It has become a routine for political leaders and bureaucrats to travel to Delhi and back from various states whenever there is a political issue needing resolution at the high command level . At times a plane load travels even for a minor issue which can easily be sorted out over the phone . Such expenditure also get incurred even to attend birthday parties and the like of prominent political leaders . Who pays for all such items of expenditure ? – the party or the public ? .
The Indian parliament hardly functioned during the Winter session thanks to the fall out from the 2G scam . Who pays for the loss of MP days lost in the bargain ? – The party or the public ? .
Traffic comes to a stand still in the main roads in Delhi and other cities whenever a minister passes – At times , citizens miss flights , trains or are late for important appointments . In certain cases , patients needing emergency medical aid miss it with disastrous consequences . Who is accountable for this – the government or the general public ?.
Ministers and VIP Bureaucrats arrive late for public functions and let the audience wait for long hours . Who pays for the fatigue and the loss of productivity in such cases ? – the government or the public ? .
It is high time we capture such metrics and associated costs of democratic high – handedness .