Having seen and experienced the Indian Democracy since 1947 when I was seven-years-old in an Ashram at Kengeri, near Bengaluru, I have come to the firm view that after Indira Gandhi came to power by splitting Congress party there was more politics of power and less administration of progress. The quality of politicians who were getting elected began to deteriorate but, fortunately, the quality of the IAS, IPS, IRS, etc., the All India Service Officers remained as it was. Gradually, this too got degenerated because of the fealty of these officials. Even so there remains some who may not be 24-carat worth, but surely of 18-carat value who serve the government in a just and efficient manner despite the interference of the politicians. Here I am going to give just three examples that I know. One, Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat CEO Dr. M.R. Ravi’s initiative in helping the girls manage menstruation, which often is a shock to them. Apparently, he was wondering why there was a large number of school drop-outs among girls and found out one of the reasons was menstruation when they reach 6th or 7th standard. His initiative will make menstrual hygiene a part of curriculum in class 6 and 7. Dr. Ravi, is an IAS Officer, with many original and innovative ideas to improve the administration and help the various sections of the society that come under his jurisdiction. This programme will be launched, hopefully, from July this year. And hopefully the conservatives and puritans among our politicians must have given the green signal. Two, in our MUDA to get the Title Deed for the site you have purchased, you are asked to enclose a possession certificate along with your application. Now, see how the hunt for the possession certificate begins and ends. A long, traumatic journey indeed.
