"It was a wonderful experience interacting with you and appreciate the way you have planned and executed the whole publication process within the agreed timelines.”
Subrat SaurabhAuthor of Kuch Woh Pal
Good governance is not a fundamental right under the Constitution of India. Did the makers of the Constitution presume that the framework and the institutional structure designed by them would ensure that the people got social, economic, and political justice, liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship, and equality of status and of opportunity?
Why is Satyam missing from mainstream Indian activities, although the National motto Satyameva Jayate is ubiquitous as part of the National Symbol, appearing in all national documents, including in currency notes?
The perceived charm of the office of the District Officer is a major factor in attracting some of the brightest and most diligent among the Indian youth to the Indian Administrative Service. But should young graduates spend their energy in the prime of their youth on preparation for the Civil Services Examination, the chances of success being statistically low? Should professionally qualified persons attempt to join the Civil Services, with the risk of becoming professionally unfit with the passage of time if they do not succeed?
These questions are only incidental. The book discusses key governance issues from an unbiased perspective.
K. Mohandas
K Mohandas started his career as Sub Collector, Thiruvananthapuram, worked as District Collector, Kottayam during 1981-83 and was later Secretary/ Principal Secretary for several departments including Industries, Finance, Higher Education, Revenue and Local Administration. He has also headed the Kerala Financial Corporation and the Kerala State Cooperative Bank. The massive reforms in the local self-government systems following the 73rd and 74th Constitution amendment Acts were undertaken in 1993-95 when he was Secretary, Local Administration. In 1992, he had laid the foundation for the biggest empowerment programme for poor women, now known as Kudumbasree (Discussed in paras 20.9 in this book). He also spearheaded the opening up of the professional education sector in Kerala for private investment through a transparent process in 2001. The Industrial Single Window Clearance system introduced in Kerala in 2000 was the first such statutory system in India.
He moved to the Central Government in early 2005 as Additional Secretary (Revenue) in the Finance Ministry. Subsequently, he was Secretary, Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, followed by Ministry of Shipping, before retirement from service in 2012. His post-retirement time – bound assignments include the tasks of Member of the Inquiry Commission set up by the Kerala Government to probe the allegations relating to the award of the Vizhinjam Port Project and of the Chairman of the XI State Pay Revision Commission.
