The government has taken an informal decision to send “high-level” delegations of MPs to five-six countries to keep our elected representatives in good humour. This brainwave has come from Kamal Nath. A detailed background paper on this subject was approved by the political leadership. Turkey, Vietnam, the US, France and China are the likely destinations. At least 200 MPs will be spending 10-15 days in better climates this summer to discuss and deliberate issues relating to India’s permanent seat in the UN Security Council. The incentive comes ahead of Lok Sabha polls announcement, expected before September 2013. "What an idea, sir-ji," a union minister said in a lighter vein to Kamal Nath.

Former guvs may get secretarial aid
A financial package to get secretarial assistance to the former governors is in the offing. The standing committee on the ministry of home affairs is to discuss this issue in its meeting and recommend to the government to bring a bill for that purpose in the budget session. If approved, a former governor will get a monthly allowance of Rs 20,000 for secretarial help. At present, there are 85-90 former governors in the country.