Letter to Editor, The Economic Times, 27 November 2021
From: Ketharaman Swaminathan
To: editet@timesgroup.com
Dated: 28 November 2021
Subject: Save Administration From Administrators | Letter to Editor
Dear Editor of Economic Times:
This has reference to the article entitled “Save Administration From Administrators” by Vijay L Kelkar and Pradeep S Mehta published in The Economic Times dated 27 November 2021.
Kudos to the authors for hitting the nail on the head.
As the economy grows, turf wars between regulators is inevitable. Instead of naively wishing them away, we need to build a framework for resolving these conflicts amicably and in a timebound manner. I agree that the chief impediment to speedy resolution is the obstinate “my way or the highway” attitude of bureaucrats helming regulatory bodies.
As Swaminathan S. Anklesaria once pointed out, the only claim to fame of many of these babus is that they passed an exam three decades ago. This can’t continue.
I suggest a new framework for regulatory architecture in which bureaucrats must be made to walk through the rules they make for others. Before a government agency releases a new form to the public in USA, somebody from the agency must fill it, record the amount of time taken to complete it, and commit that the form can’t be simplified any further.
I have filled government forms in various countries and I can say with full confidence that American forms are easily the best designed ones. If we tried something like that, our stubborn bureaucrats would get a taste of their own medicine, and might be motivated to make amends to their obstinate approach.
Thanks and Regards.
KETHARAMAN SWAMINATHAN
Pune, INDIA
Original Article:
