The statement highlights a critical challenge in public administration: the tendency to focus on minor details while neglecting fundamental issues. Bureaucrats, entrusted with implementing policies and serving the public, must prioritize effectively to ensure good governance. This preoccupation with peripheral matters can indeed undermine justice and effective service delivery.

Ineffective Resource Allocation

Focusing on less important issues often leads to misallocation of resources – time, funds, and manpower. This compromises the efficiency and effectiveness of public services. Ethical theories like utilitarianism emphasize maximizing overall well-being, which requires prioritizing core issues for the greatest good.

• Misdirected efforts: The focus on organizing elaborate events instead of addressing sanitation issues in a district diverts resources from essential services. Example: Funds allocated for a "Swachh Bharat Abhiyan" awareness campaign were used for a celebrity appearance instead of procuring cleaning equipment.
• Delayed projects: Obsessive attention to file work and bureaucratic procedures delays crucial infrastructure projects. Example: The prolonged land acquisition process for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project due to bureaucratic hurdles delayed its implementation.

Erosion of Public Trust

Neglecting core issues erodes public trust in the administration. When citizens perceive that their fundamental needs are being ignored, it fosters cynicism and disengagement. This violates the ethical principle of accountability and transparency in governance.

• Unresponsive governance: Ignoring citizen complaints about basic amenities like water supply creates a sense of apathy and disregard. Example: Repeated complaints about water scarcity in a locality were ignored by the municipal corporation, leading to protests and distrust.
• Increased corruption: Focus on minor procedural details creates opportunities for corruption and rent-seeking behavior. Example: Demanding unnecessary documents for a building permit facilitates bribery and delays the process.

Balancing Priorities for Effective Governance

Effective administrators must balance attention to detail with a focus on core issues. This involves strategic decision-making, delegation, and streamlining processes. Kautilya's Arthashastra emphasizes the importance of a ruler's ability to discern and prioritize for the welfare of the state.

• Strategic vision: A clear vision and set of priorities guide resource allocation and decision-making. Example: The NITI Aayog's focus on Sustainable Development Goals provides a framework for prioritizing development initiatives.
• Empowerment and delegation: Delegating routine tasks allows administrators to focus on strategic issues. Example: The e-governance initiative, like the UMANG app, streamlines processes and reduces bureaucratic burden.

A discerning administrator recognizes the interconnectedness of details and core issues. By prioritizing strategically and upholding ethical principles, the administration can ensure effective service delivery and build a just and efficient governance system. This requires a shift from a culture of procedural adherence to one of outcome-oriented public service, reflecting the spirit of the Indian Constitution's Directive Principles of State Policy.