Individuals Can Shape Institutions
Prof N.K. Singh
Former Chairman International Airports Authority of India
There is enough debate on how to ensure independence of the institutions. Normally the separation of power between Legilature executive and judiciary is considered a strong constitutional road to independence. But every institution whether constitutional or otherwise does need to perform with independence and transparency. While the structure does lay down the foundation of the fair performance of the organizations the individuals are also important in delivering the objectives which ensure justice.
When a weak and passive individual occupies important office the question of high performance with transparency gets diluted. Inspite of safeguards people at the helm of affairs fail in their duty. A lot has been written about top positions that have headed the executive or other wings of the government very little is said about the persons who by sheer unrelenting pursuit of values have changed the institutions.
First such instance comes to my mind Is T.N.Seshan former Chief Election Commissioner who headed the EC during, He used to be referred as bull in the bureaucratic circle and was even in his appearance a stout bald wrestler. I knew him well and would vouch for his outstanding contribution to make the election process free of malpractices and ensuring the objective and impartial handling of all what transpired in the working of the commission. No doubt the commission was always in glare of political lime light as everyone came across it in election and getting to the success in winning the elections.He always stood like a rock against the vested interests and made EC . He is credited with numerous reforms or changes that made out electoral process clean.
No one knew or bothered about the EC before T.N.Seshan. He introduced ID cards for the elections that have become now the License for voting and no one can vote without proper identity and authentic participation. Bogus voting had the greatest set back with these basic documents. He forbade liquor distribution, stopped use of loudspeakers and propaganda prior to Election Day. He marshaled officers of state governments to ensure fair voting. He received Magasay Award for government service and continued to hold the fort in Election Commission as strong votary of fair and transparent elections. I conferred on him Honorary Professor’s role in teaching the students and he was very fond of teaching and sharing his experiences.I was one of the few proposers of his claim to be the President of India but as was expected it went on party lines.
This theme came to my mind on the day my friend Joginder Singh Director CBI was no more.He was a charming person with a smile always on his lips. He handled very sensitive matters like Bofors and Chara Ghotala and Fertiliser /Telecom scams. As one of his admirers says in his tribute to him “As Director of CBI he handled sensitive cases without any fear and functioned as a role model’.He is author of 25 books and wrote regularly in the news paprs. He was so scrupulous that he did not take advantage of his friends. One day I noticed in Admission interview for MBA that a girl had given the address which was familiar to me.
I asked her how it is that I know this is address of my friend Joginder. She told me that she is his daughter. I was furious with him and asked ‘why did you not tell me’. He simply laughed it off and I knew he did not want to use our friendship for his personal matter. I have yet to meet a parent who maintains such high integrity. He never drank and it was a torture for many who liked to relax spending hours on his dinner without any spiritual kick. Once when as DG narcotic control he invited us for dinner and we laughed and told him that at least some narcotics will be served. But as usual the dinner was dry.
I am only trying to place before the readers my point that irrespective of power enjoined on one by Constitution, individuals bring changes which depend on how one take his or her job and give it new direction. Today at highest level we have a Prime Minister who too has made a sea change in the role and functioning of the institution that had many incumbents. Some who had served earlier will perhaps fade in memory when looking to his courage and utmost commitment to his duty to serve the country. A structure is empty box of power which each person fills with his ability and vision.
Bus Stand
First Passenger: Great fun we will have two capitals in Himachal. What next?
Second Passenger: Some people think there may be two CM also.
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