The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Glued to rules

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Jan 10, 2006

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Glued to rules

Not getting swayed by filial sentiments while discharging duty is a tough task. But A.K. Khan, Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic), knows where to draw the line. Recently, his son called him up on his mobile and complained how a constable challaned him. "What's your offence son?" Mr. Khan enquired. "I am challaned for not wearing a helmet".

"Well, you have to pay Rs. 50 and there ends the matter," Mr. Khan replied to the shock of his son.

This incident was narrated by the top cop himself the other day. On another occasion, a friend of his sent a challan issued by a traffic constable for waiver. In his capacity, Mr. Khan could have just pardoned the offence but he paid Rs. 100 from his pocket. "Forgetting privileges is essential for rule of law to prevail," Mr. Khan said.

Speaking at a meet on road safety, he pointed out how people drove carefully in US and Middle East as the traffic violations attracted heavy penalties there. But back here they show scant regard for rules. These dual standards should go, he said.

Osmania University Vice-Chancellor Mohd Suleman Siddiqi is adept at engaging his audience, tuning them perfectly to his thoughts. He had some interesting facts to narrate during a workshop on `Conservation engineering for traditional and historical buildings' organised in the University College of Engineering.

"People had a tough time locating the junction box for replacing electrical wiring during the OU Arts College building restoration work. The entire building was scanned with no luck. Then help came in the form of an old man who showed the exact location of junction box," Prof. Siddiqui, who was supervising the work then recalled. "The man pointed to a spot in the entrance foyer and showed them how to open it with a spanner. There inside sat the junction box."

One did not have a clue to the techniques used by builders those days. It came as a surprise when it was found that the drainage system of Koti Women's College building, once a British Residency, was laid beneath it.

The tall buildings of bygone era with high ceiling were bright, airy and cool. On the contrary, the interiors of present day brick, steel and cement constructions would turn hotter than outside temperature. "For all their modernity, one simply can't function during a power break down in these buildings," he said.

"You are an inspiration to the entire nation. Your dynamic nature, versatility, astute political thinking and individual excellence are well known and very much evident. You are one of the shining stars of the nation. We are all so proud of you ... "

It was not easy to follow all words used to eulogise Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi because everything was said in Gujarati but certainly those praises showered on him were quite a big heap.

The Shree Gujarati Seva Mandal meeting held to felicitate Mr. Modi and also to celebrate `Sampark Setu Divas' had speakers glorifying him to the skies. The desire to see him unfurl the national flag at the Red Fort - read: "See him as the Prime Minister," was also expressed.

As for Mr. Modi himself, he was stoic all through and concentrated on how he was transforming Gujarat into an investment and tourist destination. "We can also talk about many things emotionally but it requires a different set up," he said enigmatically.]

When politicians argue they mostly end up in fighting. If the debates on irrigation projects on television are any indication the fighting these days is getting nastier. The language and the body language not only irritate the other group but even the people watching the show on television. After many debates officials seem to have realised the need for some discipline. A small note inserted on everyone's file during the meeting on Polavaram project indicates it. Note that "please" is underlined. Just shows the desperation!

R. Ravikanth Reddy

Photo: P.V.Sivakumar

J.S. Ifthekhar, M.L.Melly Maitreyi, V.Geetanath and R. Ravikanth Reddy

J.S. Ifthekhar, M.L.Melly Maitreyi, V.Geetanath and

R. Ravikanth Reddy

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