Noteworthy Snippets

1. A few days back I got a call from Maj Avasthi from Guwahati. He was in a tizzy as the MASI had suggested closing down of the toilet within the CVPS at that centre. His problem was that the locals were raising cain on that issue. At that centre all issues ultimately take a "local vs outsider" hue so his apprehensions were not misplaced. I informed him that this was an all India issue and compliance has already been done at most places (Bangalore included). He was wondering that where will all this (strengthening of security arrangements) end ?? To quote him" what will come next" ? To this my response, in the instant case, was - we may have see through clothes for CVPS staff in future or maybe see through smocks sans underclothes so as to ensure that nothing can be concealed anywhere. Avasthi was one up in declaring that it was better to install CCTV cameras in the toilet rather than closing it down. Come to think of it - not a bad idea to have one dome camera on the ceiling and one in the WC (waterproof type) to deter potential pilferers !!! One other option is to issue disposable pouches ( like the ones jet fighters use ) to all members of the staff working in the CVPS.

2. The other noteworthy development at Guwahati is that Security Officers are no longer being used as 'bodyguards'. Threats form ULFA (real or perceived) almost always work at that place. This scenario is at times exploited by some of the locals to acheive their aims as well.

3. Careless whispers are doing the rounds at 'North Block' (this is the new name given to our central office by one of the youngsters here). These are regarding the annual transfers in our cadre. It is understood that a lot of youngsters have applied for transfers. Some have even got alternative avenues lined up to take care of 'worst case scenarios'. Well the grapevine from 'North Block' is that the transfers will be handled by the DGs office !! ( some level jumping I must say !!). Nobody is willing to stir up a hornets nest by trying to do this exercise. Well, let us see which way the cookie crumbles.