Relying on bureaucracy

I simply fail to understand why the government is largely depending on the existing lethargic and inconsistent bureaucracy at a time when relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts are direly required. Instead of coming up with alternative options to save the flood-affected people from hunger and dreadful diseases, the government is only paying lip-service to the solution of the problem. The volume and magnitude of the disaster is so immense that it is simply beyond the capacity of the district governments to deal with it effectively, especially in view of the time-tested bureaucratic tactics of delay and postponement.
In post-colonial societies, the bureaucracy has emerged as an instrument of exploitation by a hierarchy of individuals. It is high time the democratically elected government improved its democratic credentials by sincerely serving the people, instead of relying on a system which is the legacy of our colonial masters. If the present government believes in democratic discourse, it must initiate a democratic policy of giving people their basic right to a decent life, particularly in these trying and testing times.
Raja Masroor Hassan Qazi
Karachi