In what seems like a fit of overenthusiasm, the central government has reportedly decided to evolve a code of ethics for engineers and to mandate registration of all practising engineers. To monitor such measures, a council of sorts has been proposed. This is in response to what is being seen as a dereliction of duty on the part of the construction community in Ahmedabad and elsewhere in Gujarat resulting in avoidable earthquake deaths and destruction. Certainly a move to be applauded. At least the spirit which has prompted such a radical measure to ensure the safety of people is to be commended. But in its energetic preoccupation with mandates, the government may be missing the wood for the trees.
