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| Thursday, 31 October 2002 |
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Disinvestment Since there is so much disinvestment going on in India and the government has also created a Ministry of Disinvestment under a former columnist, whose job it is to sell of all public sector companies, I decided I would speak to a senior government officer in the ministry. "What does the government propose to do with all this money from disinvestment?" I asked. "Make good investments," said the official matter of factly. "Where?" I asked. "In government of course," said the man looking bored. "Government disinvestment will be invested back in government?" I asked. "Of course. Any other questions?" "Where in the government?" "Welfare of course." "Very good," I said. "I am so glad that the money is going back to the people." "It always goes back to the people," said the official sulkily. "Yes, of course," I said quickly. "All disinvestment money will be ploughed back for a very special people." "The people are special indeed." I agreed, "have you identified any definite areas for investment?" " Food, shelter and clothing," said the official pompously. "How wonderful," I said, "that is exactly what the people need." "What the special people need," the official reminded me. "The people are special indeed," I concurred happily. "Are there any other questions?" asked the government official. "I would be happy if I could come for one of your food distributions," I said. "It would be a joyful occasion for me to watch some of the food being given to the people." "The special people." "Ah, yes, to the special people," I said smiling. "But you cannot have any food, okay?" said the official. "Would I do that?" I asked. "Then come to the five star hotel round the corner, tonight." "Five star hotel?" I asked astonished. "You are going to distribute food there?" "Disinvestment money," said the official. "And what about free housing?" I asked. " That will also be discussed tonight. We are going to inaugurate a new bungalow project for ...." "The special people," I finished. "Yes," said the government official. "I suppose you will also be distributing clothing?" I asked, "for the special people?" "You will have to leave when we start discussing our bonus demands for this year and our new pay scales," said the official. "This money will help our families be clothed in branded, designer clothes..." "Disinvestment money," I sighed, "is going to a very, very special people..!" |
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