State Government offices

The establishments of the State Government are governed by different Acts and Regulations which were enacted by the British rulers in the pre-independence days for the interest of British Raj. After Independence, these rules and regulations are still in use in the execution of different government office works with the British flavour. For example, if we notice the working of the State Revenue Department, the language of the script written in land deeds/documents/measurement of land, endorsement of revenue stamps on the public letters etc are odd. The language used in these documents is not the official language of this State. Therefore, the common citizens find it difficult to follow the language and take the help of middlemen with an extra cost while writing such documents or letters. The name of services like Toroni/Mohori/Mondol/Latmondol/Kanongu/Borobabu are typical for the present generation. Further, there are many executive Rules, Fundamentals, Subsidiary Rules, Leave Rules etc. which were created in the pre-independence era and are also in use to manage office works. But for instance, we find no such borrowed rules and regulations in the corporate sector, nor in the banking system. We can notice that these organizations are rendering public services and strong work culture with scientifically managed working force, with less paperwork.

Another hurdle in the State Government is the presence of treasury offices. We never see the presence of such designated establishments in any of the Central government offices due to the existence of pay and account offices in every department. It is apparent that the dependence of the 'Sarkaribabus' in the state-run offices is too much. It results more unproductive file works, indirectly supports corruption and delaying tactics, encouraging the root cause of redtape. We have to clean up this mess and make government offices friendly to the citizens which can render service to the public promptly and transparently. The present working affairs of the State government offices are uncommon to the common people and to the present heritage.

Prasanta Baruah,

Dispur, Guwahati