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by FACTOTUM

The Hundred Years' War we know went on for a gruelling 116 years. That was equally an aberration of nomenclature as was perhaps the 100 victorious days of the newly elected government for it appeared well nigh to extend over a longer period of time. But no one would grudge a few extra days in these calculations as long as they were expended profitably to achieve a multitude of set targets.

The most apparent and top most achievement no doubt was in the sphere of reducing the tensions that prevailed in a situation of war where life and limb were in peril with no space in sight for unwinding a taut set up. New faces in the seats of power worked the oracle and the downing of weapons, hopefully never to be picked up again, has brought about a scenario of guarded optimism with barricades lifted and sandbags no longer in sight in the more vulnerable spots. Confidence building and letting down the guard has had a salutary effect all round.

Tourists, local and foreign are braving it to hitherto conflict areas. Big business and small trading are awaiting anxiously to move into new areas and launch on all that will bring in the shekels improving the quality of life of the people in the process.

So, hat's off to the powers-that-be on that score.

Well, another achievement was the presentation of the post LG polls Appropriation Bill. The populace properly salted in the devious ways in which they are fleeced to keep government machinery going no longer expect any big deals. High prices are beyond our control. It was too early to expect any relief from a no-war situation but additional burdens were not expected. Finance Minister had to retract in the face of protest from small time depositors solely dependant on such deposits for a monthly income but the annual refrain that everything was in place at a macro-level to salvage the country( that led to zero growth!) was heard again.

The tedious debate is now over and a good many participants at ministerial level are enjoying a deserving brief respite in various nooks and corners in the global village.

Another victory for those poor souls who are labouring for the public good on a meagre wage of the ordinary MP.

With more and more joining the ranks of the higher rungs (at lower wages of course) howls of protest and asides of derision would be effectively snuffed in the light of the new trend of working for less pay which practice we hope the subjects may not be called upon to emulate.

Pre-budget and post-budget price hikes have been in vogue for a long time now. So, if telephones and electricity have to be paid for at enhanced rates and we have to fall in line with global trends and up prices of fuel why let only the postal services lag behind?

One will have to lick a higher valued stamp when sticking it on that envelope before despatching mail now. If that will ensure a more efficient service in these days of electronic mail and what not the rate payer may grudgingly cough out the few extra rupees.

But the message is clear. War or no war, now that we have seen through the victorious 100 days things are back to normal and it is business as usual.

To come to think of it, did not Napoleon return like the whirlwind from Elba for Hundred Days for that interlude of battle and defeat at Waterloo that led to his final exile to St. Helena? There are no parallels to be drawn here to the Wanni jungles, though.

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