In politics and among politicians regardless of the party at the helm of affairs, the very thing called discretionary power is a treasured commodity and therefore one that cannot be disconnected from those in power. Ever person in power wants to use his or her indiscretion to get things done, one that will suit his/her interest. Therefore discretionary power is the very essence of political office and everyone would want to enjoy such discretion without any inhibition whether by law or moral code. As such given the vested interest involved in holding on to discretionary power, it will be a huge task to ask our politicians to give up these powers.
However there are also those who feel that discretionary power is largely responsible for the ills in the system. For instance the Supreme Court has expressed anguish over abuse of discretionary powers by politicians and officials. The Apex Court has acknowledged that there was a decline in the moral values of all pillars of democracy in the country including the judiciary. Even political parties in the country including the Congress and the BJP appear to be concerned over corruption taking place in the country. For instance, Congress President Sonia Gandhi has even gone to the extent of writing to the Union Ministers and State Chief Ministers asking them to give up their discretionary powers in an effort to curb the menace of corruption. Likewise the BJP is taking a strong public stand against corruption. It has asked the government to bring back the black money stashed in foreign banks. All this is good signs that our political parties are willing to take steps to fight corruption. However whether this tough stand on corruption being taken by both the Congress and BJP can be translated into action, only time will tell.
Coming back to the all important question of discretionary powers, as mentioned, no politician in power, at least in Nagaland, would be willing to give it up. To join politics and become a minister is lucrative. Many are tempted to enter the electoral fray because of the power that a politician wields, especially if you are in the ruling government. Politicians in our State enjoy huge discretionary power like no others. The extent of such power enjoyed by our politicians is evident by the manner in which even a small scribbled chit is enough to get thing done. Even directives over the phone are sufficient to get things done especially if you are a powerful Minister. In a sense the rule of law does not exist. Political command from the top overrides everything else. This is the kind of discretionary power being enjoyed by our politicians in Nagaland. Off course we should not forget transfer and postings of government servants at the whims and fancies of the Ministers and politicians. Even to get promotion, appointment, conferment (to IAS) is at the mercy of the political masters. Everything else pales into insignificance. Given the high value attached to such discretionary powers in our corrupt system, it will be too much to expect our politicians to give them up. At most we can suggest that such powers must be enjoyed with good judgment and without blatantly abusing it for self. Our political rulers must respect public sentiment. Can our Chief Minister be bold enough to come out with a code-of-conduct? We need to imbibe a moral code to improve all aspect of governance. Many of our problems we are presently confronted with can be addressed if we do this.
