Administrative reforms

"Time for administrative reforms" was the title of Tavleen Singh's column on Sunday. And I couldn't agree more with what she has written.

Every time I walk through immigration and the officer takes my passport and stares at each and every page, I wonder where are Indian computer expertise has disappeared. Okay so we don't have the Iris programme which recognises eyes, but surely we have scanners which recognise passports?

Wouldn't it help frequent travellers if their details popped up on the computer screen in front of the immigration officer? Wouldn't it help the immigration officers help clear the crowds faster?

It's not only the customs department. My recent visit to the collector office for a domicile certificate for my son made it very clear that what Ms. Singh is saying is so true.

Along with the application for the domicile one has to submit electricity bills for the past 10 years to prove residence in the city. Don't get me wrong. I am not grumbling because I didn't have the bills. My earlier experience with my daughter some years ago had made me well prepared.
My point is if the child has attended school for the last 12 years in the same city and has a school leaving certificate to prove it what is the need for electricity bills. Obviously he couldn't attend the school residing in another city could he?

As if that was not enough. The child's father's school leaving certificate also has to be attached. I had no problem in getting the certificate but I hate to think what would have happened if my husband has been in a transferable job. I am sure that there are many others with tales to tell. Ultimately however it all boils down to one thing the need for change.