Gold mine surprise
A senior IAS was stunned with the reply an MlA gave to him. They were discussing the continuing mining, particularly in three districts of the state- Derhadun, Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar-in defiance of the Chief Minister's strict instruction to have it stopped by any means. Some other MlAs were also present. The officer looked confused having failed to catch the sense of what he had heard. The MlA told him flat that continuing mining in these three districts was natural, given the fact that the MlAs hailing from there were rooted to the ground.
Deeply rooted to the ground (zameen se jude neta) as these MlAs are, they know far better than others where to find treasure hidden underground. The bemused officer stared at him in disbelief for a long while other MlAs maintained an eloquent pause. The officer then asked them to continue mining till they stepped on the hidden treasure. The administration would step in only after the gold is extracted, he said. The officer doubtless said this sarcastically. But one wonders whether it is just sarcasm or more.
Humbled by Babus
Even the IASs who boast of glow of brilliance being inherent in them can prove gullible. This has been proved as one of them, now a secretary, looking after several departments simultaneously from the Directorate, was duped by his wily subordinates. When he assumed charge of a directorate then his juniors told him that he would enjoy a conveyance perk of Rs 21,000. Taking things at their face value without using his 'god-gifted' discrimination, he took the plunge impulsively, buying a car on loan, hoping to pay the installments with the perk he was supposed to be entitled.
Thereafter, he asked his subordinates to show him the particular government order to clear things on his conveyance entitlement. He was mortally shocked when he went through it. It was clearly stated in the GO that a bureaucrat would avail the facility of drawing Rs 21,000 per month if he does not use the government vehicles. As the officer was already using vehicle, being head of other departments. It means he is not entitled to avail the prized sum for conveyance as he has been using the State vehicles. Now wary himself after getting enmeshed in the trap laid for him by his crafty and voluble juniors, he is found warning others against falling prey to the mealy-mouthed babus.