Govt mulls recruiting 'smart officers' to speed up file movement

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The expert committee report on administrative reforms recommended creating a knowledge bank of skilled officials in the secretariat. The services of such officers should be utilized to increase the efficiency of the offices and increase the work speed. These 'smart officials' will be able to learn files quickly, grasp the subject and make quick decisions.

There is a widespread trend of delaying the uploading and transfer of files even on the slightest suspicion. Skilled officials specially suited for this work can overcome this quandary. They should have substantial participation in the management of the offices.

These recommendations have been given by the committee formed under the leadership of R. Santosh Kumar, former Joint Secretary, of the Public Administration Department.

Some doubts that can be sorted out in a phone call will be prolonged and this later turns the mainspring for the files getting delayed. Legal knowledge, efficiency, aptitude for technical systems including computers, high educational qualification, excellence in competitive examinations, and excellence in yoga and acrobatic exercises will be considered in selecting the officers for the knowledge bank.

The present e-office system is so flawed that it cannot detect even a typing error. The Spark software that handles the affairs of employees and pensioners is slow and difficult to manage and is dragging down the reforms taken to speed up administration.