While accountability often necessitates documentation, an overemphasis on bureaucratic procedures and excessive paperwork can inadvertently silence the very voices that public policy intends to empower, particularly at the grassroots. Examine the above statement with suitable illustrations.

nately, it can also lead to prioritisation of means over ends leading to the sin of "power without empathy", leading to iron cage of rationality:

1. least well off most impacted since illiterate & unable to produce documents.

eg> forest rights pattas

1. Blinds officials to immediate suffering eg> rejecting PDS because of no Aadhar.

2. Turns administration apathetic. Eg> hospital refusing admission owing to potential medico-legal case.

3. Disempowers citizenry

4. Red tapism → culture of "gifts" to "grease the wheels" → corrupt work culture

5. Focus on process over outcome → "on paper compliance" syndrome with no real impact.

Therefore, the need of the hour is:

(i) creative process that provide ease of compliance.

(ii) integrating technology for propriety.

(iii) Benefit of doubt to citizen to meet immediate needs.