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Cattle class debate and austerity

Dhiraj Kumar Nath
CATTLE class" appears to be a new term used to humiliate the economy class passengers travelling by air. Indian Minister of State for External Affairs, Mr. Shashi Tharoor used this term sarcastically in response to a query about his journey in economy class that he would travel "cattle class out ofsolidarity with all our holy cows."
This derogatory remark has generated J strong debate since most of the economy class passengers raised serious objections for calling them cows and goats. Besides, the finance ministry recently issued directives that all ministers should travel in economy class within the country. This unguarded remark of Mr. Tharoor has apparendy undermined his party's stand to adopt austerity measures and thus drew a sharp reaction from the Congress as well.
The AICC spokesperson, Jayanthi Natarajan of Congress party, observed: "It is unacceptable to every one of us and not just to the citizens travelling in economy class or even buses. The party strongly
disapproves his expression. It may be slang or jargon but we find it unacceptable." It was also observed that members of the cabinet should learn the language and the culture of this historic party. It may be mentioned Rahul Gandhi always used to travel in economy class by air and chair car by train.
Mr. Shashi Tharoor, before this assignment, was the Under Secretary General to the United Nations. He was one of the contestants for the post of Secretary General of the UN, which Mr. Ban Ki-moon won.
Such an absolutely insensitive and unacceptable statement from a person of his stature has surprised many and left a lesson for others. This has, in fact, created a strong debate about the wisdom of the council of ministers and also their affinity with the poverty stricken people, who can hardly afford to travel by a bullock cart. The poor people of the country walk hours together since they have no money to pay to the carrier.
The cattle class debate in fact has generated contentions about two issues,
firstly about the privileges and immunities of the cabinet members and, secondly, their inexperience and poor
understanding of the pulse of the people and silly praise of the programs and priorities of the government.
In a democratic society, where the media monitor the movement of public representative very closely, every expression should be well guarded and well thought out. No member of the cabinet, or persons occupying high positions of the government, should create a situation for those who would willfully distort their words if they got an opportunity to do so. This is equally true for all countries, including Bangladesh.
Many observations and speeches during the BDR episode and also in controlling market prices of essential items were not so well thought, for which some confusion developed, creating embarrassment for the government. Equally, some unguarded remarks on the Tipaimukh dam debate created a national issue subsequently when the government had to respond.
The second issue is about the privileges and benefits of the members of the cabinet and other high-ups in the administration. There is no restriction on members of the cabinet, or officials having the status of very important persons, travelling in the first or business class. It is for the person to avoid excessive revenue expenditure and choose convenient economy class or route. The saving of public money is a reflection of national feeling and patriotism, not a question of audit objection alone.
Institutions like the World Bank or
Asian Development Bank do not allow even very senior officials to travel by first class or even business class. This is also equally true for many international organisations that are paying an employee more than a million taka a month. They are ready to pay for the work, but not for the privilege, pomp and pleasure, from the exchequer. This is the canon of justice that should prevail everywhere in the government and also in nonstate organisations. Some international institutions are also very careful in using the office stationery and equipment.
Our government, in these days of economic downturn, should also issue instructions to all for the economic use of all utilities, not only electric and gas, during festivals and weddings. There is a restriction on the number of guests at a function, but the public, by and large, are not aware of it due to its weak enforcement.
Travelling in economy class should in no way be considered as cattle class journey for servants of the republic nor for the leaders, who claim to work for the welfare of people and socioeconomic upliftment. The saving of every coin of the exchequer should be considered as an opportunity to make provisions for the deprived and distressed poor.
Dhiraj Kumar Nath is a former Adviser to the caretaker government.