Wrong timing
New Year calendars printed by various departments are something employees in government offices look forward to every year. Some employees of the Delhi government, however, feel they are caught in a time wrap. And they have a good reason to think so. As new calendars, fresh off the press, were being distributed in December, last year’s stock was quietly palmed off to Class IV employees. “These babus have given calendars of the year 2007 to us now, when they are of no use. This year’s calendars can well be expected only at the end of this year,” an employee was overheard grumbling.

Successor stories
With Delhi Development Authority (DDA) Vice-Chairman Dinesh Rai’s empanelment as Secretary, Government of India, is final now, speculations are rife about who is going to succeed him. While Rai’s promotion has been in situ — though he has been promoted he will continue to serve as vice-chairman — the grapevine has it that Rai’s tenure at DDA is now temporary. According to sources, Rai is unlikely to stay on as several Delhi MPs have been unhappy with his work. With polls ahead, nominations for the next DDA vice-chairman are being perceived as crucial by the government. Meanwhile, after having lost the race to become Delhi Chief Secretary to Rakesh Mehta, Municipal Commissioner Ashok Kumar Nigam is now lobbying hard for the DDA post.

All for Maya
Preparing for Mayawati’s first-ever visit after she became the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, officials of Noida and Greater Noida authorities have been on their toes for nearly two months now. As many as 2,000 workers are working overtime to get Gautam Budh Nagar University in shape, and complete the special helipad under construction at the village where she is supposed to land. All hope Mayawati will not “betray” Gautam Budh Nagar district this time. Twice in the last two months has she given the district a slip, keeping school students and officials waiting for hours. With crores of rupees at stake this time, and special orders to all BSP MPs to pool in Rs 3 lakh each for her birthday, Maya’s day out on January 15 should be a grand occasion, if she doesn’t misses her date with Gautam Budh Nagar again.