THE entire process of recruitment and hiring of personnel including the one by the Public Service Commission is lethargic but it is particularly so in the case of regular appointment of heads of public sector entities, the posts of which remain vacant for months and year impacting upon their working and output. In this backdrop, the Government has decided to conduct a study to pin point the factors behind this lamentable situation and streamline the recruitment process.
The seriousness of the situation can be gauged by the fact that 96 posts of heads of public sector companies are currently lying vacant under 26 ministries and divisions, some of which for quite some time. This is despite the fact that the cabinet, way back in November 2019, had directed all the ministries and divisions to prepare action plans indicating the minimum possible timeline required for filling vacant positions and the Prime Minister too had set a deadline of three months for the purpose but nothing has transpired. The decision to carry out a study is yet another example of state of indecision and prolongation of the status quo. It is often alleged that state run corporations and companies are not performing up to the mark and the talk of reforming them has become a fashion. All institutions have the potential to deliver as per expectations of the people and the Government provided they are run on professional lines by competent people. However, there has been an unfortunate practice of appointing heads of corporations and institutions on adhoc or look after basis and it would be futile to expect miracles from part-time heads or those appointed merely because of their right connections. There is no dearth of capable, competent, professional and honest personalities both in the public and private sector but what we need is a transparent and merit-based system of hiring and appointment. We hope that the Prime Minister would personally look into this serious issue as this is directly linked to overall performance and image of the Government especially the cherished goal of good governance.
