Safeguards needed in decentralising education

THE EDITOR: The Ministry of Education has committed itself to the process of decentralisation, to the extent of appointing an Assistant Permanent Secretary (a first in the Public Service) to oversee the programme. In achieving this laudable objective, however, the Ministry must ensure that it provides effective safeguards against pitfalls involving funding of the decentralised operations, defining limits of authority and, in particular, micro-management, a practice which is antithetical to the concept of decentralisation and is perhaps its greatest enemy.

In respect of funding, decentralisation places tasks that were never originally envisioned on outposts that were not developed with such tasks in mind. These tasks require equipment, technology and personnel which are not now available and for which provision must be made. The absence of funding for these improvements would make nonsense of any decentralisation thrusts. Limits of authority must also be defined in clear, unambiguous terms so that the public officers charged with carrying out these decentralised functions would not be confused by vague terms which give rise to a multitude of interpretations. Just as importantly, there is an imperative for such public officers to be given authority to do their jobs, without being second-guessed at every turn. It has become too easy in our culture for someone with connections to go over the officer’s head and have a decision with which they don’t agree overturned. This is particularly prevalent where political influence is used. The constant fear of having decisions countermanded would render an officer ineffective and neutralise any benefits to be gained from decentralisation. Officers must know that their decisions are valid even if subject to review.

It is, however, just as imperative to have structures in place for legitimate challenges of decisions following clearly-defined procedures. No authority, whether centralised or otherwise can be above challenge. The danger of course is the politician who attempts to placate with the superficial assurance that measures will be taken. The proof of the pudding is in the eating and it is only when these safeguards are actually in place that the populace can be assured that they will be given effect. In too many instances promises have not been kept and excellent proposals have failed, simply because it was taken for granted that the obvious would be done, and it wasn’t. The country must demand no less from the Ministry of Education.

KARAN MAHABIRSINGH
Carapichaima