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The present archaic administrative and financial systems inherited from colonial days continue to operate with minor modifications, even though the exercise of state power has altered. Today, both administrative and financial powers are exercised by the elected representatives and permanent bureaucracy at five different levels: Central, state, zilla panchayat, block panchayat and village panchayat. However, there is complete asymmetry between the rules governing the conduct of business, and this present system of administration. The Service Rules, Disciplinary Rules, Financial Accountability Statutes, Rules of Business have not been adjusted to the present system of administration and in this asymmetry, corruption rules. There are no financial or administrative codes for elected representatives exercising such powers, no accountability or disciplinary rules governing them, even though they are the final authorities to authorize the expenditure of public money. Financial malfeasance by political custodians of public money can only be punished by the usual IPC provisions applicable to all citizens, and the Prevention of Corruption Act, the operation of which is optional in state governments. It is this lacuna that gives phenomenal opportunity to the politician-bureaucrat nexus to flourish, and prevents development funds from reaching target groups. Long years of working with archaic financial procedures have given the bureaucracy a unique specialization in circumventing regulatory provisions, and providing perfect paperwork to satisfy their requirements. Behind every corrupt bureaucrat will be a protective politician, and behind every corrupt politician will be a bevy of carefully selected, supporting bureaucrats.
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