Monday, September 9, 2002		Editor's Mail

OUR MPs would now be provided with laptops. But what purpose would it solve? A larger percentage of MPs is not yet computer-savvy. Then what's the use of increasing the burden on the exchequer? Maybe these laptops would help MPs, ministers and their government in some way or the other. Take, for example, the computer (or laptop) keyboard. Have a look at some of the widely used keys - Esc, Ctrl, Alt and Shift. Think how important are these for our MPs and ministers.

Esc key: Are you caught in a scam? Is there a corruption charge against you? Or,are you made accused of some other charge? Don't worry. Just press the 'Esc' key and you are free of all charges (you escape).

Shift key: Shift can be used against a process, Cabinet reshuffle that is both tiresome and difficult. Well, there won't be any difficulties from now onwards. The only thing you have to do is press the 'Shift' key and you are done away with. The ministers are moved or shifted as per choice. Nevertheless, to induct a new minister, you might have to press 'Insert'.

Ctrl key: This key would rather render our MPs and ministers more accountable, not only for what they receive as salary and perks but also for other payments and funds. Just press this key and a balance sheet would be displayed (along with a 'statement of sources and application of funds').

Alt key: This key would help in suggesting alternatives to problems like petrol-pump scam, 'Tehelka issue, flex scam, disinvestments, UTI issue, etc.

The Opposition will not be left far behind in using these laptops. In their opinion, the present government is not up to the mark they’ll either use 'Ctrl + Alt + Delete' or simply 'End.’ To overcome this situation, the government uses functions keys to combat these. 

New Delhi