Officials can have many excuses for pending files. But there is a strong perception among people that files move quickly for those with influence and willing to hand over. This understanding is reinforced by experience. Even though the Chief Minister has reminded that every file is a life, the officials are not approaching the files in a way that includes it. Officials are keen on what are the reasons why each file is pending.
The first thing that needs to be changed is the current system where decision-making authority over files is concentrated only at the top. But the people at the bottom never dare to take responsibility for decision making. No one has ever decided to take a decision on a file in so many days. So the reality is that the files of the uninfluential don’t even move that fast. The first thing that is needed to change this is the decentralization of power, which enforces the rule that the files that need to be decided at the bottom floor should not be left to the top. The Secretariat has a complete e-file system. This helps to process the file faster. Yet the second edition of the file settlement drive has also failed to yield the intended results. As of December 15, 93,014 files are pending in the Secretariat alone. It cannot be said that there was no effort on the part of the officials in the second yajna. They disposed of 82,401 files out of 1,75,415 files. That’s the big thing. However, apart from this, 7,89,623 files are pending at the departmental level. Most of the files are pending in the local department. 2,51,769 files. No one can give a definite answer when asked if this will end. If the process is expedited to avoid delay in the files where evidence is to be taken, the cases except those involved can be disposed of.
Delays in policy decisions due to inconveniences by the Chief Minister and ministers have also hampered the file disposal drive. Ministers should strictly set aside at least one day a week for such matters. In any ministry, the biggest obstacle to file transfer is the finance department. They will shelve many files without making a decision due to financial crisis. This does not result in any particular benefit. Finally, when the financial benefit in the file is allowed, the arrears for that period will have to be paid. Even if various departments hold adalats, half the files can be settled. Such moves need to be given more urgency.