This refers to the edited excerpt from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s speech on Civil Services Day (“We cannot have a 100% risk-averse bureaucracy,” April 22). In the initial period after Independence, bureaucrats did their work freely and fearlessly, and ministers valued their opinions while taking decisions. This was because both bureaucrats and politicians were dedicated to the common goal of serving the people. However, things have changed drastically. Politicians today are mostly self-serving and corrupt, and bureaucrats have to abide by them. With top officials being arrested for their alleged involvement in the 2G spectrum scam, hopefully, bureaucrats will realise the grave consequences of being yes-men. Though the prime minister is right in urging civil servants to show “boldness” in decision-making, he, too, needs to show courage and introduce key financial sector Bills in Parliament without any more delays. The time has come for the prime minister to put economic reforms on the front burner and talk tough with coalition allies, even if this means fresh polls.
M C Joshi Lucknow
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