Probably fed up with the continued corruption cases erupting and exposed through the CAG reports and also the charges levelled by Anna Team, there seems to be suggestion arising in the Congress for another ‘Kamaraj Plan’ of sending out senior ministers for organisational work and inducing younger non-corrupt ministers. If so, well and good for the party.

It is usual or rather a made a system for any Minister to meet the industry or business barons connected with that ministry at the earliest opportunity after they resume office. It is the same way with the Communications Minister also. The Tatas, Ambanis, Mittals are all called for meetings by the Minister. In addition, the Minister does not miss any meetings of the COAI or other organisations of the telecom companies.

But what about the unions and associations which represents thousands and lakhs of workers. The Ministers do not have time to meet them. They do not find time to attend their conferences. Although the workers are also serious stakeholders, they are not at all taken in to consideration by them. It is only when an agitation or strike call is organised, that the Minister becomes aware of the workers. Appeal is made to them to withdraw. In the recent case of Air India, the concerned Minister even put the condition that he will meet the striking pilots only after they resume duty.

There should be a change to this sad pattern. The Ministers should understand that the workers are an important part of the system. Regular meetings are required to be held and issues sorted out. A lot of issues could be sorted out if the Ministers take the initiative. Will they be prepared for the same ?

I always like the rail travel better than other modes. It has got to be much improved, still it is more interesting. If you want to go to distant places without delay, the flight is the only alternative.

My train journey starts seriously after 1960, when I had to go to the All India Conferences of the Union, Conventions etc. From, Kerala, it was a three day journey to New Delhi; first to Madras (Chennai) and from there to Delhi by the GT Express. No other train to Delhi from South. I think I posted some time back a detailed account of certain train journeys of that time. Though it was very difficult and tiresome, thinkig about those days is nostalgic.

A good portion of my time after shifting to Delhi as General Secretary of the E.III Union was spent in travelling mainly by trains. Sometimes days together. There were pleasant journeys and also hard and difficult journeys. But always there were our comrades to help. It was a time when we fought for the correct policy in the union and the recognised federations at that time used all methods to marginalise and harass us. Of course that period is over after the formation of BSNL and membership verification process.

And now I am going in train to Bijapur from Bengaluru. Com.Girish from BG is accompanying me. The train journey is more convenient than earlier. It is a 15 hours journey, but it seems that it will become an  18 hours journey, with much delay as usual with the Indian Railways. I may reach the Bijapur function after almost two hours later. But, of course, this is part of life. To avoid further delay, I had already taken bath etc. and is ready to directly go to the function.

What will be the future of the great Indian Railway? If the government continues with its neo-liberalisation policies it is certain that this may be corporatised and privatised unless there is stiff opposition from the people and political parties.

Widespread opposition notwithstanding,  Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council Chairman C Rangarajan has  strongly favoured an immediate increase in prices of diesel and cooking  gas to contain government expenditure.  “It (increase in prices of diesel and LPG) should be done, as early as  possible…We need to take action…. howsoever unpleasant it may be,”  he said in an interview .

What many thought at the time of the steep rise in petrol price recently, has come true. They have stated that after high increase of prices, they will reduce a small portion. Then everybody will forget steep rise. That is exactly what has happened. Petro price was increased by Rs. 7/- in many places. Now it is reduced by Rs. 2/-  So, the government will think that the people are satisfied. Nothing more untrue. People are very unhappy and they will continue the struggle till it is rolled back.