Subsidy element

The canteens in research institutions enjoying excessive governmental care and concern (through subsidies) are a sight by themselves. Take example of this one for instance, the one that we enjoy in our "insti" (do not bother about the name...they replicate everywhere). Named as the "workers canteen" for workers to break into a simple meal during lunch time after putting in decent hours of work in the day, there are no rate charts for items (for they are abysmally low; where do you get a cup of tea for 25p.??), no fixed number of items offered in a day (for the workers are at the mercy of the storekeepers), and there are no limits to the number of people who can come and take food. Because though a "worker's" canteen, everybody is allowed to come in and hog on the "sumptuous meal". The workers have a big heart! We all know that. And who are the first ones to arrive? The faculty, and the students (of course research scholars too). The faculties with their huge salaries and "massive" bodily airs and the students with their stipends safely pocketed.

The rustle and bustle of the lunch hour takes the shape of local train passengers waiting for the last train. First, there's a rush for "good" seats (you need a fan at least after getting out of air-conditioned cabins!), then "intelligent" calculations for jumping the queue, and last of all making sure that out of the Re. 1 offered for three cups of tea at the counter, our good man has not made mistakes counting the change while returning. And if our man at the counter says there's not enough change to return 25p. but he can settle for a 20p. our intellectual on the other side of the counter makes it known in no uncertain terms that he/she will be back for the 5p. the day after.

The real drama starts after the luncheon. 'So what, if the "devil" costs Rs.2.50? It tasted awful. The tea? Ever tasted it? It is plain water with a tea leaf swimming gaily here and there. The chapati? Oh! you paid 50p.? Why on earth? My dear friend, it's 10 p. only. Remember to take the change tomorrow. I know, it tasted like rubber. I was lucky nevertheless, even though I came late I asked my peon to make way for me in that treachorously long queue because I had to attend a seminar immediately. Okay, see you tomorrow at the same place, same time. By the way, did you read the papers today? I do not understand Buddhadeb. What on hell is he thinking not charging the bargardars for the electricity that they spend?'

Life returns to academics as usual. The professor's peon arrives late for the seminar (he had to serve tea there!). 'Went out to take lunch Sir, the chapati got over Sir.'