This refers to the article “Questions of accountability” (Feb. 16). The UPA government cannot get away with blaming officials of the Department of Telecommunications for the losses incurred in the 2G spectrum deal. In almost every scam, media and public pressure leads to the Minister concerned stepping down. The investigation moves at snail's pace until it is forgotten. How many Ministers have been sentenced for corruption so far?
Prabhat Jain, Vellore
If, as pointed out in the concluding paragraph, “Mr. Raja had claimed that the procedures he adopted in the allocation of spectrum licences had received the stamp of approval of the Prime Minister …,” it can be concluded that the policy and procedures adopted in the grant of 2G spectrum are a matter to be considered under the principle of collective responsibility.
K.R. Kumar, Tuticorin
As British lawyer and academic, Sir William Ivor Jennings, KBE, (1903-1965) said the decisions taken by civil servants are executable only after ministerial approval and the Minister concerned is answerable to the people via Parliament. The Justice Patil Committee has gone by the terms of reference set by the government without assessing the extent of the role and responsibilities of officials and Ministers, and has pointed fingers at civil servants who would otherwise remain anonymous. Policies are laid down by Ministers while they are implemented by officials.
R. Mahendran, Chennai
Just as a Minister takes credit for the good work done by civil servants, he is responsible for the undesirable things resulting from their deeds. Everywhere, the bureaucracy works on the principle of anonymity.
N. Jayaprasad, Coimbatore
