In Washington, DC, at a Metro Station, on a cold January morning in 2007, this man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time, approximately 2,000 people went through the station, most of them on their way to work. About 3 minutes: The violinist received his first dollar. A woman threw money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk. At 6 minutes: A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again. At 45 minutes: The musician played continuously. Only 6 people stopped and listened for a short while. About 20 gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace. The man collected a total of $32. After 1 hour: He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed and no one applauded. There was no recognition at all. No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world. He...
Have you traveled through district roads of West Bengal recently? It your answer is in affirmative, then I need not to tell you how those roads are! If you did not take a journey through those roads anywhere in the state. Those who take frequent journeys by road, they are likely to know NH2 & 6 ; the Durgapur Expressway and Bombay Road. After coming into national highway networks those roads are converted into six lanes and that turned the road travel experience is worth that you pay in terms of toll tax. But comparing to them journey through any other roads criss crossing the state covering several districts and major part of NH 34 are in horrible state. The potholes and bumpers ( with no uniform specification!) turn the travels into travails. The state government collect road tax, they get central allocations to fund the expansion, repair and maintenance of these roads. One surmise where the fund goes? Some of the roads come under District or Panchayet authority ; they get regular share of funds from state what central allocates; but the picture is gloom and better said horrific! Not that the local level authorities like municipal or district boards do not have sufficient fund or expertise to take care of the roads , that come under them. Those who have to true intention they do it in far more better way as they need to look after smaller areas. For example Taki municipality; they have maintained the roads in that small sub-divisional town in excellent condition. Who ever comes in power their money allocated for roads goes for the intended purpose. Else where the story is otherwise; nothing to say about the corrupt officials and their political bosses. PWD and irrigation ; these two departments in West Bengal are milking cows for those who are in power.
Now as the date of election is announced, on that pretext , all the repair or maintenance works of roads have been suspended; the rumors flow , this is to pacify election commission’s ire!
How about another amendment in our constitution; if election commission is empowered for suspending the ruling party or parties for doing almost nothing during the their last full tenure at least in the ares like road, health care, education ; as they are evident; perhaps that can keep the political bosses and their babus in check.
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