Lecture on Structure and Functions of Bureaucracy at Kinnaird College for Women

Lecture on Structure and Functions of Bureaucracy at Kinnaird College for Women
On 24th February, Political science club of Kinniard College for Women had arranged a lecture of a senior bureaucrat and a chairman of TEVTA (Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority), Mr Saeed Ahmad Alvi on Structure and functions of Bureaucracy in Pakistan. Mr Alvi had started his lecture by defining the term bureaucracy derived from two words Bearu and Cracy, Bearu is a French word means an office and Cracy is a Greek word means rule or power. Therefore, the word bureaucracy reflects the rule of Bearu to handle the administrative actions in any state. The prime function of bearcats is to formulate policy by keeping in mind the needs and demands of public and to execute those policies after getting them pass by legislative branch of government. While defining the structure of bureaucracy in Pakistan, Mr Alvi told that the Federal Public Service is an authority to recruit the civil servants on the basis of merit. He coded Max Weber who presented three points while defining bureaucracy. First is that its a merit base achievement, second is that its bound by rules and the one who deviate from those rules is not been accommodated, thirds is that it’s a non-partisan service and the one who is being selected should not have any party affiliation.
Mr Alvi said that Bureaucracy is in hierarchy, and it has its own grade structure from 1 to 22. The first category is from 1 to 5 which includes peons, office boys and low cater staff, the second category is from 5 to 15 which include ministerial staff (clerks), and the third category from 16 to 22 includes the executive hierarchy. There are special services staff that are outside the hierarchy as they are not recruited through the proper channel but they serve on certain terms and conditions for short or a long time period on the basis of their expertise in certain fields. There is a miss-perception among people that the policies are formulated by legislature (parliament), but the fact is that the policies are initiated and formulated by bearcats, which make a draft law then legislature pass it through a proper debate.
While answering one of the questions Mr Alvi expressed his views about civil bureaucracy and Military Bureaucracy. He said that there isn’t any such kind of division in any country of the world. The bureaucracy is always civil but as we all know we have been a victim of long military rule therefore the history witnessed military intervention in governmental affairs of our state. So it’s a miss-conception. He also encouraged the women in bureaucracy as he stated it’s a good profession for women although they do face chauvinistic attitudes but they have all abilities to stand with men in all fields. If they remain firm about their roles, they can prove their visible presence in every field.
Zamurrad Awan
Lecturer
Kinnaird College for Women