Accountability

ACCOUNTABILITY


Delhi Development Authority has the dubious distinction of constructing a largr number of flats without proper foundation. When the matter was exposed in the press, DDA took action against some Junior Engineers. Without going into the merits or demerits of the case, one would like to ask the DDA whether it wants the public believe that these Junior Engineers were independently incharge of these projects? It is common knowledge that such gross irregularities cannot be perpuated without the connivance of senior officials. However, the axe always falls on the junior staff and instances of action taken against senior officials are few and far between.

Responsibility and accountability of a person increases with the increase in status and position. However, this theory does not seem to be made applicable to India especially in the Government departments. Consequently always the small fish is caught in the net and the big fish continues its activity with almost total impunity. Finding fault with juniors only has become a part of our national character and unless we eschew this tendency and enforce accountability at all levels, things are not going to improve much.