The Hindu : National : Where lack of communication helps

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Friday, Sep 10, 2004

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National

Where lack of communication helps

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, SEPT. 9. Language barriers today averted a possible face-off between two Central Ministers at the meeting of the full Planning Commission here.

According to insiders, the Railway Minister, Lalu Prasad, while making his presentation, launched into an almost 10-minute harangue about the ineffectiveness of information technology in India. He said the technology would not benefit the mass of Indians, particularly in the rural areas as people there had no use for the high-tech industry, which could well be dumped into the toilet for all they cared.

Then came the turn of the Information Technology and Telecommunications Minister, Dayanidhi Maran. Oblivious probably of Mr. Lalu Prasad's case against IT, Mr. Maran started highlighting the importance of information technology in today's world and how the revolution had made the country a world leader in the sector.

At this point, much to the amusement of those present, the Agriculture Minister, Sharad Pawar, intervened to tell Mr. Maran that he was lucky not to be able to comprehend Hindi, the language of Mr. Prasad's presentation.

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