Indian efforts to modernise administration thwarted by red tape

Administrative reform is a long-standing concern of the Indian government (see Wikipedia article on the issue ) The main drive is supposed to be provided by the administrative reforms commission was set up in 1966 and re-vamped in 2005. Results, however, have been slow in emerging, as evidenced by a March article in the Tribune: "The Haryana Administrative Reforms Commission (HARC) seems to have delivered little in terms of making suggestions on improving the working of various departments while inviting a lot of flak on its internal operation. "
Difficulties have been apparent for some time, judging by a critical review in March, that concludes that the Haryana Administrative Reforms Commission “as turned into a dumpyard with state government appointing former IAS officers, who do every thing except proposing any reforms.” The Commission is also criticised for feathering its own nest instead of concentrating on making reform proposals.
An article published a few days ago in “Express India” draws attention to the mishaps of this policy . Under the title “Administrative reform stuck in red tape”, it claims that "more than three years after a panel suggested path breaking changes, they are yet to be accepted ." The main changes at the standstill include territorial reorganisation, land law, appointment conditions of district-level officials.Before the HARC was disbanded in January this year, its reports were submitted to a cabinet sub- committee, headed by a minister , which was to go through the recommendations and take appropriate action. The cabinet sub-committee is apparently ready for discussion.