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Good governance is
essential for development (see box 2.6). In Sikkim many of the elements that
contribute to good governance have been eroded over the years. In particular,
the large-scale recruitment of under-qualified persons to government posts has
had an adverse impact on many areas of the economy and particularly on
governance standards in the state. In per capita terms, Sikkim has the highest
public sector employment in the country: There are over 11,000 employees on the
muster roll of various government offices.
Misgovernance
and corruption lower state revenues and increase the fragility of the financial
system. Government
expenditure increases as commissions to various people have to be accommodated;
its composition also tends to shift from spending on operations and maintenance
to spending on new equipment.
Governance
in Sikkim in this century has to set a standard for other states to emulate.
As the
government increasingly moves out of many of its traditional spheres, it can
begin a serious downsizing process, which will allow it to focus on better
delivery of truly public services. Since the government has a vital role
to play
in fostering development, one way to rein in corruption is to ensure the
broad-based participation of people in the process: development should involve
all government branches, civil society and the business community and ensure
their commitment to an anti-corruption agenda. Plan schemes should be reviewed
and prioritised, as over the years several Plans have been continued and
expanded incrementally. All the schemes should be thoroughly reviewed and
prioritised; new schemes should be made contingent on the availability
of
resources.
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