A clear cut message had been sounded when Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and some high profile cabinet ministers of the Union Government went by bus from Delhi to Surajkunda in Haryana, where Congress held a session. The thrust is being given to austerity drive. By austerity drive we mean cutting down Government expenditure. In Assam a top ranking police official, who gave advice to the Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi to go by copter instead of going by a car to avoid meeting with the striking students, was shifted out of his post. After all why should one be too scared of death? When the end of life approaches none can protect you. Even the messengers of God died in their prime age. Perhaps the mission having been accomplished the God did not desire them to live longer than necessary. In Manipur no minister moves out unless he is heavily escorted by two vehicles one as pilot and another as follow up, all occupied by well armed security personnel. Some consider heavy security cover as a show piece. Where lies the importance of the heavy security cover if they would be taken in attending marriage function. If the Ministers are moving to far off places heavy security convoy conforms to the need of the situation. They can reduce security cover while attending normal Government functions held at the Government offices or at the places in the heart of Imphal. Heavy security has become public eye sore as it mars sanctity of the programme. They are not necessary. They depict the false image as if Manipur is not safe for VIPs. No security personnel are seen inside the Vigyan Bhavan when the prime Minister addresses a big gathering. No one will attack our Ministers in the heart of the town. If they are going to far off places that is a different thing. Even then security personnel will not be able to protect them when they are attacked by the gun wielding youths. The security cover is cosmetic, which conceals only the dark spot. Even the middle ranked officers have started moving with security personnel. They carry them when they move for purpose not connected with official duty. Public money spent in providing security cover to such officials is wastage of money. Because they are not clean and efficient. Simplicity has vanished. The office rooms of the Ministers are well decorated. When plastic chairs would serve the purpose they use sofa. Though Congress leaders want all in the Congress party to indulge in austerity drive none shows the tendency to follow the dictate. Our Ministers and MLAs compete in buying latest model cars and also in the construction of palatial buildings. Even the Government quarters allotted to them have been modified to serve their need. An MLA, who had the habit of renovating the quarter allotted to him, was asked whether he was going to stay in the quarter for ever. He did not reply but he lost the seat. He might have got the answer. Sonia Rahul austerity drive must move across the nation to better the economy of the country. Common people enjoy in seeing down to earth leaders.
Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/austerity-drive/
