As the stench of corruption emanates from the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA), two Karnataka Administrative Service (KAS) officers are alleged to be the key facilitators of this rot — Mr. Horrible and Mr. Terrible.

Dr. D.B. Natesh, a former MUDA Commissioner, is known for his dreadfully terrible decisions, while his successor, G.T. Dinesh Kumar, followed with equally horrible choices.

Their arbitrary and reckless actions have not only resulted in humongous revenue losses for the State but have also left countless residents of Mysuru without homes.

Over the years, the prestige and respect once commanded by the Civil Services — be it IAS, KAS or IPS — have significantly declined. Even in 1935, Jawaharlal Nehru noted that there was, “progressive deterioration, moral and intellectual, of the higher services, especially the Indian Civil Service.”

However, his contemporary, Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel disagreed and noted that ‘these people’ were the instruments of national unity without whose expertise in administration there would be chaos in the new nation.

Unfortunately, today’s bureaucrats often perpetuate the chaos they were meant to prevent. They have become instruments of political influence, mastering corruption instead of public service.

As former NDA Minister Suresh Prabhu pointed out, “Bureaucrats were to be the ‘checks’ in the system… But the ‘checks’ have turned into ‘cheques’ while the balance is out of the window.”

Bureaucrats typically indulge in corruption or engage in illegal activities when they have the backing of their political superiors.

Dr. Natesh’s controversial actions occurred during the BJP’s tenure, allegedly under the protection of a senior party leader.

Similarly, Dinesh Kumar’s misdeeds took place under the Congress rule, reportedly safeguarded by a current Government Minister.

This political shielding explains why they had the audacity to ignore the letter from the Mysuru Deputy Commissioner ordering them to stop what they were doing.

This political protection is why, despite the revelations of their misconduct, both officers remain unsuspended and have not been asked to go on leave.

The need for bureaucratic reform is glaring. The Civil Services, once heralded as the ‘steel frame’ of India, are now rusting.

To restore integrity and accountability, there must be a genuine fear of prosecution among public servants. Yet, the process for punishing a civil servant is so convoluted that it emboldens corrupt officials.

In the present case of the former MUDA Commissioners, who are KAS officers, the procedure  to take action begins with submitting a letter detailing their misconduct, supported by documents, to the Secretary of the Urban Development Department.

This complaint then goes to the Chief Secretary of Karnataka, the KAS officers’ ‘Cadre Controlling Authority,’ with copies of the same sent to the Governor and the Lokayukta.

If the Secretary of the Urban Development Department finds ‘cause for action,’ the Chief Secretary may issue a ‘show-cause notice’ to the accused KAS officer, who then must provide an explanation.

 If the explanation is deemed unsatisfactory, a departmental inquiry — either internal or external — will follow.

If the inquiry reveals civil offences, the officer faces punishment according to ‘conduct rules’. However, if the offence is criminal, the matter moves to the Courts, which could lead to termination and imprisonment.

For quicker action, the Lokayukta could conduct an inquiry and submit a report. However, this requires Government approval, which seems unlikely in the MUDA case.

Alternatively, the Governor could instruct the Chief Secretary to investigate and report back in a timely manner, potentially leading to prosecution.

Ultimately, the accountability of these KAS officers hinges on the integrity of the overseeing IAS officer or the external judge. Will they hold these bureaucrats accountable? One  can only hope.

Meanwhile, the silence from the BJP is deafening. Why hasn’t the Karnataka BJP filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) or called for a CBI inquiry?

As the principal Opposition party in the State and the ruling party at the Centre, their inaction is puzzling!

Former PM Dr. Manmohan Singh was once derisively called ‘Mouna Mohan Singh’ (Silent Mohan Singh) for his silence on corruption matters, now it appears PM Modi has become ‘Mouna Damodardas Modi’. It is a troubling scenario.

If Prime Minister Modi wants to see ‘Vikas’ (development) in India, he must first address the ‘Vishwas’ (trust) deficit in the Indian bureaucracy.

Until then we will continue to have civil servants who are Terrible and Horrible, wreaking havoc and chaos in our cities and our lives.

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