Govt seeks to speed up file movement

Keen to reduce the growing red-tapism in the administrative system, the state government plans to bring down the number of people handling important files.

Keen to reduce the growing red-tapism in the administrative system, the state government plans to bring down the number of people handling important files.

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In a bid to bring transparency, chief secretary Ratnakar Gaikwad issued an order last week for minimum manhandling, cutting scrutiny points, and setting up of a special cell to monitor file movements and approvals.

“The whole idea behind this is to get a system in place that avoids delays and one which fixes gaps that can encourage red-tapism,” said Gaikwad, who visited each department of the Mantralaya before coming up with the rules.

Gaikwad said he was worried as there was no fixed system in place. “Every paper moving around has to be accounted for and the special cell will be in charge of this,” he said.

Typically a file goes through several people in a department. This is not only time consuming, but the level of secrecy needed in certain matters is not maintained. Easy access to files and remarks made by senior officials or ministers opens the gates for corruption.

The new rules make it clear that no file – which is bigger in terms of investment and is to do with important projects like health, education, and infrastructure – will take more than three stops. The rules also restrict the access of important files to senior officers.

The cell will meet on a weekly basis and will be responsible for getting no-objection certificates from other departments and clearing hurdles that might arise on important projects in each department.