This refers to A K Bhattacharya's column "Participative democratic pangs" (Raisina Hill, January 13). Hordes of aggrieved citizens with basic existential problems at the janta durbar, defines the extent of a sad disconnect between the people and its government. Clearly, the citizen found himself alone in seeking reasonable quality of civic services to which he is entitled. The "highly experienced" administrators had allowed an entire system to be hijacked by lower minions and touts. The bureaucracy had given up on governance and it is they who must be squarely held responsible. If a civic backlash today is setting up rough times ahead for bureaucrats, one can only hope that this entire class is also able to ignite similar resurgence from within. They have adequate powers and protection, and do not have to seek further delegation from their political masters.
R Narayanan Ghaziabad
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