IN a significant development, National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Chairman Nazir Ahmad Butt has taken a commendable step towards fostering a fear-free working environment for bureaucrats in Punjab. During an interaction with officers at the Punjab Civil Secretariat, Chairman Butt assured the bureaucracy that there would be no media trial of any officer in the future, and officers would not be questioned in cases of good faith and public interest.
The statement made by Chairman Butt holds immense importance in encouraging civil servants to work more diligently without the looming fear of undue scrutiny. The Chairman’s commitment to not taking action on anonymous applications and treating officers as defendants rather than criminals sends a strong message that the Bureau aims to ensure justice without instilling fear. Senior bureaucrats on a number of occasions in the past raised valid concerns about harassment and threatening behaviour by NAB, which created an atmosphere of reluctance among government officials to sign official files. This apprehension, at times, hindered the initiation of critical projects, such as ML-I and others, due to the fear of being targeted by the accountability body. Chairman Butt’s assurance will help dispel this fear, Bureaucrats should not be punished for honest errors in judgment but rather proceed against only when clear evidence of corruption or corrupt practices is present. The importance of bureaucracy in the efficient functioning of government cannot be overstated. Bureaucrats play a crucial role in implementing policies, managing resources and ensuring the smooth running of governmental affairs. Recognizing this, it becomes imperative to create a conducive working environment that encourages bureaucrats to perform their duties without the constant fear of facing unwarranted consequences. While accountability is crucial for a transparent and responsible governance system, it is equally important to strike a balance that avoids stifling the initiative and efficiency of bureaucrats. The assurance from the NAB Chairman is a step in the right direction, acknowledging the need for a better working environment for civil servants. It signals a shift towards accountability practices that are fair, just and free from any form of intimidation or harassment.
