoned by the agitating Gujarati

- The crowds agitating in public places would thin out at meal times

- The District Collector of Ahmedabad, Prafullabhai Das, faced challenges in ensuring

- A historical place like Kirti Mandir, Gandhiji's birthplace, had little connection with the
attitude of the residents towards that historical memory

- The Chief Minister, Babubhai Patel, presided over a function at Kirti Mandir where the local
MLA, Vasanjibhai Thakrar, was turned away by the police inspector

- Vasanjibhai was found to be drunk and had chewed onions to mask the smell

- The friction between civil servants and political masters often led to an uneasy coexistence
- The Minister-in-charge of Junagadh district was a highly committed and aggressive activist
of the BJP

- The period of the incident was in the mid-seventies with a Janata Party–BJP alliance ruling
in both the Centre and Gujarat state

- The Chief Minister of Gujarat at the time was Babubhai J. Patel, known for being a sincere
Gandhian and an able administrator

- Prafullabhai Das, the District Collector of Ahmedabad, remained unharmed during the
agitation due to his considerable respect amongst all

- Prafullabhai Das had to rely on his own guts and a small posse of armed and unarmed
constables to ensure provisions reached fair price shops

- The lower-level police force was a target of public derision during the agitation

- The civil supplies staff failed to get the wholesale shops opened during the agitation

- The Chief Minister, Babubhai Patel, was known as a sincere Gandhian and a civilized
person

- Vasanjibhai Thakrar was later bumped off in a shoot-out by one of his Odedra rivals.

The Changing Face of Public Administration

Theme: The document delves into the role and responsibilities of civil servants in policy
formulation and public governance. It emphasises the need for civil servants to reclaim their
original role as policy advisors and to ensure that decisions are made in the public interest.
The theme also highlights the importance of nuanced and analytical input from the private
corporate sector in policy formulation, as well as the necessity for reasoned policy discourse.
Additionally, the document discusses the ethical integrity of civil servants, addressing
concerns about corruption and ethical compromise within the bureaucratic system. It also
touches upon the societal background and mindset of civil servants, shedding light on the
factors that shape their values and vision. Overall, the document revolves around the
challenges and expectations faced by civil servants in serving the public interest, the need
for ethical conduct, and the complexities of policy formulation and governance in the public
sector.

- The document discusses the need for civil servants to reclaim their role as policy advisors
and emphasises the importance of reasoned and analytical input from the corporate sector
in policy formulation.

- It highlights the ethical challenges faced by civil servants, with a focus on financial and
intellectual integrity, and the impact of social background on their mindset and values.

- The author criticises the lack of credibility of the bureaucratic and political executives, and
the failure to adapt to rapidly changing scenarios in public governance.

- It mentions the deliberate choice of some civil servants to opt for routine and unchallenging
positions, impacting their motivation and professional aspirations.

- The document reflects on the historical reputation of the higher civil services in India and
compares it to neighbouring Southeast Asian countries, while also discussing the societal
roots and entry point into civil services.

Inside

- Civil servants should reclaim their role as policy advisors

- Wide-span consultations are necessary for preparing national policies or programmes for
broadband issues

- Private corporate sector's suggestions and views are important in policy formulation

- Corporate sector viewpoint needs to be expressed in clear and nuanced language

- Corporate sector position is often spelt out in sweeping, jargonized language

- Policy discourse should occupy a key position in policy formulation

- Personal integrity of public servants was an irreducible requirement in the mid-sixties

- Media is awash with lurid accounts of public scams - About one-half of the IAS members
are not personally financially corrupt

- Some civil servants suspend their own judgment on issues of public importance

- Deep-rooted reverence for formal financial rectitude exists among middle-class civil
servants

- Second group of civil servants deliberately opts for routine and unchallenging public
administration

- Large-scale public interest is seldom at stake in routine public administration jobs

- State-guided development strategy in India has not been as productive as expected

- Bureaucracy has not been nimble-footed enough to adapt to rapidly changing scenarios

- Results in public governance are through complementary efforts of political and

- Social background and vision determine the type of public servants civil servants become

- Civil services offered immense opportunities and standing in society in the mid-sixties

- UPSC conducts the process of selection to the higher civil services.

Caring for Civil Services Family: 1996 to 1997

Theme: The document discusses the challenges and biases faced in the appointment of top
government officials in India, particularly the Cabinet Secretary. It highlights the gender bias
in the selection process, as well as the lack of representation from underprivileged
communities in such high-ranking positions. The theme revolves around the systemic
barriers and prejudices that hinder the appointment of deserving candidates based on
gender and social background. It sheds light on the struggles faced by individuals from
reserved categories and the obstacles they encounter in reaching top administrative
positions. Additionally, the document emphasises the need for a more equitable and
inclusive approach to appointments, calling attention to the importance of addressing gender
and social biases in the selection of government officials.

- A highly qualified individual from a reserved category, Mata Prasad, faced obstacles in his
career progression despite his exceptional abilities and achievements.

- Gender bias was evident in the selection of the Cabinet Secretary, with a highly
experienced female officer being overlooked in favour of less qualified male candidates.

- The prolonged tenure of certain Cabinet Secretaries raised speculation about ulterior
motives and favouritism in the appointment process.

- The lack of representation from underprivileged communities, particularly OBC category, in

- The document raises concerns about unconscious biases, irrational fixations, and the need
for greater inclusivity and equity in the selection of top government positions.

Inside

- Mata Prasad, a brilliant student from a humble background, overcame obstacles to excel in
academics and civil services.
- Despite facing social prejudice, Mata Prasad held key positions in the UP administration
and the Ministry of Water Resources.

- He was in line to become the Cabinet Secretary but faced political manoeuvring that led to
the extension of the incumbent's tenure.

- The NDA government offered Mata Prasad a position as a Member of the UPSC, which he
accepted due to exhaustion from his career battles.

- A female officer with rich experience was overlooked for the position of Cabinet Secretary
in favor of a male candidate with narrower experience.

- Gender bias was evident in the selection process for the Cabinet Secretary, with a female
officer being passed over despite her solid track record.

- The Prime Minister's decision to extend the tenure of the incumbent Cabinet Secretary
raised speculation about ulterior motives.

- The appointment process for high-level positions in the civil service was marred by biases
against female officers and underprivileged communities.

- The lack of representation from underprivileged communities, such as OBC and SC

- Officers from reserved categories often retire early, limiting their chances of reaching the
position of Cabinet Secretary.

- The establishment spurned a real chance to appoint a member of the SC category as the
Cabinet Secretary in 1998.

- The age relaxation for reserved category candidates often results in their retirement before
being considered for the position of Cabinet Secretary.

- The appointment process for high-level civil service positions reflects biases and
challenges related to gender equity and social representation.

- The political maneuvering and biases in the selection process for the Cabinet Secretary
position highlight the need for greater inclusivity and fairness.

- The appointment of the Cabinet Secretary is influenced by political dynamics and social
biases, impacting the representation of underprivileged communities and female officers.

- The lack of representation from underprivileged communities and gender biases in the
selection process for the Cabinet Secretary position raise questions about equity and
fairness.

- The appointment process for the position of Cabinet Secretary in the civil service is
influenced by biases and political maneuvering, impacting the representation of
underprivileged communities and female officers.
- The appointment process for high-level civil service positions reflects biases and
challenges related to gender equity and social representation.

- The lack of representation from underprivileged communities and gender biases in the
selection process for the Cabinet Secretary position raise questions about equity and
fairness.

- The appointment of the Cabinet Secretary is influenced by political dynamics and social
biases, impacting the representation of underprivileged communities and female officers.

Orphaned Economic Laws

Theme: The document discusses the transition from the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act
(FERA) to the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) in 1999 and its impact on the
enforcement of foreign exchange transactions. It highlights the challenges faced by the
Enforcement Directorate in investigating and prosecuting cases under FEMA, including the
dilution of investigative powers and the difficulty in enforcing penalties. The theme revolves
around the struggle to combat clandestine foreign exchange transactions, the influence of
corporations in subverting enforcement efforts, and the link between violations of FERA and
the Securities Scam of the early nineties. Additionally, it sheds light on the nexus between
hawala transactions and terrorism, emphasising the misconceptions surrounding their
relationship. The document also touches upon the professional dynamics within enforcement
agencies, the challenges faced in maintaining professional links with informers, and the risks
involved in such strategies. Overall, the theme encompasses the complexities and
challenges in enforcing laws related to foreign exchange transactions, the influence of
corporations, and the interconnectedness of financial violations with broader issues such as
terrorism and economic scams.

- The document discusses the dilution of powers and provisions under the Foreign Exchange
Management Act (FEMA), leading to challenges in investigating and prosecuting financial
violations.

- It highlights the inadequacy of FEMA in dealing with serious financial offences, such as
hawala transactions and money laundering, due to weakened enforcement powers and
penalties.

- The case of Hasan Ali Khan, a hawala dealer, is mentioned to illustrate the limitations of
the Income Tax Department and the ineffectiveness of FEMA in addressing large-scale
financial crimes.

- The document emphasises the need for stronger legal powers and collaboration between
enforcement agencies to combat financial violations effectively.

- It also touches upon the complex relationships between law enforcement officers and
informers, as well as the ongoing challenges in addressing the nexus between terrorism and
hawala transactions.
Inside

- Need for inter-institutional checks and balances

- Absolute authority conferred to judiciary and parliament

- Democratic framework's system of checks and balances

- Economic reforms initiated in the early nineties

- Observations on the economic scene as Director of Enforcement and Revenue Secretary

- Foreign exchange regulations and the need for redrafting

- Stricter provisions in FERA needed for emergency contingencies

- Dilution of provisions in FEMA making them less effective

- Inadequate legal powers for enforcement of foreign exchange violations

- Lack of consultation with concerned agencies in legislation

- FEMA treating violations as civil non-cognizable offences

- Weakening of investigative powers under FEMA compared to FERA

- Possibility of compounding offences under FEMA for a penalty

- Ineffectiveness of FEMA as a law

- Case of Hasan Ali Khan and the limitations of the Income Tax Department

- Revival of investigation under FEMA due to Supreme Court intervention

- Professional links with shady informers in enforcement agencies

- Risk involved in maintaining relationships with informers

- Misconceptions about the nexus between terrorism and hawala

- Thriving hawala market and its connection to the parallel economy