Let me finish this before I get out of the Kashmir hangover.. Now why did I go to Kashmir ?? Attachment with the army, which is a part of the training program. Word of Caution! If you are expecting some write-up on Jehad / cross-border terrorism / life of the Jawans, you are in for a disappointment. Bcos this is even more serious stuff.
My first experience (rather shock) came in Halwara (An airbase near Ludhiana). After hosting us nicely for 4 days, the Air force establishment charged us with a bill of Rs.550, which included very good food, air-conditioned accommodation (which we not ENTITLED in our own hostel in Delhi). Though everyone paid the bill, we requested for a waiver of the bill, which was obliged by the Air-force people. the same continued for the next few days when we were attached with the army. Waivers (complete) were granted happily. And in some places people didn't request for waivers (I dunno why??) The Govt. pays Rs. 120/day as DA and over and above that any extra amount paid for accommodation is reimbursed (ofcourse after an inordinate delay).
The first question asked by some people before taking up any activity was "Who is paying for it?". The fact that people skipped some activities when the govt was not paying them is another sad story. Such a thing has come from people who are only 6 months into the service is the worst part. It makes me wonder how easily & quickly the FREEBIE culture has sunk into the minds of my fellow colleagues. Maybe I'm not married, that is why I'm not cribbing :))
More serious question: Are civil servants paid enough(Note; I'm not saying equal to their peers in the private sector) And the list of questions continue like this: Will they be able to shed this "FREE" culture even if they are paid enough?? Not that they chose this career for want of a(ny) job. Every one is well qualified to receive some Ls if they switch to the private sector. Many of my relatives wondered why I wanted to get into civil service after settling comfortably in a software-job with a handsome pay-package. I've my own reasons and I believe my colleagues have got theirs.
My musings about this weren’t over, when I read an article in HT, which put in a nut shell said Civil Services is the top-most career option for more than 70% of young Indians. I couldn't stop smiling......
