Just Me - India

Last week we were witness to a unusual telecast, live on television. The rescue of a kid (6 years or so) who had fallen into a 60 feet deep hole, about 1 feet wide, in the ground (Kurushetra, Haryana). He was rescued successfully after more than 48 hours. This was really great; and all of us are thankful to the rescuers (villagers, army jawans, police).

Reality television at its peak.

But, the bizarre part is this:

• Why has nobody been booked for digging such a hole and leaving it uncovered. Actually when this question was put to the Ministers present there (Chief Minister, Member of Parliament from the place) - their answer was something that must be recorded for posterity (as proof of how callous our leadership is). The answer was something on the lines of - let us not do witch-hunt, all that ends well is well. They were not even committed to a decent investigation !!
• Strangely enough of all the people, the Public Relations Officer (does such a post even exist ! i was not aware) of that area was transferred ostensibly because he did not inform the Chief Minister 'soon enough' about this incident. What is going on?
• Government has announced free medical attention to the kid. This is good and expected. Among other things that have been announced : Rs 5 lacs, Rs 2 lacs by a media channel, a visit to meet the bollywood movie stars (some of whom gifted the kid with various things), and many more such goodies from various quarters like free education (by govt, but could not verify this one). All this is good ! BUT, does a poor kid need fall into a hole in the ground to gain access to education and chance at decent living ??
• There are thousands of man-holes all around the country, which remain uncovered. Is anyone bothered? Hundreds (perhaps thousands) of people die every year by falling in such open man-holes or coming in touch with live electic wires on roads across India. All this because of callous attitude of government servants (who are responsible for maintaining these)