Politics in Maharashtra

So Raj Thakrey has replicated the idea of his uncle in his endeavour to consolidate his hold over the Maharashtrians. One should not forget that his uncle the Shiv Sena Supremo Bala Saheb Thakcrey had taken a leap in the state politics precisely using the same pretext of acting as the saviour of Marathi pride”. But years later realization dawned on him that parochial politics would confine him to the State of Maharashtra and ultimately he bid goodbye to this concept and embraced the Hindu concept. This saw him catapult to the national scene and his ultimate power to be the king maker.

The politics that Raj seem to be adopting is the exclusionary one. On the one hand he is violating the spirit of the Constitution which ensures the fundamental rights of movement across the country and on the other hand earning the wrath of non Marathis who had vented their reactions from multiple fora. But at the risk of annoying the liberal thinkers, I feel it is time for the government to take note of this development. It is very easy for anyone to criticize the act of Raj Thackerey and his goons in spreading anarchy by attacking the non Marathi workers. Though he is trying to take political mileage out of it, but the underlying message of the current anarchy can’t be discounted.

Though one may not admit it openly, but somewhere in the heart of our hearts and in the closest circles the local people do articulate their resentment at the outsiders occupying their chances of employment by providing services at cheap rates and the preference of the private employers to hire such workers who are gullible, vulnerable have no bargaining power, etc.

The fact should not be overlooked that these migrant workers come to big cities in search of work. In a way the migration has taken place mostly from UP, Bihar, MP, Orissa, West Bengal, etc. In a way both the central government and the state governments should wake up to the crude fact and own up responsibility for the lopsided development that is taking place in the country. Why there is no balanced development across the country? It is like feeding an overfed person.

Instead of concentrating developmental activities only in the over-developed cities and metros and instead locating such activities in the neglected and underdeveloped states and regions, can we expect the migration to halt. The NREGA has come very timely, but its lackadaisical implementation leaves much to be desired. The government should take developmental activities in its hand and should identify the activities and projects which are labour intensive in nature. Preference should be given to the local people in the matter of employment.

In fact no one would like to leave his hearth and home and wander in wilderness for his bread and butter. Hence the need of the hour is that the government both at the Centre and at state levels should chalk out developmental activities in the right earnest with prime the aim of creating employment opportunities for the skilled and unskilled workers in view. The scope of NREGA scheme devised to check migration by providing employment to unskilled workers should be expanded and the scheme should be implemented scrupulously.

Unless the undercurrents are addressed the mere rhetoric of violation of Constitution, disqualification of political parties, etc. will have no meaning because this will be a recurring feature and the opportunistic politics will take the driving seat and the migrant labour will always remain a sandwich between parochial politics and his need for survival.

By Sudesh Negi (The author can be contacted at negisudesh@rediffmail.com)

Pay Packages of Group 'A' Officers and above - Suggestions for Sixth Central Pay Commission

Some of the Questions for the Government Policy Makers:

--Who are the people who join Indian Civil Services?

--During the last five years, how many students from IITs and IIMs have joined Indian Civil Services?

--Have government noticed that earlier the brain drain was happening outside India mostly to US, UK, Australia, New Zealand and other western European countries but now most of the talented people are joining MNCs even within India?

--Why these people are not joining the earlier most sought after service i.e. Indian Civil Services?

--Do you know what is the difference between the pay package that a new ICS appointee gets and an MNC appointee gets?

There is a big hue and cry about the appointment of the Sixth Central Pay Commission. The corporate India is scared that, the pay revision for the ‘Baboos’ will derail the economy altogether. On the other hand the government employees complain that the present salary and other emoluments are not sufficient for leading a decent life, especially in the post liberalization era of high pay packets.

On a realistic analysis, it can be seen that, the main problem in the Government service is that compensation at the senior levels is highly uncompetitive. In the Group 'A' level, where the officials have to take important decisions, which affects the welfare of the general public, and implement important schemes and programs, for the development, and growth of the nation, there is indeed a need to recruit the best available talent. The civil service in India has always been manned by the cream of the talent. The recruitment by UPSC is known to be the toughest in the world, and the training provided is considered as among the best. Even in spite of that there are complaints from many corners that the bureaucracy in the country is not efficient and is slow paced.

Are They Inefficient?

The actual problem in fact is, not with the quality of manpower, but with the system and procedure which is unnecessarily complicated, and which can only be addressed by administrative reforms. It is not correct to blame the officers or question their efficiency or integrity, for delays or hurdles in delivering, which in fact is mainly due to the administrative system, which needs to be thoroughly modified. Of course there is a question of attitude also, which can be improved by steps including betterment of working conditions. In fact Government officers themselves are the most affected victims of the system. A good example is the Pay Commission itself. Pay revisions for the government employees are due once in ten years. The Fifth Pay Commission had stated that the Sixth Commission be appointed by 2003 so that new pay scales could be made effective from 1.1.2006. The Sixth Commission was set up in October 2006 only, ie, ten months later to the date on which the revision should have actually been implemented! The Commission has been given a time frame of 18 months to submit their report. The Fifth Commission has taken 33 months to submit their report. Even if the present commission submits its report within time, it takes several months for the Government to take a decision. Who is to be blamed here, - the employees, who are at the receiving end?

It is to be noted that, not too long ago, the salaries in the private sector was not as attractive as they are now. Many of the serving government officers have joined the service when they were having other options also. They should not be punished nor made to regret for having chosen to become a public servant than serving some ‘only profit’ motivated private enterprises. The Govt. official also have to live, bring up and educate his children among those who are employed in the private sector or well paid public sector organisations. At present for even a Group ‘A’ officer it would be difficult to afford to send his child, to an IIM or any other premier institute, which is sponsored or established by the Government itself, whereas those who being less competent were not able to make it to the Civil Services, and hence joined the public or private sector, would be able to provide quality education for their children.

Regarding other benefits such as promotional avenues also, the private sector, has emerged as much more attractive. In the private sector (especially in software, banking, Telecommunications, Insurance etc.) a qualified employee gets promoted to the next level in about three years, whereas in the government the same takes many more years. This will definitely demoralize the presently serving officers, and would fail to attract the cream of talent to join also. In fact there has been only a reduction in the facilities provided to the Govt. employees. Suspension of LTC a few years back is an example. For the new entrants to the service, even the pension, which was once considered as an attractive factor in the Govt., has been made contributory, resulting in an actual decrease of 10% in the net salary. Even their savings through the Provident Fund attracts 1.5% less interest, than the private sector. (The govt. incurs huge loss to provide for this higher interest to the private sector). Moreover, the salary of the Govt. employee is as such subject to income tax, whereas in the private sector, they split the salaries in to components and reimbursements so as to avoid income tax to the maximum.

The bureaucracy being adequately paid is, in fact, in the interest and for the welfare of the large sections of the community, and promotes equity and social justice, for the reasons including the following:

a) It is the Govt. machinery, which has to formulate and implement schemes and programs for the welfare and benefit of the larger community. Hence it is necessary that the Govt. machinery be manned with people with ability and quality.

b) Govt. provides and ensures employment opportunities for the talented among the under privileged sections including SC/ST, OBC, physically handicapped, etc. The well-paid jobs in the private sector, by and large are accessible to the convent / public school educated elite layer of the society. There are no prescribed criteria for the recruitment in to the private sector employment. So the Govt. sector remains the only avenue available for the children of the ordinary man, to come up in life by one’s own effort. If salaries in the Govt. are not made at par with that of the private sector, it only adds to widen the gap between the elite and the poor sections of the society.

c) Being underpaid would demoralize the public servant, which in turn would slow down the process of development.

d) An adequately paid civil service would be less or not corrupt, which again is beneficial for the community.
The present scenario:

A Group ‘A’ officer at the entry level, at present is appointed on a basic pay of Rs. 8000/ per month. Apart from that he gets paid dearness pay (DP), Dearness allowance (DA), Traveling Allowance (TA), House Rent Allowance (HRA) and City Compensatory Allowance (CCA) if applicable. The sum total of the salary and all these components per annum will be around Rs.200,000/- for an officer posted in a major city, which is meager, by any standard, and which is less than the entry level pay of an employee of average caliber in the private sector.

CCA at the highest rate today is Rs. 300/- only, which provides an amount of less than Rs.10/- per day for a family in cities including Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore, where the cost of living is very high compared to other towns and villages. The CCA for different cities will have to be increased at least six fold of what it is today. There is also a need for changing the basis of classification of cities. City living cost is directly related to factors including the general income of the residents, price of petroleum products in that city etc. A very good example is Bangalore, the Software capital of India, where very high salaries are paid to people in the software and related fields, which constitutes a large section of the residents. Naturally the pay in other private sector areas also is on the higher side in that city. Apart from that, the price of petroleum products in the city is also among the highest in the country, resulting in a corresponding increase in the cost of living. But very recently only the Government increased CCA in that city to Rs. 300.

HRA even at the highest rate of 30% of the present pay scales are not enough for a decent accommodation. Again if Bangalore is taken as an example, the HRA provided for, is only 15%. In fact the average actual house rent in that city is much higher than that of some other cities where HRA is 30%. A direct recruited Group ‘A’ officer in Bangalore will get an HRA of Rs. 1800/- per month (15% of basic pay + DP) only, with which it is not possible even to get a one room accommodation with the least minimum facilities.

The TA paid to the Group ‘A’ officers is only Rs.800 per month. If the officer is residing within 1 km from the office he is not entitled for TA at all. The present rate was fixed a decade ago when average cost of petrol in the country was less than Rs. 20 per litre whereas now the same is more than Rs.50. The amount then was sufficient for buying more than 40 litres of petrol whereas the same will not be now enough for transportation to office by ordinary bus, in cities like Bangalore. TA necessarily needs to be linked with cost of petrol.

Another example is the medical benefits provided under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) on medical insurance basis on payment of a monthly subscription. You have to undergo a long course of torture under the present system if you are to avail the facilities. The long queue in the CGHS dispensary which then refers to a government hospital to a specialist. After much of visits to a government specialist, the hassles of various medical tests, getting the dates for the reports of such tests, final diagnosis which invariably takes lot of time and the time by which final treatment starts is anybody’s guess.

Attractive Pay Needed at Group ‘A’ Level

If the central civil service is to remain efficient, there is need to provide very good remuneration and working condition for the officials at the Group ‘A’ level which shall be at par with the private sector. Another factor to be considered in devising a reasonable remuneration package for Govt. officers is the pay structure in public sector organizations like ONGC, Reserve Bank, Nationalized and public sector Banks, SEBI, and the oil companies. It is a fact that the selections to these organizations are easier compared to selection by UPSC. Most of the officers of these organizations have joined them on their failure to get through the civil service and other UPSC examinations. There is need to make at least the Group ‘A’ services, if not higher, at least at par with the pay and other emoluments provided by the best of such organizations. Even a 100% increase on the present gross salary would not be at par with the private sector and would fail to attract the best talent. However considering all other aspects including the paying capacity of the Government a 100% increase along with other facilities for Group ‘A’, officers can be termed as just and reasonable. A minimum and reasonable increment of 10% of Basic pay per year is to be provided defining also the number of years to be normally served in that scale on the expiry of which the employee will have to be, if not promoted to the next higher position, at least entitled to draw pay at the next higher scale. For a Group ‘A’ officer the span of tenure to be served in the entry level should not be made more than four years.Apart from that all Group ‘A’ officials should be made entitled for:

1. Reimbursement of cost of petrol (or any other fuel) at specified eligible quantity, in lieu of payment of TA component in the salary. Even nationalized and public sector banks provide this to their officers At the entry level the officer should be eligible for cost of 50 liters as applicable in the city of his posting.

2. Air travel eligibility in economy class on official and LTC tour. At present a central government officer posted in south will have to spend six days in train to attend a one-day conference at New Delhi.

3. Rent free BSNL land and mobile phones, Lap top computers and Internet connection. This is especially important as Group ‘A’ officers are supposed to be on duty round the clock.

4. Medical facilities to include consultation in recognized private hospitals.

5. Entitlement to stay in good quality hotels on tour. The condition is pathetic at present. Hotels can be specially recognized in each place for this purpose on contractual rates.

6. At present like all other employees, Group ‘A’ officers also are entitled for LTC to hometown, with family, only once in two year block. Group ‘A’ officers are liable to be transferred to any place in India. Hence Group ‘A’ officers may be provided this facility once every year.

7. The government needs to purchase/lease housing for Group ‘A’ officers.

8. Other further incentives to match (to the minimum level at least) those provided by private sector. Some suggestions:

a) Entertainment allowance.
b) Facility to travel abroad to any one of the specified countries (as can be arranged as special packages each year in association with national air lines) or on any luxury train such as ‘Palace on Wheels’ in lieu of one ‘LTC to anywhere in India’ in the entire career subject to minimum specified years of service, and other conditions.

Comparison with State Governments pay

The central government service has always been and should always be above all other Government or local body services. People with much more competence only are able to get through the recruitment process in all levels of the central service, when compared to state or other such services This difference will always reflect on the pay structure also. Moreover, all important and key positions in the state administration are manned by officers of central services such as IAS, IPS, IFS, who also are the beneficiaries of the central pay revision. However more avenues may be provided for qualified employees with sufficient service, from the state services for deputation (and absorption also) into Central services.

Another point to be considered is that, unlike the state government and other employees, the central Govt. employees are liable to be transferred and posted at any where in the country. This causes them much difficulty financially and in other ways. The studies of their children are most affected, and for reasons related to that, quiet often the employee will have to stay apart from family again causing much expenses as he has to provide means for two households, apart from personal difficulties and emotional issues.

Special Provisions for Professionals

Scientists, Doctors, Engineers, Lawyers, CAs, and other professionals wherever such professional qualifications with previous experience are prerequisite for applying for the post should be paid a special allowance similar to Non Practicing Allowance, now paid to doctors only. Otherwise it will be difficult to retain or attract talented professionals to Government service.

Special Incentives To Promote Social Welfare

The Government should set an example by itself as a model employer by providing special incentives to its employees, to promote social welfare, family planning, communal harmony and national integration.

RED LINE - BLUE LINE – DEAD LINE

Har shakh pe ullu baitha hai
Anjam- e- Gulistan Kya Hoga

This sher fits aptly on the present situation of the national capital. Blue Line buses killing Delhites without fail.

Similar was the situation of the Government when Red Line buses were causing havoc on Delhi roads. It took toll of large number of innocent people. There was no disciplinary agency to control Delhi city red buses. However, Mumbai has well organised and disciplined fleet of red buses and city bus service is doing exceedingly well.

As I have mentioned in my earlier article that if colours are handled properly, their energy can be used constructively.

It is surprising to hear that the complete Government machinery of Delhi is working hard to tame the Blue Line Buses – the transport lobby.

What a miracle it is! - an accident of Raja Garden sort happens – wherein the bus was full of passengers, the driver hits about 13 vehicles on a road as busy as Ring Road and the driver gets vanished from the scene of accident?

What a quick response from the Government side! Whenever there is a tragedy or a big accident – the Government; the Ministers and all the Government machinery gets charged. Immediately, the Minister concerned or the CM announces a compensation package for the victims of the accidents and an enquiry committee or enquiry commission is set up to investigate the accident and after that everything goes smoothly at least for them till another accident occurs.

Never mind, we Indians have become habitual to all that. Because we have become immune- we are literally dead – having no emotions for any one not even for ourselves.
There had been numerous fatal accidents by Blue Line –the Government has decided to phase the Blue line out of Delhi Roads. Of late, some stricter measures have been taken.- A News

Then – what a way to protest! - the Blue Line Bus owners have withdrawn their buses from the roads in protest of proper implementation of traffice rules. The Bus owners don’t want to understand that they have been given a licence to drive the buses and not to kill the innocent passengers.

Our Politicians are so efficient that when Red Line – started killing Delhites – instead of taking a preventive/ corrective action – they preferred to change the name and made it “Blue Line”. Can a change of name changes the basic instinct i.e. violation of rules - killing innocent passengers?

Instead of blood, corruption is flowing in our veins. Our mind, heart and body and soul – have been corrupted. We have become slaves of corruption. Right from top to bottom, we are coloured with corruption. We all know the fact that corruption starts from top to bottom. Our political leaders talk a lot about honesty, discipline and self restraint. Do they follow it in practice? What is the root cause of Blue Line bus problem?

Food for thought:

a. Are we so incompetent that even after 60 years of independence, we are unable to devise a public transport system for India in general and for the capital in particular?

b. What is the root cause of this Blue Line Problem? – Bus Operators – rampant Corruption in the Delhi Administration in general and in Delhi Police, Licensing Deptt. in particular.

c. Is there a nexus between the Transporters – Politicians-Government Deptts.?

d. Will the time come, when the politicians dare to think beyond their dirty and mean vote bank politics?

e. Is it not possible to be alert before something tragic or unwanted happens?

f. Have we got our conscious with us? If yes, where is it - Sleeping the Kumbhkarni sleep.

g. Are the politicians, bureaucrats, technocrats or the administrators not aware of the fact that “a stitch in time saves nine”?

Certainly, they are aware but they are more interested in nine stitches – as it would require more repair – more thread, more labour and more expertise to make nine stitches. And the end result - if there would be more stitches there would be more opportunities for Swiss bank accounts, frauds, scams and what not.

"100 mein se 99 baemaan"
"phir bhee MERA BHARAT MAHAN"

I hope, at least, this time the Delhi Government will lift itself above the vote bank politics and take a justifiable, viable and practical decision which when implemented could go a long way in solving at least the public transport problems of the people.

--Jagdish C Bisht

Funny Truths

1. Regular naps prevent old age... especially if you take them while driving.


2. Having one child makes you a parent; having two makes you a referee.


3. Marriage is a relationship in which one person is always right and theother is the husband!


4. They said we should all pay our tax with a smile. I tried- but they wantedcash.


5. A child's greatest period of growth is the month after you've purchased newschool uniforms.


6. Don't feel bad. A lot of people have no talent.


7. Don't marry the person you want to live with, marry the one you cannot livewithout... but whatever you do, you'll regret it later.


8. You can't buy love. . But you pay heavily for it.


9. True friends stab you in the front.


10. Forgiveness is giving up my right to hate you for hurting me.


11. Bad officials are elected by good citizens who do not vote.


12. Laziness is nothing more than the habit of resting before you get tired.


13. My wife and I always compromise. I admit I'm wrong and she agrees with me.


14. Those who can't laugh at themselves leave the job to others.


15. Ladies first. Pretty ladies sooner.


16. It doesn't matter how often a married man changes his job, he still endsup with the same boss.


17. They call our language the mother tongue because the father seldom gets to speak.


18. Saving is the best thing. Especially when your parents have done it foryou.


19. Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools talk because theyhave to say something.


20. Real friends are the ones who survive transitions between address books.

--Sandeep Dhingra

COLOURS ARE REALLY COLOURFUL!

Ever thought about the color of your tie, or car or walls of your bedroom!! Color is important since it gets an emotional response from people and can really effect how you look.

Have you, as a person of normal prudence, ever given a thought to the following mind – boggling questions:

1. Why the people in judiciary should wear black coloured coat/gown?


2. What are the reasons for wearing green coloured clothes for a doctor in Operation Theater?


3. Why the Government of Delhi had to ban Red line city bus service, whereas in Mumbai every city bus is painted red?


4. Why a bride should wear red clothes, a set of red bangles (choora) on her arms, lipstick, nail polish and mehndi all in shades of red.


5. Why rental cars, school buses have yellow (yellow) as a colour?

Colour preferences for an individual are innate. Each person is born with an attraction for a particular colour. Colors not only enhance the appearance -- they also influence our behaviour. It’s to our advantage to consider the responses to color, both physiological and psychological.

In science, colours are simply lights of different wavelengths. Passing light through a prism has spectrum of seven colours in the order of their wavelengths/frequencies. This spectrum is popularly known as VIBGYOR (Violet, Indigo, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, Red). These colours can be divided into:

Cool colors: (green, blue, violet) are associated with water, sky and foliage and generally indicate calm/coolness.
Warm colors: (red, orange, yellow) are associated with fire and the sun and generally indicate warmth and activity.

The violet colour has the shortest wavelength and the highest frequency.

The Red colour has the highest wavelength and shortest frequency. It produces feelings of arousal while blue generates feelings of tranquility and well being and had a calming effect.

Investigations have shown that Pressure increases under red light and decreases under the blue light.

Red colour has many virtues. It makes people unaware of how much time is passing and is therefore the colour of choice of casinos and bars. Studies have shown that red makes food more aromatic and entices people into eating more.

Conversely people refuse to eat blue tinted foods. People have natural aversion to eating something blue.

Green is the balance between cool and warm rays.

Research in plants and animals have demonstrated that plants grown under red glass were found to shoot up four times quicker that those grown in ordinary sun light and grow much more slowly under blue glass.

In 1990, scientists reported successful use of blue light in the treatment of a wide variety of psychological problems, including addictions, eating disorders, impotence and depression.

At the other end of the colour spectrum, red light has been shown to be effective in the treatment of migraine headache and cancer.

Yellow is the colour that the eyes register the quickest. Even a single row of yellow marigold growing outside a home for sale will hasten the payments of deposits. Since yellow also signals caution, it is preferred for rental cars, school buses and taxis but not for banks. Temperamental artists, opera singers, writers and musicians explode the quickest in yellow rooms.

Wealthiest persons prefer forest green and burgundy.

Weight loss programmes are more successful when foods are eaten while looking at blue decoration.

Astrology, the knowledge in our ancient scriptures can provide answers to various questions about colours. In astrology, each planet and each zodiacal sign signifies a colour. Recently, there was a lot of talk about the ‘Shani Amavasya’ and the planet ‘Shani”. Black, blue and indigo colours are represented by planet Saturn. Saturn causes delays and is a planet of endurance, perseverance, self-control, sense of duty towards almighty and man, precaution in all matters. Saturn applies pressures. In judiciary, stake involved is very high. Even death or heavy losses may be the result of imprudent judgment made in haste. Wearing black clothes means all people connected with judiciary are under influence of planet Saturn. By doing this, it is ensured that no undue haste is shown in judging a dispute and decisions are made only after taking due precaution in weighing all pros and cons of subject matter.

Astrologically, Green colour is assigned to planet Mercury. Mercury rules over central nervous system. It is a planet of intelligence and is responsible for retentive power.

Doctor in an operation theatre is like a god for a patient. Slight negligence may be disastrous and may cause havoc. Doctor while performing operation has to maintain his/her nervous balance and can not afford to be too fast or too slow. He has to be just perfect. Mercury bestows these qualities to a doctor in green dress who is expected to be perfect.

In astrology, the colour red is represented by planet Mars. Mars is the indicator of energy both constructive and destructive. All defence forces and police come under the rule ship of Mars. It is a fact that if constructive part of Mars energy is to be made use of, it needs command of discipline. Without discipline police and force can go berserk.

Similar was the situation of Red Line bus service in Delhi, which caused havoc on Delhi roads. It took toll of large number of innocent people. There was no disciplinary agency to control Delhi city red buses. However, Mumbai has well organised and disciplined fleet of red buses and city bus service is doing exceedingly well.

In astrology if red colour is handled with care, its energy can be constructive. Due to these qualities of Mars, red is colour of celebration.

A bride wears red clothes, a set of red bangles, lipstick, nail polish and mehndi all in shades of red, as red signifies energy, ambition, success in materialist world and signifies the rich and colourful nature of married life.

Have you noticed, how many fast food restaurants use red, orange, and yellow. This is to attract the customer to the establishment and to make the food look better. Red also has a positive affect on your appetite!

Color has the power to influence our emotions, cause our bodies to undergo physical changes, and even has the power to heal. Red is such a powerful color that it can make us feel sexy, lustful, and aggressive, and can even cause our heart rates and blood pressure to rise. Blue can calm our mood, make us feel cooler, or if we are exposed to a blue environment for too long blue can cause us to become depressed.

The effect of colour on life is of great significance to human beings. Colours have language of the own being i.e. self has unlimited potential which can be explored to cross any boundary. By tapping the magical influence of colours most effectively, success and prosperity can be ensured. By blending right colours in life, there can be definite improvement in health, financial position, prosperity and popularity. In fact we can make our life colourful with colours of nature.

--Jagdish C Bisht

Lutyen's Delhi

The Rashtrapati Bhavan, Rajpath, India Gate, Parliament House and Teen Murti are a part of the capital better known as Lutyens Delhi.

Sir Edwin Lutyen, British architect and visionary, was called upon to design a new capital for the British rulers of India. His brief was unambiguous, the new capital should match, if not improve upon, the grandeur and vastness of the world’s best cities, yet capitalise on the intricacy of the Indian architecture.2800 acres of land was carved outside the old city, away from the hustle and bustle of Chandni Chowk and the ramparts of the Red Fort.

With a free hand to draw as he pleased, Lutyen sketched out the flowing lines of New Delhi - the Rashtrapati Bhavan (President’s House), the Parliament, the magnificent drive or Raj Path from the President’s house to the India Gate and the Canopy beyond for the statue of King George.

Offices of the British Resident, the North and the South Blocks, flanking the side of the Rashtrapati Bhavan melted into the buildings that housed the local administration. Deep set and overlooking the large greens dotted with small streams and fountains and planted with the saplings of the shade-giving and water-conserving Jamun tree, the gracious India Gate lawns were regal in their splendour.It took nearly twenty years to construct these and the 112 bungalows, built beyond the President’s house, with pillars and porticos that provided shade during the scorching summer months. Truly it was the most beautiful city planned by the British. The city was completed in 1931.

Rashtrapati Bhavan

This red stone building, topped by a copper dome is perched on the top of Raisina Hill. Previously the home of the British Viceroy it is now the official residence of the President of India (Rashtrapati in Hindi). It also houses the offices of various administrative departments in two sections of the complex called 'North Block' and 'South Block' On days of national import, such as Independence Day (August 15), the Bhavan is decorated with lights.

India Gate

India Gate was built to immortalize the 85,000 soldiers who died in World War II. It houses the Amar Javan Jyoti, the fire of immortal soldiers. The Amar Jawan Jyoti is guarded by the flags of the Indian army, navy and air-force. The structure is made of black marble and has four perpetually lit fires at its four corners. The small structure at the centre has "Amar Jawan Jyoti" inscribed on it (in Hindi) and a rifle topped with the army hat (used during World War II) emerging from it.

The Parliament (Sansad Bhavan)

The Indian Parliament is divided into two houses - the upper house is known as the Rajya Sabha and the lower house is known as the Lok Sabha. The Lok Sabha has 550 seats. 530 members are representatives of the Indian states and 20 members represent Union Territories (territories governed by the Central (Federal) government). The Rajya Sabha has 250 members, 238 of which represent states and Union Territories and the 12 nominated members are nominated on the basis of eminence in the fields of arts, sciences, literature etc. The Parliament is basically a round building. It is located near Rashtrapati Bhavan, and can be seen from Rajpath.

Hesitation of Chief Medical Officers of CGHS Dispensaries

A CGHS beneficiary suffering from a serious ailment is compelled to seek permission from various authorities, even when the rules under the Scheme provide clear guidelines. The reason for this can’t be wholly or even partially malafide, but one that of mindset and of taking suo motu action on the part of the authorities. The technocrats including the scientists, doctors, engineers though they may be experts in their respective fields, but when it comes to exercising their discretionary powers constructively and in favour of the beneficiaries are very much circumspect. This results in unnecessary delays and avoidable inconveniences to the ailing persons and their kith and kin.

I happened to approach the CMO of the concerned CGHS dispensary for the follow up with a hospital in the CGHS panel for radiotherapy in the case of my father. I had the requisite / valid permission vide which radiotherapy was administered to my father. I was asked to come for a check up after one month. When I confronted the CMO with this situation, he said that I could not have the follow up from the recognised hospital and for this I have to again approach the government hospital. When I said that there is a provision in the rules especially for cancer patients that they could have the follow up from the same hospital where they had undergone treatment, he was left dumbstruck. After a while regaining his composure, he said that he can’t refer the patient on his own but instead he would forward the case to the Additional Director who will give me the permission.

In this case I feel it pertinent to cite the office memorandum no. S.11011/1/2000-CGHS (P) dated 10.4.2001 issued under the signatures of B.B. Bhattacharjee, Under Secretary to the Govt. of India of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Department of Health. The operative part reads as follows:

“….. It has now been decided that the CGHS beneficiaries will be eligile for follow up treatment relating to Neuro Surgery, Cardiac Surgery (including Coronary Angioplasty & Implants), Cancer Surgery/ Chemotherapy/ Radiotherapy, Kidney transplantation, Hip/ Knee replacement Surgery and Accident cases in the same Institutions/ Hospitals where the treatmet was earlier carried out with prior permission of competent authority.

5. Permission for follow up treatment may be granted by Head of the Department in case of Central Government Employees, working employees and pensioners of Autonomous bodies admitted under the Scheme and by Rajya Sabha Secretariat/ Lok Sabha Secretariat as the case may be in case of Members of Parliament and Ex MPs and by CMO Incharge of concerned CGHS Dispensary in case of pensioners, freedom fighters etc. for 3-6 months at a time, which may be extended if required on the basis of medical record….”

In another order in the case of chronic cases medicines can be issued for three months by CGHS dispensaries. Though the order can be accessed from the CGHS website “mohfw.nic.in” but for the sake of convenience of the readers the letter no. S-11011/8/99-CGHS(P) daed 13th October, 1999 was issued by Brahm Dev, Under Secretary to the Govt. of India, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Department of Health. Again the operative portion for the benefit of the beneficiaries is as under:

“2. In order to alleviate the hardships being faced by such CGHS beneficiaries, CMO In-charge of the CGHS dispensaries all over the country are requested to issue them medicines for a period of 3 months at a time against the individual valid prescription containing the advice of the Government specialist”

But the regular practice indulged in by the incharges of CGHS dispensaries is to indent medicines for a week, or so. When the rule explicitly provides for issue of medicine for a period of three months in chronic cases, the same is resorted to as a matter of exception, and that too after much pleading. Thus, much of the time and energy and money are spent going round the various authorities seeking their permission/ approval. It is said that time is precious and has to be invested carefully. But the present scenario unfortunately belies this saying.

Are the CMOs / authorities concerned hesitant to interpret the rules in a constructive and a favourable manner. And why should they be, when the rules provide clearly for the same?

Are the CMOs fully versed with the basic rules in the matter of according permission/ issue of medicines. If not they should refresh their knowledge about the government policies on a regular basis.

I feel the doctors and incharges of the CGHS dispensaries should be sensitized towards the difficulties and inconveniences of the patients. It is perfectly humane nature that they might get irritated owing to the large number of patients, but regular sensitization to the needs of the masses may make much of difference.

In this connection I would like to add that regular meetings with the Area Welfare Officer of the concerned areas with the CMO should be made mandatory and members of public should be invited in the discussion to allay their problems.

Let us hope that this makes for a better start at least.

--Sudesh Negi

Laughter Tips for Relationships

• Laugh together for 5-10 min. each morning.
• Do one loving and light-hearted thing for each other each day.
• Point out the day's absurdities to each other.
• Seek out the humor in serious situations and share it with each other.
• Put more fun into sex.
• Consciously smile at each other more.
• Stay playful in your interaction by keeping your voices and body language playful.
• Renew your "real vows" once a week.
• Take turns being responsible for the humorous thought for the day.
• Giggle together right before going to sleep.
• Play "Teasing Telephone Tag" by leaving outrageous messages.
• Have a laughter match to see who can laugh loudest and longest.
• Surround yourself with flowers. "The earth laughs in flowers." Emerson.
• Practice laughing without control. Spit out food, wet your pants, wet each other's pants.
• Echo each other's laugh. Laugh each time your partner laughs.
• Count the number of times you laugh each day. Compete and share them.
• Tell each other how much you enjoy the other's laughter and sense of humor.
• Develop a fictional phone menu for different laughs. Press 1 for giggles, press 2 for chuckles, press three for guffaws, etc.
• List the positive things in your day each day and read them to each other.
• Play together one hour a week. Examples: Sing, dance, race each other, give exaggerated hugs, count smiling faces when driving together.

Downsizing of Government Workforce - Recommendations of Fifth Central Pay Commission and Expenditue Reforms Commission

Some of the Fifth Pay Commission's important recommendations included slashing the government workforce by 30 per cent; abolishing 350,000 vacant posts and reducing the number of pay scales from 51 to 34. The Commission also suggested that the grant of salary hikes to employees should be linked to issues of downsizing government staff, efficiency, and administrative reforms.

The then Finance Minister Yashwant Sinha in 1999, set up an Expenditure Reforms Commission to recommend ways to downsize government workforce in a systematic manner. 'The high rate of growth of non-developmental expenditure by government is a growing and critical source of concern. The most effective and lasting solution to this problem is to begin the process of downsizing the government,' Sinha had then noted, while setting up the Expenditure Reforms Commission.

The task before the Expenditure Reforms Commission was to recommend ways to reduce the roughly 4.2-million-strong central government staff, which would have then helped even state governments to downsize its 20 million employees.

So what were the Expenditure Reforms Commission's recommendations?

• A 10 per cent reduction in central government staff as on January 1, 2000 to be carried out by 2004-2005.
• A screening committee consisting of the secretary of the concerned ministry, a representative of the department of personnel and training, and a representative of the department of expenditure should be set up.
• This committee should prepare the annual direct recruitment plans for all cadres, with approval -- in respect of group 'A' posts -- being accorded by a committee consisting of the Cabinet secretary, concerned secretary, secretary (DOP&T) and secretary (expenditure).
• There should be a total ban on creation of new posts for two years.
• Staff declared surplus should be transferred to the Surplus Cell to be redesignated as the 'division of retraining and deployment,' which will pay their salary, retirement benefits, etc. In these centres, where the number of surplus staff is quite small, the present practice of the parent organisations making these payments may be continued.
• Surplus staff should be made eligible for a liberal voluntary retirement scheme (VRS) recommended by the Fifth Pay Commission, with the exception that commutation entitlements will be as at present and the ex gratia amount will be paid in monthly installments covering a five-year period.
• Those who do not opt for VRS and are not redeployed within one year will be discharged from service.

The Expenditure Reforms Commission further said that computerisation, office automation, creation of paperless offices and changes in office systems and file management would considerably reduce the government's staff strength.

Moreover, the Commission also put before the government a 10-year manpower plan. 'If we have to plan for a 30 per cent across-the-board cut, within a time frame of ten years, it would amount to 3 per cent reduction in manpower levels every year. As this is the normal attrition rate due to retirements, deaths, resignations etc, a total freeze on fresh recruitment alone can achieve the 30 per cent reduction within ten years,' the Expenditure Reforms Commission said.

Thus, the core of the Expenditure Reforms Commission recommendations was that there should be a complete freeze on all new recruitments and no vacant posts should be filled up.

Currently, 3.5 lakh (350,000) posts lie vacant in the central government alone.

Do you agree with the downsizing of the government workforce? What do you think, the fit and competent government servants have right to remain in government service and those who are not fit and competent, should take VRS or quit government service or should be sent to Surplus Cell? Give your comments on the link given below or mail post to sarkaribaboo@gmail.com.

Issues for Consideration of Sixth Central Pay Commission

I have come to know now about this unique and excellent platform called ‘sarkaribaboo.blogspot.com' where govt. employees can share their views. I think this is a very good and unique initiative which should have been taken some years back. But better late than never. My hearty congratulations to the innovator.

Good News is that 6th Pay Commission is expected to submit its report to the Government by the end of this year. The Pay commission has been considering the structure of pay, allowances, pension, death-cum-retirement gratuity, family pension and other terminal or recurring benefits etc. including payment of bonus, introducing Productivity Linked Incentive Scheme in place of the existing ad hoc bonus scheme in various Departments.

If you talk of problems - there are heaps of problems. My learned friend Mr. Sudesh Negi has aptly sketched the pitiable, wretched and pathetic plight of the govt. employees with regard to pay & allowances, medical treatment etc. One can write "Granthas" on the problems of Govt. employees, but I would like to mention a few of them.

There is an utmost urgency for a motivational plan for all the govt. employees which should, inter-alia, include time bound promotions/ financial upgradation/ incentives etc to motivate the employees for better and better performance. Recently, I came to know that in Central Sectt. Stenographer’s Cadre, there are stenographers who, even after putting in 18-20 long years of service as stenographer are still a stenographer. Same is the case with other clerical staff in Central Sectt. Of course, there is ACP - a financial upgradation after completing 12 years of service in a particular scale– but it does not have any motivating effect. ACP is merely an eye wash – as this is just a financial upgradation and is not considered for anything else except financial upgradation. Shouldn’t there be a time bound promotion scheme. Despite working for say about 30-40 years, a Group ‘D’ employee in Govt. of India remains a Group D employee – both in terms of designation and pay & allowances & facilities. The 6th Pay Commission might think it appropriate to consider this important aspect.

I am going to touch upon a forgotton topic – i.e. about the admissibility of House Rent Allowance (HRA) to working couples - who are both in govt. offices. If you have been allotted a Govt. accommodation, both of you would have to forego your HRA irrespective of the fact that you both are entitled for the govt. accommodation. In another probability, if only one of the two is entitled for govt. accommodation and both are in govt offices; even then both the employees have to lose their HRA. To my mind it defies any logic. If both of them have to lose their HRA, they should be entitled either for two accommodations or only one accommodation and should get one persons’ HRA, as is the case with other employees, one of whom is working in govt. office and other in public sector.

The other point is about CGHS facilities being provided to the govt. employees. Why don’t the govt. thinks in terms of Mediclaim sort of an insurance plan for Govt employees and their wards? I think paying a lumpsum amount monthly or annually as medical allowance would not be a bad idea at all as the services of CGHS are not up to the mark.

If you talk of other allowances viz OTA, Conveyance etc. we are still sticking to the “once upon a time” theme. The rate of overtime allowance for govt. employees is only Rs. 12.50 per hour for a long-2 time, which was revised after a long time from Rs. 3.45 per hour. I don’t know when the time will come to revise the rates.

Payment of Transport Allowance (TA) is one of the issues which should be considered by the Pay commission. At present, more TA is given to those who are also entitled for officials cars. Obviously, they should get more TA as per their entitlements, but the lower rung officials should not be overlooked. Is paying just Rs. 100/- as TA to a poorly paid baboo justified?

There are so many issues pertaining to Central government employees, which need to be looked into, but one thing is certain that they are a frustrated lot - Be it medical facilities, TA, OTA, Bonus, salary - everything has a cap/ condition over it. We may hope 6th Pay commission might ease up the position for sarkari baboos.

-- Jagdish C. Bist

Views on article published "A Counter to ERC Recommendations"

The writer seems to have conveniently ignored the basic philosophy of ERC. ERC had made many recommendations - staff cut among one of them - because the government sector was hugely overstaffed and in view of liberalization, there are number of areas where government's presence has become completely redundant. Can anybody tell what the government is doing in the areas of telecom, energy, labour, heavy industries, mines, rural development (which is purely a state subject) and purely private initiative like agriculture. The above list is only indicative and not exhaustive.

While the writer's contention that work force in judicial areas should be increased can be agreed to, his other arguments for increasing work force in education, health, rural development, etc. is contrary to ground reality and does not stand to reason.

For example, education. The Government has locked substantial resources and manpower in this area with the net result that in spite of the Government's presence we are one of the most illiterate country in the South Asia. Even a tiny country like Sri Lanka is doing much better than us. Humblest of private schools in remote rural area are doing much better than the government owned schools with better paid teachers and staff. Education sector does require public spending but, other innovative methods hitherto ignored are required to be looked into. Innovative methods like education vouchers, or management of government schools with local participation, etc. are required. Similalry health sector where government has made huge investment since independence have hardly been delivering. Schemes like health insurance with matching government contribution can yield much better results. You surely donot chop your finger which bleeds but you definitely avoid it getting injured again. The history of countries which have developed during the last century tells us that it is the huge dose of development which can increase employment and not schemes started by the government with the sole aim of employment creation. In fact they are bad economics and we have already seen the result of such bad economic policies which we have adopted since independence. Huge Government money is required in creating and improving infrastructural situation of the country which can give a push to economic growth. It is the sustained economic growth which can improve the economic conditions of the people by increasing employment prospects and not merely job craetion by the government sector.

Honest surveys and sincere efforts by the government are pious intentions. Government spending breeds corruption. The Government's job is to create ideal and fertile ground for citizens to prosper.

- V.P. Rajvedi

A Counter to ERC Recommendations

Now a days there is talk of ERC recommendations being implemented very strictly. Under these recommendations posts vacant for more than a year or so will be abolished. Further a ban on recruitment on compassionate basis is in force, new recruitments in certain categories have been put on hold. But is the government focussing only on the posts that should be abolished? Is it also paying attention to the fact many sectors of the country are grossly understaffed and there is a dire urgency to address this question.

A myth prevails that the government is overstaffed. In the present scenario when computerisation is in full swing in government offices, there is some truth in the myth. But this is true only in a partial sense. If we look at the law sector, law enforcement sector, health sector, education sector, rural sector, etc. we can feel the pinch of reality. All these sectors are grossly understaffed.

Law Sector: The long list of pending cases requiring adjudication sends one in a tizzy. Of course it can be contended that our legal system is to be blamed which takes recourse to lengthy processes like hearing, counter hearing, summons, etc. But with a sincere approach, these problems can be taken care of. In the first instance we are very much short of courts, judges, judicial staff, supporting staff in the courts. The cases that can be tried summarily should be tackled accordingly. But again, with the crying dearth of judicial staff/ supporting staff, courts, the problem is lingering and is bound to linger on. There is an urgent need for a massive recruitment drive in the judicial sector. With this the festering problem of social unrest can be taken care of. By international standards also we are far short of judges.

Law enforcement sector: Day in and day out we hear the problems of unrest in law enforcement agencies. This can be attributed to their overburdening and overpressing duties. Again the worsening law and order situation can at best be attributed to dire shortage of personnel which calls for urgent recruitment in this sector.

Health Sector: This is the least touched sector. But the fact is that even though Constitution enjoins the right to life and that too a life with dignity to all its citizens, the citizens of this country are left to fend for themselves and be at the mercy of big wigs in the matter of health. With the loosening of the grip by the government over its resources, particularly in land resources, we find the construction of malls, shopping centres, dupleix theatres and every other amenities for well offs. But the number in which these amenities are constructed far outweigh their actual need. To take an example, in South Delhi, two huge shopping malls are in full construction and besdies that, two big private hospitals and one five star hotel is there. By the way these amenities cater only the affluent classes and in no way serves the lower middle classes which forms the majority in the peripheral areas of the place. If only one big hospital of the size of Safdarjung could be built in the area, it would have taken care of the masses who have to rush to Safdarjung for every possible ailment. The shortage of hospitals, technicians, labs, modern machines, doctors, nurses, supporting staffs compels everyone to rush to Safdarjung hospital for treatment only adds to the already heavily burdened hospital. Secondly, the need for proper maintenance of the medical equipments needs immediate attention. This by itself requires massive recruitment drive. This is only a tip of an iceberg where the pinch of inadequate staff is felt. Think of the scenario in the whole country. The health sector is such a vital sector that it has the potential of absorbing a very large work force. With the advent of latest technology the avenues have only multiplied. But is any one listening to the call of time?

Education Sector: With the Supreme Court declaring Right to Education a fundamental right and the good intentions of the erstwhile regime this right was translated into reality with a government order giving it an executive validity. But in urban sectors, we find opening of public schools in every nook and corner. In a way the private sectors seems to be bent on implementing the government fiat for its own benefit and in the process making a big hole in the pocket of citizenry who have understood the importance of education. But there is still a large ground to be covered for the government. With the burgeoning population, there is a pressing need for more government schools, teachers, labs, equipments, etc. again which has a very large potential of absorbing a huge workforce.

Rural Sector: This sector though of vital importance was totally left out of the scheme of things of the government. Agriculture, animal husbandry, food processing, horticulture, floriculture, etc. all these are the components in ths sector which need to be pruned up drastically and the potential of absorbing workforce which it carries should be implemented with full vigour and right earnest.

A totally new sector has emerged in recent years. Though a very important sector in a welfare society, its importance could be realised only recently i.e. social sector.

Critics of government are partially right when they say that the state of governance is not going to improve even if all the sectors are adequately staffed. But then abolition of posts is not the panacea to the ills staring at our face. You don’t chop of your finger if it gets hurt and pains or bleeds. On the contrary you try to put bandage and prevent the bleeding.

It would be worthwhile if the government at the national level gives its attention to these vital sectors by carrying out a nation-wide survey with sincere intention of creating the huge workforce that the problem of unemployment which is staring at the face of the nation can be tackled. In sum, it can be said that the government should be wise enough to allocate proper funds and resources proportionate to the promise that each sector carries. Only then we can have a balanced workforce that can make a strong India.

- Sudesh Negi

(You can give your comments on the above article in the link given below or you can email your views to sarkaribaboo@gmail.com)

Sixth Central Pay Commission

The Government of India, after taking into account the changing scenario in terms of structure of emoluments and service conditions of Government employees in several respects since the implementation of Fifth Central Pay Commission’s report in 1997, have appointed the Sixth Central Pay Commission on October 5, 2006 under the Chairmanship of Mr. Justice B.N. Srikrishna with Prof. Ravindra Dholakia and Mr. J.S. Mathur as its Members and Smt. Sushama Nath as Member-Secretary.

The Pay Commission has been given the tasks of:

1. Examining the structure of pay, allowances and other facilities/benefits whether in cash or in kind to the government employees,

2. To transform the Central Government Organisations into modern, professional and citizen-friendly entities that are dedicated to the service of the people.

3. To work out a comprehensive pay package for the government employees that is suitable linked to promoting efficiency, productivity and economy through rationalization of structures, organizations, systems and processes within the government, with a view leveraging economy, accountability, responsibility, transparency, assimilation of technology and discipline.

4. To harmonize the functioning of the Central Government organizations with the demands of the emerging global economic scenario. This would also take in account, among other relevant factors, the totality of benefits available to the employees, need of rationalization and simplification, thereof, the prevailing pay structure and retirement benefits available under the central PSUs, the economic conditions in the country, the need to observe fiscal prudence in the management of the economy, the resources of the central government and the demands thereon on account of economic and social development, defence, national security and the global economic scenario.

5. To examine the principles which should govern the structure of pension, death-cum-retirement gratuity, family pension and other terminal or recurring benefits having financial implications to the present and former Central Government employees appointed before January 1, 2004.

6. To make recommendations with respect to the general principles, financial parameters and conditions which should govern payment of bonus and the desirability and feasibility of introducing Productivity Linked Incentive Scheme in place of the existing ad hoc bonus scheme in various Departments and to recommend specific formulae for determining the productivity index and other related parameters.

7. To examine desirability and the need to sanction any interim relief till the time the recommendations of the Commission are made and accepted by the Government.

The Commission will make its recommendations within 18 months of the date of its constitution i.e. before April 4, 2008.

The Commission is holding meetings and hearings with the officers, unions and associations.

You can post us your views on the working of the Commission, your expectations from the Sixth Central Pay Commission and suggestions for the Sixth Central Pay Commission.

Write to us at sarkaribaboo@gmail.com or post your comments on this blog. If you want to publish your views on this blog, write to us.

Feel happiness in making others happy

Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room's only window. The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back. The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation.

Every afternoon when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.

The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside.

The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.

As the man by the window described all this in exquisite detail, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine the picturesque scene.

One warm afternoon the man by the window described a parade passing by. Although the other man couldn't hear the band - he could see it. In his mind's eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.

Days and weeks passed.

One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep. She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.

As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.

Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside.
He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed. It faced a blank wall. The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window.

The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall. She said, "Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you."

Epilogue:

There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations.
Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled.
If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can't buy.
"Today is a gift, that's why it is called the present."

Sixth Central Pay Commission - Government Sector versus Public and Private Sector

All the nitty gritties of the Pay Commission’s report apart, one fails to understand why there is so much of hype when the pay structure of the government employees is restructured. Much is talked about the jump in salaries, improvement in life style, increase in purchasing power, etc. Curiosity of the market goes up and it accordingly shows a higher price index. Hence much before the sarkari baboo gets the actual benefits of the pay commission’s report, everything is out of control for him and he is back to the square one.

As a government employee I clearly remember, the hype created before the official release of the recommendations of the 5th Pay Commission’s report. The pay package that the beneficiaries learnt from the media gave them a reason to daydream about the end of pecuniary miseries for them. The style in which it was reported gave them the impression that they will become millionaires in one go. But all their hopes were deflated very soon. The market reacted more than the hopes of the Baboos. The status of the Baboos as of now is that they are the lowest paid in the organised sector.

The era of post liberalisation phase has seen salaries rise in dramatic manner. A graduate passing out from his college after joining a short term course of speaking accent in a institute that imparts training for call centres can aspire to earn in the periphery of Rs. 20,000/- per month. Added to that the perks of free transport, free lunch/ dinner, breakfast, picnic adds to the charm. In a span of 5 years he chucks out his job and gains entry in some multinational firm and his salary and perks spiral upwards. Similarly, with the opening of other sectors, all the sectors are vying with each other in the matter of paying higher pay/ perks. Why to look at private sector, when we have a very highly paying public sector. I came to know from a personal friend working in a public sector that his driver draws OTA more than his salary. In other words there is no limit/ ceiling in the matter of payment of monetary benefits. Similarly, a PA working in a public sector earns something like 30,000 to 35,000. What can be the reason behind this disparity?

Some are of the view that the workforce in public sector is overburdened and they have to follow the mandate – Perform or Perish. But this is not the absolute truth. It may be argued that they are the profit earning bodies and that in order to retain their skilled / unskilled workforce, they have to pay them higher salaries and other perks. But the counter is that the government still retains monopoly on many resources – generation, distribution, etc. – and hence if it posts large profits, it is not a surprise.

But the employees of Central government are totally a distressed lot. Everything has a cap over it. Be it OTA, Bonus, salary, etc. It can’t be disputed that the entrants into the government service are talented people. Gaining entry into the government service has become a tough nut to crack. But the feeling of despair creeps in very fast when they are made to stand up in queue for promotion. Even crossing the benchmark of “Very Good” in their Confidential Reports becomes a matter of great achievement for them. With the introduction of computerisation at every stage, the workload of the government employees has increased manifold. The working style of bureaucrats also has seen a dramatic change. The deadlines have to comply with invariably. With everything on line, the work has to be completed on day-to-day basis and has to be updated. Fear of ERC keeps on hanging like a sword of Damocles. In other words, in comparison to their counterparts work-wise they are more or less equally burdened. Added to that is the inordinate delay in the matter of promotions. This creates despair in the employees and they lose their initiative.

In the matter of medical facilities, the employees in the public sector are far better off. Virtually every hospital is in their panel and all their treatment is cashless. A cursory enquiry from Apollo hospital revealed that the hospital has advances in surplus from public sector enterprises and the ease with which the organisations clear of the medical bills. All these things prompt the hospital authorities to give preference treatment to the employees of public sector. Compare it with central government employees; first they have to get a reference from the government hospital’s specialist and then a letter from the head of the office referring them to a particular hospital in the CGHS panel. Even after the reference, the hospital authorities refuse to entertain the request of credit facilities to these employees. Even after the treatment is over, the bills when submitted for reimbursement, invariably results in a cut of around 20 – 30% of the actual bill. The reasons preferred are that such and such medicines were not covered under the CGHS rules or the diet charges are not admissible, etc. The very first thing that is encountered is the refusal of the hospital authorities to entertain CGHS beneficiaries, even if the hospital is under CGHS panel. Their grouse is that CGHS takes very long time in settling payment. Under these circumstances, the main axe falls on the beneficiaries who become sandwiches between the hospital and the government policies.

Similarly if we have a look at the retirement benefit, other than the regular pension, the total amount that an average employee gets on retirement is very meager when compared to the public sector employees. Much needs to be done to remove the grievances.

Hence it is expected that the new Pay Commission’s report will consider the glaring disparity existing between the public sector employees and their counterparts in the government sector. I am sure, if the government is considerate towards its employees, there is no doubt that the government sector can achieve the same vitality and vigour as prevalent in any other sector/ country and India can find its place of pride in the comity of nations.

- Sudesh Negi

(You are all requested to give your comments on the above article so that a campaign is started to have government servants' views, suggestions which may be forwarded to the Pay Commission for consideration before implementation of Sixth Central Pay Commission's report. You can either post your comments on the option given below or you can write to sarkaribaboo@gmail.com)

Rules for A Happy Marriage Life

Marriages are made in Heaven. We often say that someone is made for you somewhere and when you come across that person, you yourself feel that that person is made for you. It is true. Marriage is not just coming together of two persons. To sustain a happy marriage life, it is essential that there is effort from both sides by their commitment, concern, love and understanding.

In an arrange marriage, boy and girl are totally unknown to each other. Love between them arose just after marriage when both of them develop a sense of caring, commitment and concern through living together, spending more time together. A happy marriage is a long conversation which always seems too short.

In love marriages, after many years of courtship, problem of mental compatibility do exists because when the love birds meet before marriage, they are at their best to impress each other and they develop the habit of seeing each other at their best. But after marriage gradually they slip into their natural self and at that time they have to accept each other as they are. In most of the cases the real self is not what they wanted to see and then begins the contradiction with the person whom they have loved with whom they have to spend their life. So it is important that when you love a person, love him or her the way he or she is and not the way you want him or her to be. Than only you can be happy.

The happiness in life after marriage depends upon the husband and wife, the life partners, how they make their life happy. If they want to keep happy all the time; they have to follow certain rules. Some of the rules are as under:

1. Never both be angry at the same time

When the actual life begins, partners start facing problems and at times they start arguments. You have to keep this in your mind that when your partner is angry try to keep yourself cool. There is a saying in Hindi, “Ek ne kahi dooje ne maani, Nanak keh gaye dono gyani” means if one has said something and other has followed the same, both would be known as literates and there would be no quarrel.

2. Never bring up mistakes of the past

Stop criticizing each other quoting mistakes of the past. This will lead to an unending quarrel.

3. Never go to sleep with an argument unsettled

When the partners start an argument, they should not go to bed without settling the same otherwise the same would prolong and would lead to other arguments.

4. Don’t forget to use words like ‘sorry’ ‘thank you’

If you have committed a mistake, you should not forget to say sorry. If your partner has done something for you, never forget to say ‘thanks’.

5. Learn to forgive mistakes of other

Should always forget the mistakes of your partner and forgive him or her.

6. Never yell at each other unless the house is on fire

You should not shout at each other at the same time otherwise it would be difficult to close the argument and others will enjoy the show.

7. If one of you has to win an argument, let it be your mate

Try to find happiness in losing with your partner and let him or her be happy winning the argument.

8. At lease once a day, try to say something complimentary to your spouse

You should understand that gentle words bring life and health; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.

9. Never meet without an affectionate welcome

An affectionate welcome to each other would let other know how much you care each other.

10. If you really love your partner, don’t hesitate, express your love

It is always good to hear that your partner loves you.

11. Neglect the whole world rather than each other

Try to give as much as time possible to each other, understand each other, share everything with each other.

12. If you must criticize, do it lovingly

If you really differ with your partner on something, try to point out to your partner in gentle words so that he or she should not feel bad.

13. If you have done something wrong, admit it and ask for forgiveness

Mistakes are generally committed by the partners but try to admit your mistakes and don’t forget to ask for forgiveness. It is always great to forgive your partner to strengthen your relationship.

14. Remember it takes two to make a quarrel

Try to develop a habit of being good listener. If your partner is shouting, don’t participate with him or her.

15. Rejoice in every moment that God has given you together

If you are living a happy life together, don’t forget to say thanks to God.

16. Let love be your guidepost

Live is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged.

17. Share your life, your hopes and your dreams with your spouse

18. Commit to your marriage

It is as simple as making the decision to be totally committed to your spouse and to the relationship.

19. Give full respect to each other

It is very important to give respect to your partner, respect each other’s decisions, wishes, desires and dreams.

20. Change yourself but not your identity

Try to adjust with your partner, if necessary change yourself according to the need of the hour but don’t change your identify.

Big B's greed overshadows need

The recent controversy involving Amitabh Bachchan in the purchase of a tract of agricultural land in the Barabanki town of UP degrades the stature of the matinee idol. On reading a probing article in Outlook, I was indeed left aghast at the less of need and more of greed that led the Big B to adopt such unfair means. As it turned out, the matinee icon wanted to purchase a plot at Lonavala which is known for its scenic beauty. But the land laws of the State of Maharashtra requires that the purchaser should be an agriculturist/ and must have agriculture land in any place that proves his status to be of an agriculturist. Mr. Bachchan had a discussion with his political friend(s) and they suggested that the best place to prove his title of an agriculturist can be Uttar Pradesh where the icon’s best friend was at the helm. Here records were fudged. But the fudging of records could not do much as the younger generation of the civil service officer suspected some foul play and took a personal interest in the matter and stuck to his guns despite odd situation vis a vis with the state (political) administration.

Here in this situation one is confronted with a lots of questions. Where is the need for Mr. Bachchan to acquire the land when he has everything in abundance? Is Mr. Bachchan having time to enjoy the property? Are the laws and rules of states at the mercy of the rulers that they can be bent/ moulded according to their whims?

The clout that Mr. Bachchan enjoys in the media as well in the political circles and given the intellectual orientation that he must have inherited and that is obvious from his personality and mannerisms, he was expected to have done something constructive. Given that acting is his forte, and the laurels he has achieved in the international arena, he is certainly in a position to dictate the lines on which films can be produced. We all know film is a very important tool of mass media. The audience had recognised themselves when he portrayed the image of angry young man fighting against the system. The need for the value based cinema portraying the reality of masses in the present times is crying hoarse from the roof tops. But the stalwarts of the media, who hold considerable sway in the sector yearn only for formula films.

Mr. Bachchan you have enough and even if you spend lavishly the present day wealth that you have amassed will be sufficient enough for your next seven generation. You hail from a family that has earned popularity due to its intellectual orientation. Please continue that legacy. Also think something about the society that has given you name, fame, money and everything that a human being craves for. Don’t forget the famous words of J.R.D. Tata what he said to Sudha Murthy when she resigned from her job to help her now famous husband Shri Narayana Murthy “Please don’t forget to pay back to the society when it has given you”.

Sudesh Negi

Gujjar protests and the view of Supreme Court

How do you feel about the arson and destruction wrought on hapless city and its residents by the so called protestors? True, being a citizen of India we have been bestowed the right to disagree and protest where we feel we are being wronged. But that does not give the citizens a licence to protest in a shameful manner and bring destruction to the public property. After all, by targetting the public property we (the protestors) are only adding to their own miseries. Added to that is the dichotomy of the government. The government by virtue of its mandate has full powers at its command to disburse the violent mob. But caught between the politcal opportunism to appease their vote bank and to prevent the damage to public property, perhaps the government considers it best to give preference to the former and shed crocodile at the latter. Thus, in view of the myopic vision that our leaders have, the country is bound to suffer a lot.

It is in this context that the Supreme Court has taken a lead in the right direction by ordering imposition of penalty on the protestors. But it is hoped that imposing token penalty will not be resorted to. Rather it should be of the magnitude that will act as a deterrent for the future potential arsonists that they think hundred times before they take recourse to such a step. It has also raised a pointed finger on the lackadaisical attitude of the state governments who had given these protestors a free licence to roam and take the city/ state to ransom while these so called custodians of law enforcement turned a blind eye to their actions.

It is in this context that the role of civil society has assumed importance. At times I feel tempted as to why the ordinary citizens keep mum to all these nuisances. If analysed, the law abiding citizens far outnumber these arsonists. But what is that thing that drives these minority (arsonists) to carry out their acts with impunity. On mulling over this issue a thought crossed my mind that perhaps the leader(s) of this minority group have a very clear priority and a killer instinct to achieve his objective of keeping himself in limelight so that they earn their bread and butter. And for this they can go to any extent. But the silent majority is perhaps unable or unwilling to see the damage that is caused to them. The politicians (whether in power or opposition), as they are, driven by short term gains prefer to turn a blind eye to the misdeeds and in fact become a hand in glove of these perpetrators.

Hence now is the time for the silent majority to wake up and make up and see that the government takes cognisance of these issues and tackle them in an effective manner.

- Sudesh Negi

Interesting Love Story

A certain rich businessman had a beautiful daughter, who fell in love with a guy who was a cleaner. When the girl's father came to know about their love, he did not like it at all, and so began to protest about it. Now it happened that the two lovers decided to leave their homes for a happy future. The girl's father started searching for the two lovers but could not find them. At last, he accepted their love and asked them to come back home thru a local newspaper. Her father said "If you both come back I will allow you to marry the guy you love, I accept that you loved each other truly." So in this way, their love won and they returned home.

The couple next day went to town to shop for the wedding dress. He was dressed in a white shirt that day. While he was crossing the road to the other side to get some drinks for his wife, a car came and hit him and he died on the spot. The girl was devastated and lost her senses. It was only after sometime that she recovered from her shock. The funeral and cremation was the very next day because he had died horribly.

Two nights later, the girl's mother had a dream in which she saw an old lady. The old lady asked her mother to wash the blood stains of the guy from her daughter's dress as soon as possible. But her mother ignored the dream. The next night her father had the same dream, he also ignored it.

Then the girl had the same dream the next night, she woke up in fear and told her mother about the dream. Her mother asked her to wash the clothes with the blood stains immediately. She washed the stains but some remained. Next night she again had the samedream. She again washed the stains but some still remained. But again the next night she had the same dream and this time the old lady gave her a last warning to wash the blood stain, or else something terrible would happen. This time the girl tried her best to wash the stains, and the clothes nearly tore, but some stains still remained. She was very tired.

In the late evening the same day while she was alone at home, someone knockedon the door. When she opened the door she saw the same old lady of her dreamstanding at her door. She got very scared and fainted. The old lady woke her up... and gave her a blue object, which shocked the girl.

She asked "What is this...?"

The old lady replied...

"This is Nirma Washing Powder"
"Washing powder nirma,
Washing powder nirma
Doodh si safedi nirma se aaye,
Rangeen kapde bhi khil khil jaye,
sabki pasand nirma
Washing powder nirma,
Washing powder nirma. Nirma"
10 ka 1, do pe ek free

How you all are feeling now about this story...

We thank the person who have created this story.