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Journalism of Courage
Knockout strike
Funny things scribes indulge in. As Congress MP Azharuddin was mobbed by the media during the partys plenary session in Burari,the questions that flew at him did not pertain to the electoral strategy or scams,as faced by other partymen,for which the former Indian captain would have prepared himself. Instead,he was faced with sharply turning deliveries about Sachins fiftieth Test century. The MP,hoping to be asked about partys 125th year,was instantly trapped leg before and quickly moved away after applauding the Little Masters feat.
Card-carrying directive
After being given identity cards and uniforms after much uproar,the staffers of the district courts seem reluctant to wear them. This has caused severe vexation for the judge-in-charge of the Vigilance department,who had received several complaints from the staffers themselves for not having uniforms and I-cards. Judge Dharmesh Sharma also noted the litigants grievances that the staffers generally refrained from displaying their identities to avoid being pulled up when indulging in corruption. The judge has now issued directions to all employees to display their I-cards properly and wear their uniforms without fail.
Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit had a tough time during the Congress plenary meeting in Burari. The worst was when the arrangements for food went haywire. Social Welfare Minister Mangat Ram Singhal was put in charge of food at the meeting. On Day One,however,not only was the food in short supply,the quality was also questionable. So much so,that senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel was heard inquiring about Singhal angrily. In her closing remarks on the last day,Dikshit admitted there were a few lapses.
No level playing field
Whenever senior police officers arrive at the districts of UP neighbouring Delhi,they never forget to compare the crime rates of their districts with that of the Capital,pointing out the lower crime rate in their districts. A senior officer was making such a comparison between Gautam Budh Nagar (Noida) and Delhi. He was,however,not able to answer when it was pointed out to him that there could be no comparison between the two as the Capital was 10 times the size of Noida as per population estimates.
All play and no work
At Parliament,the MPs were in full attendance at lectures and other events organised by officials,like Hindi classes for non-Hindi speaking MPs. Then there was a car rally organised by the Constitution Club where warring MPs turned friends outside the House. Interestingly,the MPs seemed to have no time for House proceedings. A Parliament official said the MPs are busy with other things,so the impression that they are not working is unwarranted. Someone,however,pointed out that the job of MPs is to work and not only participate in side events.
Praying for a seat
Like every other year,the nursery admission season is making parents jittery. This year,with the RTE Act entering the picture,the situation is more difficult. A parent who is looking to admit his three-year-old son in a city nursery school has a valid point,Schools reserve points for the girl child. Is this not discrimination? The baby boys are at a disadvantage. Another parent said,Praying is all I can do. The rest depends on the school. One parent said,I had already taken leave from work from December 15 to 31 as I thought the admission season will start from December 15. But now,due to the governments late announcement,forms will be available January 1 onwards.
Strictly against truancy
Jamia made news last week when it was about to throw out 200 postgraduate students for attendance shortage in the first semester . After much hue and cry,it was decided that some students would be allowed to continue into the next semester. There were,however,riders: only students with at least 50 per cent attendance were allowed to attend the second semester. The students were also told to secure 75 per cent attendance in the first two semesters taken together without exceptions,even medical reasons. To top it all,they will have to attend first-semester classes again after the fourth semester,suffering the humiliation of attending classes with students two years their junior.
Chicken soup for the cold
Hot piping soup is the perfect antidote for clogged noses and sore throats during winters it apparently works for animals too. At the Delhi Zoo,animal suffering from cold and other viral diseases are being given to chicken soup for instant relief. Also,instead of the normal beef diet,the sick animals are being given mutton,which is easier on the tummy.
Roadblock ahead
The Delhi Metro and the Commissioner for Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) have locked horns over approval being held back on pending stretches of the Phase-II lines. While the DMRC hopes the CMRS will give his approval despite minor pending work,as was being done before the Commonwealth Games,the CMRS has put his foot down that the line should be fully completed. With no CWG deadline hanging over his head,the CMRS has held back approval for the remaining stretch on the Badarpur corridor and the Airport line. An embarassed DMRC,meanwhile,insists that the CMRS has been on a long leave.
Unhealthy coalition
The Delhi Health department has had one clash too many with the Finance department. Officials maintain that those who stamp approvals for budgetary allocations have a serious need for speed. Whether it was starting exclusive burns wards at all government hospitals or diabetes clinics in OPDs and slums,Health officials mince no words when speaking of the constant egging required. Where the department has been aspiring to leave Andhra Pradheshs health model deemed numero uno in the country behind,their cheques are not being signed fast enough. Is it any wonder then that public private partnership,with shared revenue models,is the current buzzword for upcoming health projects in the city?
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