Good work by the JS committee

The lapses of the communications ministry need a little elaboration. Diversion of funds is indicative of the absence of proper planning and effective utilization of the money allocated for maintaining and improving the network of roads. The timing for undertaking road development and repair works, which almost invariably clashes with monsoon, is hard to take as a mere coincidence. The R&H has been totally indifferent to the issue, though rain only add to the costs of such works. So the JS committee has rightly smelt some foul play in road works during the rains, which the R&H fails to avoid for some inexplicable reasons. As for the communications ministry's failure to take up any project in eight months, it is perhaps another example of the great inertia that impedes planning and implementation of projects.

It is good news that some parliamentary standing committees are taking note of the lapses and financial irregularities on the part of different ministries. They are voicing their displeasure and suggesting action to set things right. In other words, the committees are trying to do what they are suppose to be doing. Imagine how beneficial the committee work would have been in terms of establishing transparency and accountability of the government had the opposition MPs been participating in the parliamentary bodies.

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However, it is not enough to identify the problems or the men responsible for them. The government must go for a thorough probe, take corrective action where necessary and punish those responsible for resorting to malpractices.