Doctrine of Lapse

The state has been suffering on the count of governance in more than one way.The political uncertainty, and the misdeeds of the political leadership apart, we are perpetually suffering from the inefficiency and unprofessional attitude of our bureaucracy. Instead of addressing the problems of the general masses and ensuring equitable development of all regions and districts, the officials at the helm are only focused on career advancements and furthering personal interests, exceptions aside.One of the glaring example of how the things are mismanaged is the underutilisation of the funds available. A state that needs extra money to develop its infrastructure, and invest in its human resource, is deprived of the already available funds.The lapse of funds is a big question mark on the performance of our officers. This has made us suffer badly.The news that the education department has failed to spend Rs.600 Crores it had received under various central schemes for much-needed infrastructure of the schools, is unbelievable. It is amazing that even the state finance department that is supposed to be a watchdog has failed to identify this grave act. .Not spending so huge a fund cannot be excused easily. It is a criminal negligence. The worst part of it is that in some cases some principal have transferred the funds received under central schemes have been diverted to other accounts. It is no secret that more than sixty percent schools are functioning from badly maintained rented accommodations. Some schools are operating from as dingy accommodation as cowsheds and scores of schools are functioning from open grounds. Moreover, most of the state-owned school buildings are in dilapidated condition lacking bare minimum sanitation facilities. Callously, many schools have not spent even the funds received for minor repairs. Because of the apathy of the officers of the education department, the state has lost all the six hundred crores, and these have now been frozen. To send a stern message to the delinquent officers, the government should fix the responsibility and penalize those found guilty of not utilizing the earmarked funds.