[sadhuji]

Laloo-ji is going all out to win friends throughout the country and influence decision makers and his critics to see him in a better light. Till he came to the centre, all of us used to heap criticisms on him due to his rustic nature; he appeared to be a simpleton who seldom looked beyond the walls of his compound, who was unaware of what lay outside the boundaries of his constituency. He was happy with his cattle, a doting wife and children and relatives who had complete faith in his abilities. The bold decision that he took to allow his better half to rule the state was an indication that he was confident of his strengths. He has proved that he is equal to any task by assuming charge of the Indian railways. Within no time, he has changed the face of the institution that is probably the oldest of Government run institution that employs the maximum of persons.

The latest in the line pf Laloo reforms is the linen – those who travel in any of the air conditioned classes are entitled to a set of fresh linen for the duration of the journey. These include blanket, a pair of bed sheets, a pillow, and a towel. These are usually kept packed and handed over to the passengers once they occupy their berths. Laloo must have received information that the linen supplied is not properly cleaned. He also must have come to know that external forces are at work to create unwanted problems. He has already handed over the Catering to a different establishment; he now plans to make the same group responsible to supply fresh linen to the passengers. In addition, while the passengers of air conditioned class are entitled to get the linen free of cost, others wishing to avail the opportunity will have to pay nominal charges. The leader that he is, Laloo believes in long term gains – the implementation of the decision will mean purchasing fresh sets of linen, and setting up washing houses at terminuses. These will, in turn, translate into more employment and business opportunities.

Laloo-ji’s personality has not changed a bit, he still faces the camera clad in his banyan and dhoti, he still believes in delivering his tongue-in-cheek humor in and out of parliament. He has realized that he is more fit to rule at the centre rather than stay cooped up in Patna. He is a staunch believer in spreading happiness. The Indian Railways would certainly not like to lose him. Neither would he like to part company. Their relationship is to mutual advantage.

[sugarnspice]

Impressive! I think that there certainly has been an improvement in the railways since laloo took over. I like his plans for dealing with the unemployment issues.

[jivan]

What I would really like to see tendering for all the Catering, there was a report tht for Suburban Mumbai there was tendering & the Railways got close to a crore or more than tht while in the previous years they were getting some small ridiculous amount. This way the Railways have more money, which in-turn can be used for some productive means

[sadhuji]

jivan, on Feb 1 2007, 12:45 PM, said:

What I would really like to see tendering for all the Catering, there was a report tht for Suburban Mumbai there was tendering & the Railways got close to a crore or more than tht while in the previous years they were getting some small ridiculous amount. This way the Railways have more money, which in-turn can be used for some productive means

there are reports that cyber cafes and atm will soon appear on railway stations.