Buzz : Mobile trouble from ministers

The recent expansion of the Y S Rajasekhar Reddy Cabinet after a gap of two years might have come a great relief for the Chief Minister as well as those who were inducted, but it has become a nuisance for the officials of the Finance department.

Soon after assuming charge, the ministers placed orders for new mobile phones and as per the provisions, the finance department released money to purchase the same. But, some of the minsiters were not happy with the handsets they got. So, they placed orders again for the latest models of handsets. The finance department officials, after a brief resistence, were forced to oblige the same. Knowing this, all the other ministers, including those in the old batch, placed indent for the latest mobile phones, each costing not less than Rs 20,000 each.

A couple of ministers, who are known for their greediness, presented their newly-obtained handsets to their wives and children and placed orders for a second handset. The officials had to oblige their request. Realising that this is a good opportunity, the personal secretaries and personal assistants of the ministers, too, have ordered for new mobile handsets with advanced connections. Now, the finance deparment is worried as to how to fulfil the growing desires of these ministers.