Reporters’ notebook

Pothole woes

Though PMC Commissioner Mahesh Pathak had set a deadline for road repairs,the shoddy work carried out by the officials has made it even more difficult to commute. Sand gravel and rubble around potholes on almost all roads have driving through most roads a harrowing experience. Most often two wheelers skid one after another on the same stretch when brakes are applied. One of the angry commuters who tried helping them up blamed the administration for the shoddy work and said that potholes would give only bad backs,but skidding was even more dangerous.

Ducking media queries

Mediapersons often have to be in touch with government officials for getting desired inputs and quotes for their stories. When it comes to establishing instant connect with concerned official,mobile phones prove more handy for journalists. However,attending these calls put government officials in dilemma for varied reasons. While in some cases officials are not willing to speak to the media due to the sensitivity of issues,in other cases they are simply reluctant because they have no authority to share information. Several ‘genuine’ reasons are put forth by these officials while trying to politely turn down media queries. “I am in hospital” is one such latest excuse often being heard from one of the local educational establishments.”There is a deep sense of sympathy associated with word hospital. We often tell this to reporters to evade queries,” said a bureaucrat.

‘Home’ minister calling

A police inspector was speaking to some of his officers about how he had never bowed before any pressures while performing his duties. After sometime,he received a call,which was from his wife and while talking he sounded worried. In the next few seconds he received another call. He said to the person on the other end,“Please hand over the phone to the traffic cop. Yes,this is inspector……speaking. The person with you is my wife’s friend. She wants me to tell you not to fine her for jumping the signal. But tell her that you do not come under my jurisdiction. Please fine her as per the rules.” The police officer then told his colleagues that it is the pressure from his wife,his real “home minister”,which he fears the most.

(Contributed by Ajay,Nisha,Prasad,Sushant)