The Ease of Living Report under the ‘Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs’ providers 4 pillars and 15 categories which every city must self-assess for meeting aspirations of its people. One of the most important pillars is that ‘GOVERNANCE’ and ‘INSTITUTIONAL’ category. Ease of living must ensure good governance & utmost institutional assistance.
The Lok Nithi- CDSD reported that only 28% of the people (respondents) believe that work can be done from government offices without bribe or compensation. Remaining had no trust in bureaucracy. The rural and urban alike believed it was difficult to get work done. Here existed socio-economic divide according to respondents in sense that:
‘Rich and elitist groups were favored more’. In another study by same organization, respondents refrained from approaching offices until absolutely necessary. They placed only 53% of trust in bureaucracy and much less than Army, PM, Judiciary etc.
The common man finds it difficult to get job done due to repeated return to offices; the unnecessary necessity to be present in person; misinformation; unnecessary paperwork and excessive form filling. In midst of this corporates and people alike believe in quick remedies like bribes and coercion.
The root of the problem lies in:
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Political pressure on bureaucrats:
in some cases when collusion of corporates or party men takes a turnoff gratitude for favors; bureaucrats are in a deadlock & have to wait for top orders.
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Excessive and detailed taxation system
: Although government believes private investment is key to growing economy, at every level there is taxation. In excessive and complicated licensing also forces corporates & people to find other avenues.
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Monopoly of government on certain goods & services
– cause for repetitive visits to those offices.
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Lack of regulations & enforcement laws.
The State Government can legislate laws to clean the system by bringing in reform to fill vacancies in government offices; outsource some services to private firms; improve technology by bringing portals to directly entertain cities issues. Bureaucracy is the backbone of the executive. Thus, to ensure reforms & reach of schemes to city, it is essential to bring changes and direct investment.