Sir: Public offices are meant to facilitate the general public. It is the duty of all public servants to serve the masses. Recently, I visited the National Database and Registration Authority’s (NADRA’s) office in Karachi. I was surprised to witness the behaviour and nonprofessional attitude of the staff there.
The help desk was established inside the office boundary and security guards were preventing people from entering the office despite the fact that they were in urgent need of getting information regarding their CNICs, Form-B and other required documents. Either the help desk should have been set up near the entrance or the masses should have been allowed to enter.
In a country where the majority of people is illiterate and seeks help from government officials, this arrangement is terrible. When a higher authority (deputy assistant director) was contacted there, the officer responded with arrogance and pride that the arrangements were ok. He said, Jahil logon ko andar nahin anay dia ja sakta, security guard sab janta hai (the ignorant people cannot be allowed to come inside and the guard is an expert on all information).
This kind of attitude pushes sub-officials, junior staff and others to indulge in malpractices, corruption and dishonest dealings. It must be noted that NADRA charges a lot of money in the name of urgent fees and the people are a type of client. The authorities concerned are requested to organise special training sessions for ethical and moral grooming of these servants and make them realise that their salaries are paid through the taxes of the masses.
SADIA KHALID
Karachi