BY DR J C ALMEIDA
Since the time the original settlers of Goa introduced and established an unique system of administration in the nature of community association (communidades), till the time the Indian system of administration came into force, at the end of the year 1961, the now, State of Goa, had to pass through different systems of administration.

During this period, the set up of public administration that was left by succeeding governments that ruled Goa, namely, kingdoms like Kadambas, Mohamedans and Portuguese (from fifteenth century till December 19, 1961), had to execute the policies of their respective governments and implement the laws and regulations enacted by them for governing the place under their control, and to provide the basic minimum public services to their citizens.
From 1962 onwards, when Goa came under the control of the Indian Government, the succeeding public administration had to execute and enforce a new set of policies, laws and regulations and to introduce the Indian system of administration.
India being a federation of states and union territories, it is governed by a Central Government and by governments of each state and union territory that work within the framework of the Constitution of India.
Initially, Goa was a union territory and thereafter of a state. In both these status, it had its own elected governments and its own public administration. I had the privilege to work in the public administration of Goa, in both, as a union territory and as a state.
As a union territory, the elected governments were relying and trusting the administration, for the implementation of their policies. In the beginning of their mandate, they used to review the election promises made to the people and lay down policies to be executed by the administration within the approved Business Rules of the Government, without the interference of elected representatives. In addition, in the course of time, the Cabinet used to consider and approve any additional issue brought up by any minister. If any issue fell outside the normal rules and regulations, the same was referred to the Central government for approval. The Lt Governor and the Union Home Ministry used to act as final arbitrators over the issues submitted to them.
The Legislative Assembly had only 30 MLAs and the government was run by 3 to 4 ministers, including the chief Minister. Any increase in the number of minister and fixation of their salaries, perks etc, could be done only after the approval from the Central Government. The public administration was run by six secretaries to the government, including the Chief Secretary and the Law Secretary, who was also the Secretary of Legislature. The Union Territory of Goa, Daman and Diu, had inherited from the Portuguese government about 5000 government servants, of which 2000 were police and military force. They were later absorbed within the administration of Goa, Daman and Diu. Later, additional government servants were recruited to help the development activities taken up by the administration, on the basis of policies laid down by the elected governments. Being a compact administration the disposal of business of the government was smooth. As on March 31, 1986, there were 26,337 government servants on whom the administration had spend Rs 39.64 crore in the year1986-87. Except for the departments where their heads were declared as additional secretaries, most of the administration was run in double file system, due to which any missing files could be easily reconstituted. Any new development scheme deviation in the existing scheme could be implemented and the introduction of a legislation in the Legislative Assembly could be done only after obtaining the approval from the Central Government. Delays in obtaining such approvals used to affect the implementation of such schemes. Yet, massive development took place in those days in the various sectors of Goa’s economy and several important laws were enacted by the Legislative Assembly. The Panchayat Raj Administration, assisted by block development officers and the collector, was mainly involved in the development work of their respective areas. Rarely, people used to complain about corruption at the level of government or panchayats. In those days the construction activity, tourism and electronic growth had not shown their edge over other activities. In the year 1986-87, the total revenue receipts of the UT government were Rs 161 crore, of which Rs 96 crore were tax and non-tax revenues. The deficit on the revenue account of UT government was made up by the Central Government. Market borrowing was not allowed and the Central government used to provide the required loans for development, as approved by the Central Planning Commission. In the year 1986-87 the total capital expenditure was Rs 83 crore. When Goa was given the status of a State, its debt of the UT government to the Central Government was Rs 433.85 crore. This liability was not taken over by the state government.
The grant of statehood to Goa has brought several changes in the working of the government and in its administration. First of all, for granting statehood, the small place like district of Goa, was divided into 2 districts, namely, North and South. This created additional liability for the administration. The strength of the Legislative Assembly was increased to 40 MLAs and their ambitions increased without limits, due to the enhanced powers enjoyed by the state government. The state government could now decide, frame and approve its own development schemes, propose and get passed any legislation including the one related to the fixation of salaries, perks, pensions of the ministers/MLAs, without having to refer to the central government for approval. The Governor of Goa was left with a limited role in the state administration.
Being aware about the power that an MLA can enjoy if he/she gets a seat in the government, as a minister, the eligible MLAs have been trying to be part of the government of 14 ministers. Most of them have been claiming that they can serve the people only if they are part of the ruling government. Such a claim gives the impression that their selfish interest is behind such ambitions. Such ambitions have even affected the stability of the governments in power and the pace of disposal of government business.
To be continued….
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