Healthy Change
Change seems to be the new mantra in the Ministry of Health in the past few weeks. After Health Secretary C K Mishra took over, at least three joint secretaries have been transferred and four new ones have joined. The biggest surprise, however, was the transfer of Health Minister J P Nadda’s personal secretary Amandeep Garg to the Cabinet Secretariat.
Damage Control
After the bribery scandal in the Embraer aircraft deal, DRDO’s PR machinery has gone into damage control mode to prptect their chief S Christopher, who was heading the Centre for Airborne Systems earlier. It was during his tenure that the deal was signed for three aircraft equipped with indigenous radars for Airborne Early Warning and Control Systems. The first modified aircraft was delivered to DRDO in 2011, with the other two following later.
Sheer Surprise
Junior defence minister Suresh Bhamre was taken aback by his boss Manohar Parrikar’s humility when he went to congratulate the minister of defence for signing the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement with the US. When an excited Bhamre entered his senior’s room with a bouquet, Parrikar responded
by saying, “What is so great about it?
I simply did what I was asked to do so. It was my job.”
The Bharat Connect
Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu is praised for connecting with people via social media, but he believes Minister for Water Resources Uma Bharti, is far ahead in her connect with the masses. During an event where Bharti was present, Prabhu said her connection with Indians may have a lot to do with her surname, which has “Bharat” in it.
Star Treatment
After journalists stayed away due to lack of facilities during its recent Allahabad tour, the Ministry of Rural Development has put in place eleborate arrangements for its upcoming Assam tour. The ministry has hired 10 SUVs in Guwahati for 20 reporters accompanying Chaudhary Birender Singh, the Minister for Rural Development. They will also be given a return ticket on Air India and five-star accomodation. “So much for the pampered ones. Wish we get adequate coverage about our programmes in the state,” quipped an official.
TOOTH & NAIL
“The feud was expected one day. Mulayam Singh Yadav should retire from active politics.”
Mayawati, BSP supremo“Her suggestions are not important for us. Our party is not run as per her suggestions. She should keep it for her own party.”
Shivpal Singh Yadav, Mulayam’s brother and Samajwadi Party leader