Haryana Rationalisation Commission Flags ‘Mediocrity’ in Government Offices

The Rationalisation Commission of Haryana expressed grave concerns over the quality of manpower in the state government, stating that mediocrity, poor qualifications and lack of requisite training among Group B and Group C employees was the leading cause of administrative inefficiency and growing dissatisfaction among people.

In a comprehensive report submitted to the Haryana Government, the commission, headed by former IAS officer Rajan Gupta, recommended a comprehensive overhaul of the administrative structure. A key suggestion is to fill at least 50 per cent of assistant-level posts through direct recruitment on the pattern followed by the Central Government, instead of relying almost entirely on promotions from lower cadres. 

The commission observed that several departments suffer from “incoherent and non-viable organisational structures”, which directly affect service delivery. It highlighted that the staff under Group B and C constitute the steel frame of the governance structure, with their average level of qualification and skills needing a significant upgrade to fulfill contemporary administrative requirements.

Pointing out the cause of public discontent, it was said in the report that “a large part of the inefficiency in governmental functioning is due to lack of qualified and trained manpower handling a large number of Group B and Group C services.” It was further said that “the existing minimum educational qualification of 10 + 2 is no longer adequate in today’s scenario.”

“The persons possessing 10+2 qualification are often unable to even comprehend policy notes and papers under consideration,” the report said, warning that such limitations perpetuate a culture of mediocrity as these employees are later promoted to higher Group B positions such as superintendents and under secretaries.

The commission has recommended that clerical posts should require graduation as the minimum qualification. It also pointed out that the lack of direct recruitment at the Group B level further compounds the problem, as promotions continue to draw from an underqualified base.

Data available from the report indicates that in the Haryana Civil Secretariat, based in Chandigarh, more than 34 percent of the employees in the Group B, C categories have only a matric or 10+2 qualification. This includes many assistants, superintendents, as well as some under secretaries.

Organized in March 2023, the commission has finished the rationalization process for 20 departments. However, for 23 other departments, the process is still in progress.