Thaindian News

Ranchi, Aug 2 (IANS) The Congress in Jharkhand says bureaucrats have become “autocrats” during President’s Rule in the state and is unhappy with decisions like withdrawing facilities provided to former chief ministers.
Union Food Processing Minister Subodh Kant Sahay, who is the Congress’ Ranchi Lok Sabha MP, said the bureaucrats had “gone out of control”.

“It would have been better if an elected government had taken such a decision. The bureaucrats have gone out of control and there is a need to tighten the noose on them,” Sahay told reporters.

Apart from the Congress, its alliance partner Jharkhand Vikas Morcha-Prajatantrik (JVM-P) is also not happy with the Governor’s Advisory Council decision of withdrawing the facilities of former chief ministers.

The Congress and the JVM-P had fought the assembly elections together and emerged as the single largest pre-poll alliance partner. Former chief minister and JVM-P president Babulal Marandi is one of those who will suffer from the move.

Former chief ministers have been enjoying facilities like bungalows in Ranchi, vehicles and fuel and were provided personal secretaries as well apart from other perks.

The Congress is unhappy with the frequent transfer and postings effected during President’s Rule. Over 300 officials, including 65 IAS and IPS officers, have been transferred in the last two months in Jharkhand.

The core committee meeting of the Congress had Saturday highlighted the indifferent attitude of the bureaucrats towards people.

“The officers have become autocrats in the state. The common people are harassed and no action is taken against errant officers. If needed we will take up the issue at a higher level,” state Congress president Pradeep Balmuchu told reporters after the meeting.

Jharkhand Congress general secretary Shailesh Sinha told IANS: “President’s Rule has turned to be officers rule. Jharkhand is suffering from drought. Paddy transplantation is getting delayed and the officers have yet to take any action to tackle the drought situation.”

State Congress leaders say the governor too doesn’t seem to care about the suggestions made by party leaders.

“We are charged of ruling the state by proxy but the fact is that neither the governor nor officers care for the positive suggestions of the party,” a senior Congress said on condition of anonymity.