There have been delays galore for all senior appointments over the past year, whether for regulatory bodies, apex institutions or banks. The delay in announcing the next SEBI chairman is only the latest example. (The incumbent was due to retire on February 17 and his extension was announced just one day earlier). In this respect, there is no difference between this government and the previous one.

The modus operandi is the same — the new appointment is made at the 11th hour, just when the incumbent has to demit office. If the incumbent gets an extension, it will be at the last minute — very likely, after the farewell parties have already been attended and eulogies sung. If they are not that lucky (to get an extension, that is) they seldom get the chance to hand over charge to the successor in an orderly way and move out gracefully. Neither does the successor get the benefit of being an understudy for a few weeks in order to understand the challenges and difficulties that await him or her. It is an act of gross discourtesy, besides being sadistic, to keep someone in suspense till the last hour about continuance in executive office.

There is no need for the government to wait for so long — especially everybody knows what the date of retirement is or when the contract of important executive appointments ends. A government that is urging others to act fast and is keen to improve ease of doing business cannot afford to sport such a lackadaisical approach. It must make appointments at least two months before the incumbent demits office so that there is enough time to hand over smoothly and the affairs of the organisation do not suffer. Importantly, it will help dispel the uncertainty and the lobbying that tend to accompany any kind of prolonged vacuum at top levels.

Associate Editor

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