Understanding the government...3

Raju walked to the meeting hall, followed by his minister, and Vani aunty, invisible to others.

The hall was huge, and rectangular in shape. The roof was high. There was this shining throne at one end, in a raised platform. On both sides of the throne there were chairs lined up where the officials were seated.

When Raju entered the hall, all of them stood up and when he sat in the throne all of them sat, in unison, as if they are all wired together! Raju was amused, but controlled his laughter!

Vani aunty was just standing behind him, and whispered to Raju to ask the minister to conduct the meeting.

“Yes, minister, you may start the meeting”

“Hail Maharaj! We have all the senior officials here, including the commissioners and director of different departments. 

They all have been working hard to ensure your vision for the kingdom is converted to reality. In another year or two, we will be the first state in this country to have electricity from our Cauvery power project. The work on the Railway lines are going at fast pace. We are constructing hospitals both in Mysore and Bangalore Maharaj. The British government is happy to note that we are a progressive state.

In this meeting, we want to submit five issues before you and seek your guidance.”

“Go ahead”

“Maharaj, first is about giving target for the remission of taxes in 6 districts where the rains have failed, leading to very less agricultural production.  The revenue commissioner would want to know the approximate remission amount that we can afford. Second is about giving powers to the deputy commissioner of the district to take care of the forest conservation. Third is about, removing some judicial powers from Amildars and giving that to Munsiffs. Fourth is about finalizing the rules about recruitment of subordinate revenue officials and fifth is about approving creation of 3 new police stations.”

Raju couldn't understand anything of these! Vani aunty whispered “Raju, ask the minister and other officers to give their opinion on all these subjects. When they talk, you can listen and learn. Once they end their talk, you say that you will take decision in the afternoon, and adjourn the meeting! By the lunch time, I will tell you how to handle this!”

“Minister, first I would like to hear you and all others in these subjects, and then in the afternoon, we can take a final decision”

“Yes your highness!”

Raju sat thru the discussion for next one hour. He couldn't understand most of it! Most of them seemed to say the same things. Raju waited for the lunch break! The minister then announced the closure of the meeting, and Raju retreated to his room fast.

(to be continued...)