PROPHETIC WORDS

At the launch of the Hindi translation of Shree Ramayana Mahanveshanam written by Union Petroleum and Environment Minister Veerappa Moily, President Pranab Mukherjee said while the country has many thinking and administratively strong ministers, among all current politicians, only three — DMK chief M Karunanidhi, Assam Governor J B Patnaik and Moily — were still taking time out to pen their thoughts. This, Mukherjee observed, was a welcome fact in a country where politicians always remain busy with their politicial activity.

PUT OFF TILL POLLS
The Finance Commission set up by the Home Ministry for Union Territories last year is unikely to take off. In view of the upcoming general elections, the ministry is learnt to have put off any further plans regarding the functioning of the Ramesh Narain Swamy-chaired commission that was awaiting its office space to be allotted. Officials say it has been decided that the commission would now start functioning from July, after the new government takes over.

OF TRANSFERS & POSTINGS
A revised personnel policy issued by the I&B Ministry for officers of the Indian Information Service has caused much heartburn among officers. The policy lays down norms for transfer and postings and says that officers would need to be posted in various cities like Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi and other cities. While IIS officers argue that the order would be counter-productive due to language issues, official argument is that they are an all-India cadre and they are expected to be posted anywhere in the country.