Lucknownama

Pandey’s endless woes
There seems to be no end to the problems of V S Pandey,who was unceremoniously sent out of the CMO after the controversy over the currency garland. Within hours of his posting as Member (Judicial) at the Board of Revenue,Allahabad,the state government withdrew the official vehicle allotted to him. Moreover,his official residence in Gautam Palli was allotted to another officer. Earlier,the government had transferred Pandey’s sister and three brothers — all of whom are in government service. Pandey is now exploring the possibilities of getting a Central deputation.

Favours all the way
The largest-ever police recruitment got into its final stage on Sunday with the conclusion of the written test. For the first time,modern technology and systems have been used to eliminate errors,favouritism and corruption and,simultaneously,bring transparency. Union Home Minister P Chidambaram had praised the new system and recommended it to all states and police forces. Yet,senior IPS officers and officials in the Home department were flooded with requests to “accommodate” candidates. They explained that it was just not possible,but few were prepared to believe this. How was it possible that the people who were making the selection could not favour a few candidates? An IPS officer related an interesting incident: “When I explained the transparent procedure to a relative who had asked for a favour,he said it was all right,but could I give him the reference of the ‘right person’ who would help?”

Finally,some money
Organisers of sports events find it hard to get sponsors unless star players are participating. It becomes all the more difficult when the event is a cricket tournament for the differently-abled which neither attracts big crowds,nor extensive media coverage,even if it is a national level event. Tribhuwan Ram,president of the Indian Cricket Federation for Disabled said they always had to manage without big support. This time,however,there was a pleasant surprise when NKG Infrastructure came up with a sponsorship of Rs 15 lakh. There were also others who chipped in with smaller amounts. This helped the association raise the prize money for the champions from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh,and for the runners-up from Rs 30,000 to Rs 50,000. Prize money for ‘Best Bowler’,‘Best Batsman’,‘Best Fielder’ and ‘Best All-rounder’ was also raised from Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000.

AMU backs Bhatt
FILMMAKER Mahesh Bhatt has found an ally in AMU,particularly after his visit there last month and for his vocal support for the minority rights. When Bhatt came under attack from MNS activists recently for criticising their attacks on film producers,AMU’s Millat Bidari Muhim Committee was quick to show solidarity with him. They not only issued a statement condemning Thackeray but also shot off a letter to Home Minister P Chidambaram demanding action against the politician for threatening Bhatt.

Their Ram vs her Ram
WHILE BJP leaders were trying to underline that IPS officer Anju Gupta,who recently deposed against L K Advani in the Babri Masjid demolition case,was married to a Muslim,the officer chose to make her point on religion and faith her own way. Taking oath in the courtroom,Gupta swore in the name of “Maryada Purushottam Bhagwan Ram” and the Constitution of India before commencing her deposition.