Journalism of Courage
The recent sudden transfer orders issued for key officials in the district had officials being transferred without completing their term. While the concerned official said the motive was action carried out on illegal constructions,a highly placed official on condition of anonymity was candid enough to say that the transfer was merely because of complaints against the official. Upon being asked why the official had not been suspended,he said that the inquiry was on and action would be taken only after the report was readied in a weeks time. However,another official who was transferred said that such government actions are normal – transfer or suspension – it all depended on the senior officials report. The senior official,who wanted to justify his juniors transfer,said it was definitely the complaint and said the media should be aware of this decision.
Masala chai
Reporters from different newspapers always compete to get a scoop. Police officers,who are regularly in touch with crime reporters,are aware of the distinction between a special story and a routine story. On a recent visit to a police station,this reporter was offered tea from a nearby tea stall. The inspector told him it was special because it had masala and ginger. As this reporter was leaving,a reporter from a competitor newspaper entered. The inspector,also leaving the police station,told the second reporter,You missed a special masala story. Now I just have a routine story for you. The second reporter spent the next two minutes nervously thinking what he had missed. Only then was he told about the masala chai.
Exhausted security
Giving excuses to hide inefficiency was showcased by an overweight security staff member of PMC recently. With his office on first floor,hardly 15 steps if he used the staircase,he got on to the elevator which was already packed with other civic staff and visitors. Although the elevator usually only stops on the second and the third floor,he instructed the operator to stop on the first floor,saying,I am tired of running around for my job. The moment he stepped out,everyone started laughing as another department civic staff said,This is the state of the PMC security department. They cant even climb to the first floor of the building. The parade of security staff every morning is nothing but a comedy show to watch.
Holiday hassles
The Independence Day break on Thursday was one of the rare public holidays that reporters get a holiday. As a result,there is no newspaper on August 16. When a colleague visited an office on August 16,an employee stumped him by asking him why the press takes off on Independence Day. Some one needs to keep a check on things. Who else but the press? the employee asked. Although the colleague tried to explain the logistics,the employee refused to listen and kept saying that the press must never take off…
