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Journalism of Courage
Come summer, and the entire country suffers from a power shortage. There is an age-old policy of the Indian state which mandates that if you cannot give people power, they should at least get a new power minister. But since the minister is unable to provide power, he quickly appoints a new committee to study the situation and make recommendations.
It was in this proud tradition that an eminent economist was appointed as chairman of a high-ranking committee to inquire into the critical power situation. Ten more members were taken on board, with a senior civil servant duly appointed as the secretary of the committee.
The committee then set to work in right earnest. The first decision the chairman took was to relocate the committee. Delhi was found to be far to hot for such exertions and Shimla was chosen instead. In a matter of a mere week, the committee and its secretariat had assembled in Shimla. Since it was already the height of summer, the committee was very conscious that it had very little time in which to make its interim report.
It was with some difficulty, that a copy of this precious document was procured for readers. It went like this…
“At the outset, the committee would like to state that the power shortage is the result of the excessive use of power by all and sundry. Such irresponsible behaviour needs to be curbed forthwith. Power should be restricted only for the creation of goods and for the running of the government.
“The Committee observes that the household sector is being unnecessarily pampered by being given access to power. Such wasteful measures must stop. No power must be provided to residential premises. That would help to greatly alleviate the problem.
“When the vast number of jhuggi-jhopari dwellers can manage without power, why should not the affluent classes do so? It is time that the rich and pampered learnt the value of personal sacrifice. The committee strongly believes that the household sector can use diyas, candles and hurricane lanterns as sources of light. This will, in turn, provide a much-needed fillip to our cottage industries.
“Similarly, instead of being dependent on fans and air-conditioners, the committee believes that it is time to revive the age-old tradition of the hand-pulled pankah for the household sector. This too will help create more jobs in the country.
“The committee now proposes to continue its deliberations in Shimla until summer comes to an end as it works on its final report.”
