 SHRUTI SHRESTHA/KANTIPUR |
"Leave the post if you cannot work,'' said Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal to ministry secretaries at a function in Kathmandu recently. The PM told officials to report to him if they faced any political pressure, and encouraged them not to succumb to pressure. On the same day, SP Ramesh Kharel took a month's leave and Shankar Prasad Koirala, Secretary at the Ministry of Energy, got transferred. Both were known for their excellent execution of their responsibilities.
Kathmandu locals have appreciated Kharel's efforts to curb crime, while Koirala is highly regarded in the hydro sector. The PM has betrayed double standards by criticising high officials about their performance but penalising those who perform well. If those who perform well are not acknowledged, then only those performing badly will remain.
Politics and bureaucracy complement each other, but they have different modi operandi. Both should aim to make the country prosperous. Politics has the direct support of people (voters), which the administration does not have. The political leadership or ministers devolve power to the administration. The role of the bureaucracy or administration is thus important in delivering on promises that political parties make during the elections.