The institution of Deputy Commissioner was established and groomed over a long period of experimentation. The DC also wore the caps of District Magistrate as well of revenue collector of the district. He was considered as eyes and ears of sitting government and on his shoulders was placed responsibility to ensure that all the lines departments in his bailiwick are performing strictly in accordance with the policy of the ruling government.
Time was when great care was exercised in his posting in a district as he had to enjoy the confidence of all political parties of the district. As long as the powers that be posted a neutral officer in the true sense of the word all sections of the society in the district lend their full cooperation to him in every field of life.
Things started going haywire when political expediency and interference in their posting got the better of merit.
When MNA ,MPA or senator was given ears to by the powers that be in their appointments and the chief secretary was overruled deterioration set in the quality of District magistrates and good governance went for a six.
If the govt is serious about good governance it had better leave the task of appointment of DCs to the Chief Secretary instead of honouring the recommendations of elected members of Parliament who try to get their blue eyed officers posted as DCs who then dance to their tune.
