TMC puzzle
In Delhi to press of special status to Bihar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar made a surprise visit to Parliament’s central hall. Many MPs walked up to him and exchanged pleasantries with Kumar. Around this time BJP leader Arun Jaitley introduced Trinamool leader Derek O’Brien to the Bihar CM. “He is also a quiz master,” Jaitley said. After Derek and Kumar shook hands, Jaitley added, “And his party is the puzzle.” Kumar could not help smiling.
Shaming defaulters
In a move to ensure that its all employees, consultants and outsources persons register their fingerprints in the recently installed biometric attendance machines at its offices, the Rural Development Ministry has put the names of the defaulters on its official website. The list shows that a large number of employees are yet to get used to of this new technology meant to keep a tab on their movement. The Ministry has its offices located at Krishi Bhawan, Samrat Hotel, BKS Marg, CGO Complex, India Habitat Centre and Rajendra Bhawan in Delhi.
Happy Jena
DMK leader MK Alagiri’s resignation from the Union Cabinet is music to the ears of Srikant Jena. After Alagiri’s resignation, Jena was given Independent charge in the MoS chemical and fertiilser ministry where he served as MoS under Alagiri. It isa different matter, that few in media took note of Jena’s elevation.
Clock turned
Following intense pressure from doctors and pharmacists, the Union Health Ministry has once again revised the timing of CGHS Wellness Centres across the country from 8 am to 3 pm. Just two months ago, the Ministry had changed the CGHS dispensaries timings from 7.30 am- 1.30 pm to 9 am- 4 pm. The new timings which will be effective from April 1 would also apply to the Ayush dispensaries under the CGHS.
Snoops rethink
Many IPS officers and IB sleuths engaged in tracking the “Hindu Terror’ lost their strident voice on Sunday evening after they heard of the BJP’s decision to object the posting of NIA Chief SC Sinha in NHRC. A sudden realisation has dawned on them that only by keeping the ruling party happy, they can not hope to thrive even after retirement.
April’s transition
Struggling to meet a ‘sustainable’ target last financial year year, NHAI chairman RP Singh is now looking for transition in his top management. Rajiv Yadav, NHAI Member (Administration)has been repatriated to his parent cadre, and JN Singh, Member (Finance) relieved last month on completion of his tenure. Bihar cadre IAS Sudhir Kumar has not made up his mind to join as Member (Projects).
Talking his way through
A spontaneous decision for a dialogue with the All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) by Road and Transport Secretary Vijay Chibber rescued Road and Transport Minister CP Joshi on March 29. Few hours before Joshi was to hangout on Google, Chhibber conveyed the strikers that Ministry appreciates the demand of AIMTC and will resolve the issues. The proposed strike beginning March 31 midnight was called off and media informed immediately. Sources said that Transport Bhawan was a troubled lot throughout the week with questions pouring for Joshi as the next man responsible for skyrocketing prices in the event of transporters strike.