Mumbai underground

Shortfall of 'babus'

The state government is working with 45-50 less IAS officers than the required strength. The shortage of bureaucrats in the state is not the lone phenomenon. The trend of shortfall of 'babus' is a national phenomenon which has even drawn the attention of the Prime Minister's office. In the context of Maharashtra, the hue and cry for shortage of administrators has been voiced for the past four years. A high-powered committee had even given its recommendations to the state government on reasons for shrinking cadre and measures taken to boost the confidence of the students option for other streams. But till date, everything has remained on paper. However, the CM has to manage with the present strength often asking individuals to double the duty with additional charge of departments.

BJP office for makeover

At a time when the state BJP is caught in a power tussle to elect its new president, the office has been vacated for a complete makeover. The BJP headquarters at Nariman Point is all set for reconstruction. The old and weary looks, with peeling wall paint and shaky ceilings, will be revamped. There are also some expansion plans to redesign the office to give it a modern look. Till the work is complete the BJP officials will be functioning from the official bungalow C-2 alloted to leader of Opposition in state council Vinod Tawde. The LOP has generously set aside his bungalow for party use and continues to live in his old house at Ville-Parle.

Ministers' dilemma

Home minister R R Patil's decision to donate a month's salary for drought relief work has left the other ministers in a fix. Patil who had suggested the same at a Cabinet meeting was ridiculed by his colleagues in both Congress and NCP party. Unmindful of the criticism he went ahead to sign a cheque of Rs 57,000 for drought work. Now, sensing the positive response from the people and employees who are willing to follow Patil's footsteps the mantris are wondering what to do? The state employees have voluntarily agreed for giving up a months pay across Maharashtra. Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan is considering donating his two month's salary for drought relief and rehabilitation work. Wonder if deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar will do the same.

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