Concern for clients!

In the wee hours of the day, three coaches of the Mumbai Delhi Rajdhani express train caught fire and the truncated train arrived New Delhi late afternoon. Officials from the railways and hordes of media were at the station to receive the passengers.

Occasions like these, when the members of the public come face to face with an event that could have turned into a disaster are often laced with frayed tempers. This occasion was however surprisingly different. Instead of frayed tempers, the passengers of the affected coaches were almost unanimous in their display of gratitude for the railway staff on the train who by their prompt and also courteous action were able to avert any injury to passengers. The prompt assistance and facilitation by the officers and staff at the New Delhi railway station added to the feel good factor for the passengers.

Yes, the sarkari tantra can be extremely prompt and also courteous, almost at par with the private sector, especially during testing times. Something to feel good about.

Bias against the public sector

A very strong bias against the public sector is a common trait of us indians. Public sector bashing is very good passtime. I have noticed it even within my own family, despite being associated with the public sector for a long time. Whenever we go out for a dinner, my wife criticizes the delay as well as the quality of foood if consumed in a public sector hotel, while at the same time not even noticing a greater delay or a really lousy food served in a private sector hotel of repute.
I often wonder why is it so? Is it because we regard public sector as our own and therefore while carrying a very low opinion of ourselves, we carry the same opinion of the public sector.
At the same time it is also true that the quality of the public sector leaves much to be desired, but the private sector can be equally bad or even worse at times. But fortunately or unfortunately there is nothing like a bias against the private sector, rather there is a bias for it.