It refers to shocking news that 9-member committee of Executive Directors of Railway Board had unanimously endorsed continuing of 100-year old British legacy of Telephone Attendant cum Dak Khalasis TADKs (bungalow peons) for railway-officers despite Prime Minister Office having six years ago recommended abolishing of princely facility. Even Seventh Pay Commission left the decision to Railway Board. It is but natural that since decision-takers at Railway Ministry are themselves beneficiary of anti-public practice, they may never decide against retention of the system. Even the appointment-process of TADKs has been controversial with Central Administrative Tribunal questioning the manner of appointment of TADKs at Railways.
News-item further exposes orders of Tamil Nadu government wherein retired Chief Secretaries and Additional Chief Secretaries are given monthly allowance of rupees 10,000 to keep household help as amongst post-retirement benefits, system already prevailing in Karnataka.
In a country where a negligible one-time monetary-relief of just rupees 500 to poor persons during lockdown resulted in massive uncontrollable crowds outside banks, such princely facilities for privileged few during or after service is really a blot on the system. Even US President gets just half of last-drawn salary as only post-retirement benefit making several ex-Presidents doing private jobs or farming after retirement. Indian government should abolish all such princely facilities for everyone including in legislature, judiciary or bureaucracy for all types of services both in central and state governments.
MADHU AGRAWAL