Himachal Confedential: 118-minister

Saas,bahu aur woh

Last week,state Secretariat employees came up with interesting anecdotes in their speeches during the three-day “lunch-time gate meetings” to press for their demands. A woman leader drew an amazing parallel between the husband-wife and the government with the ruling party being the husband and bureaucracy,its wife. She also drew the attention of the audience to incumbent Chief Secretary Rajwant Sandhu. “She is like an incorrigible saas,who is not prepared to give the daughter-in-law (employees) her due in the family,” she said.

Colours they don

Police uniforms continue to be the focus during ceremonial functions. Last year,khaki was given a thumbs down in Himachal Pradesh to make way for blue uniforms. But not all are ready to wear the new trendy uniforms. So,half of the IPS officers and officers holding other ranks,still flaunt khaki. This happened during the passing out parade at Daroh. Even next day at the parade to pay tributes to policemen who died while performing their duties,while half of the top brass was in blue,others opted for khaki. Is it the power of khaki or a rift in the force?

Love-hate blossoms

BJP leader Shanta Kumar had always earned Congress’ ire for effectively handling the 1990 apple agitation,successive strikes to enforce the Market Intervention Scheme and the “No Work,No Pay” policy for employees. But perceptions seem to have changed drastically ever since Kumar started speaking out against corruption and the family-rule perpetuated by the BJP. Even his worst political enemies like Virbhadra Singh have become Shanta’s fan,calling him a “man of principles”. But many know that this is aimed more towards indirectly hitting out at Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal,rather providing genuine support to Shanta Kumar.

The race is on

Photo journalists in town had a tough time last weekend. At least six schools had their annual day functions and other competitions,including a Rock concert at St Thomas School,on a single day. For the photographers,it was like participating in a race.

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