The Hindu Business Line : The fall guy

According to Krishi Bhavan grapevine, the Agriculture Minister, Mr Sharad Pawar, has been sidelined in major policy decisions of his Ministry, for example, (unkindest cut) sugar. Many decisions to its keep prices down have apparently been taken by bureaucrats in the Ministry who report directly to the PMO and North Block. This virtual sidelining of Mr Pawar comes even as Congress functionaries are being encouraged to blame him for everything that has gone wrong, not just i n sugar but also in other agri-products. This is seen as an insurance policy if the Congress-NCP alliance fares badly in the coming Maharashtra Assembly elections.

Dog eats dog

There is no pleasure more sublime than watching the bureaucracy harass one of its own. For example, the process of getting the New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) to disconnect the water and electricity connection, generate a bill, and issue a ‘no dues’ certificate after accepting the dues, takes at least four-five trips between two different offices of the NDMC and as many days on an average. There is a paper form to be filled up for pretty much everything. Indraprastha Gas Ltd, on the other hand, accepts requests over the phone and uses IT for real time tracking of billing details.

Poor homework

The least you expect from sponsors of an event is to get your name right. But that does not always happen. The Petroleum Secretary, Mr R. S. Pandey, was seen looking irritated at a mega event when the MC kept referring to him as Mr R. C. Pandey so much so that people on the dais also referred to him the same way. It was left to the ONGC, CMD, Mr R. S. Sharma, in his vote of thanks, to refer to the Petroleum Secretary with his correct initials.

What, me, commit?

Mr Rahul Dhir, MD and CEO, Cairn India, and ONGC Chairman, Mr R. S. Sharma, seemed to be passing the buck during the press conference after the PM dedicated the oil field in Rajasthan to the nation. Asked whether a refinery would be set up in Rajasthan, as demanded by the State Government, Mr Dhir passed on the question to his joint-venture partner, Mr Sharma. Similarly, when asked if ONGC would go it alone or if Cairn would join in the proposed refinery project, Mr Sharma passed on the question to Mr Dhir.

Lamy-nated

The WTO Director-General, Mr Pascal Lamy’s visit to the country always arouses a generous amount of interest. While inside the venue scribes jostle for space among so-called think-tanks, industry representatives and academicians, outside the venue, anti-WTO protestor lobby, scream hoarse. But even he, clutching his hands together to maintain his composure, could not have expected a Hindi TV channel journalist to ask whether the French First Lady, Carla Bruni, was in the ‘phamily way’.

Me too

ICAI has decided to set up a committee on electoral reforms. With the election dates for the 21st Council announced for the first week of December, there are plans to use EVMs.

When the Delhi Airport’s roof “flew away” recently following heavy rains here, smart Alec said: “So what? This is an airport, where things are supposed to ‘take off’.”

OUR DELHI BUREAU