Prudence loses to profligacy

The Comptroller and Auditor General’s objections to the explanation provided by Punjab’s Department of Civil Aviation about trips made by former Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, and his son, Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, highlight the need for prudence in using the public exchequer’s funds. How 68 trips to Badal village were made in public interest strained the CAG’s credulity. Throw in 43 trips to their farmhouse in Balasar, Haryana, and the case for public interest only becomes weaker. 

The Badals were far from the only ones who extensively used air transporation, even while travelling within the state. It may well be argued that the allure of the office also lies in the power and pelf that come with it. It may also be pointed out that this is a global phenomenon, with US President Donald Trump’s Cabinet providing many such instances of abuse of position. Steve Mnuchin, Secretary of the Treasury, Ryan Zinke, Secretary of the Interior, have been criticised for this, as was Scott Pruitt, the then head of the Environment Protection Agency. 

Two wrongs do not make a right. The need to exercise prudence while using taxpayers’ money should be understood by all politicians. Yet fiscal profligacy, especially in matters of personal consumption, is seen too often. The possibly apocryphal story of Giani Kartar Singh resigning as a minister and taking a bus to Patiala illustrates the chasm between what was and what happens now. Public funds must be used with great caution by the custodians of public’s trust. Unfortunately, our political leaders find it more expedient to ignore this dictum. The difference between what is personal and what is official should always be maintained, with propriety dictating that officials and ministers err on the side of caution. This was certainly not the case in the matter raised by the CAG.