Weare all bound to function and abide strictly by the rule of law at all times.Those in power should lead by example and at no time be in breach of law. Theycannot be a law unto themselves. If the lawmakers contravene the rules andregulations nothing better can be expected from the common man.
Itwas shocking to read the file noting by the Women & Child DevelopmentMinister Vishwajit Rane directing the Director of the department to issue anorder immediately constituting the State Commission for Women without routingthe file through the Chief Minister. The Chairperson was ordered to beappointed without her bio-data being on record and without consulting theregistered women’s organistions as required by law. The Minister directed thathis chosen person be appointed as chairperson despite knowing she was notproficient in Konkani and Marathi which was by law a mandatory requirement forthe post.
Thequestion that arises is why did the minister not want the file to be routedthrough the CM. Only Vishwajit Rane would have the answer to this.
Itis the bounden duty of every officer to strictly ensure that there is nodeviation of the laid down procedure. There are standing instructions thatevery file pertaining to the constitution of statutory bodies needs the finalapproval of the CM. So how dare did the Director of Women and Child Developmentissue that order constituting the State Women’s Commission without the ChiefMinister having perused the file as required? All bureaucrats need to strictlyfunction within the framework of law and should at no time put up with illegaldirections by their political bosses.
