Man made disasters can be prevented by strengthening administrative machinery and ensuring the faithful implementation of laws
Sanjay Jog
In an exclusive interview, former bureaucrat Mahesh Zagde, who had worked as the Food and Drugs Administration Commissioner and Transport Commissioner, has argued that the administration is directly or in directly responsible for recent disasters or incidents in Maharashtra including Pune hit and run case, blast in Dombivli factory and Ghatkopar’s hoarding collapse incident. Zagde, who has been quite vocal in exposing administrative failures, has argued that the administrative system needs to function independently and robustly without bothering about any undue pressures from political bosses
Q: What is the common thread among various disasters?
A: The common thread is that these are all man-made disasters. The administration is directly or indirectly responsible for each of them. These incidents reach the public through media and social media, sparking anger and public agitation. There is significant outrage against those deemed responsible, and political accusations abound. Often, the Chief Minister announces financial assistance for victims' families, and cases are filed or inquiry committees are appointed. However, once the media spotlight fades, these incidents are forgotten until the next calamity occurs, perpetuating a vicious cycle.
Q: Do you believe it is possible to prevent such disasters, and if so, what measures can be taken to reduce these incidents and avoid loss of life?
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A: It is absolutely possible to prevent such disasters. The Constitution guarantees the basic right and guarantee of life to every citizen. Each Ministry or Department has a Secretary responsible for ensuring all laws under their jurisdiction are fully implemented. However, the system has collapsed. The secretaries are often limited to handling cases coming on their table. What is more serious is that? their influence on field machinery has eroded and replaced by political influence. The field apparatus is engrossed in illegal gains instead of maintaining law enforcement. The solution lies in reinforcing the administrative system to function independently and robustly without bothering about any undue pressures from political bosses.
Q: Can you elaborate on the role of the legislature and the administrative machinery in preventing such incidents?
A: The legislature has definitely performed well in its job of making laws but its responsibility does not end there. It must ensure that these laws and policies are implemented by the executive branch. Unfortunately, the legislature has not fulfilled its responsibility in this regard. Once laws are formulated, their implementation legally falls on the administrative machinery. This system is? selected by impartial body like the Public Service Commission and operate neutrally.?In spite of the protection afforded to bureaucracy under the Constitution and by many Supreme Court landmark judgements, the system has weakened, leading to a sense of insecurity among field level officials. In effect, the field apparatus is often preoccupied with illegal financial gains, neglecting law enforcement.
Q: What specific measures should be taken to strengthen the administrative machinery and ensure the effective implementation of laws?
A: There should be a robust system of supervision by senior officers and secretaries to ensure that laws are followed. For example, in cases of fire incidents, there should be an emergency response system in place, and people should be able to evacuate easily. Billboards should be able to withstand storms, rain, and earthquakes, and dangerous ones should be removed. Minors should not be served alcohol, and drunken drivers should not be allowed on the roads. The vehicular capacity of bridges should match the traffic they bear, and there should be thorough verification of these rules. Ultimately, acknowledging and purposefully ignoring illegalities for financial gains should be stopped.
The public must hold the administration accountable and demand transparency and accountability in governance. The administration, on its part, must reinforce its commitment to the rule of law and the public good. By strengthening our administrative machinery and ensuring the faithful implementation of laws, we can prevent such man-made disasters and protect the lives of our citizens. However, the most effective tool would be to hold the Secretaries and senior officials accountable for such incidents and take exemplary action against them and not just the private players.