This entry has been written by a selected RBI candidate.

Career with Reserve Bank of India

Reserve Bank of India recruits Officers in Grade ‘B’ (General) and the number of vacancies usually range from 70 to 80 for each panel year. The candidate must be between 21 and 30 years (subject to relaxation for certain categories) and must have the requisite educational qualifications (First Class Bachelor’s degree/ Second Class Masters degree etc.)

The selection is usually through Written Examinations and Interview. Written Examination is conducted in two phases—Objective (Phase I) and Subjective (Phase II). The subjective exam is conducted 3-4 months after the objective exam for the candidates qualifying in the objective test.

The Objective Stage or Phase I of WE

Objective Paper is of 3 hours duration for 200 marks. The objective test or Phase I act as a filtering mechanism. The candidate is subjected to a predictable test similar to a MBA entrance or Bank PO exams. The question paper is divided in four sections—1) General Awareness, 2) Reasoning, 3) English and 4) Quantitative aptitude. Candidates have to secure minimum marks separately for each section. The number of candidates taking the exam is usually between 1, 50,000 to 2, 00,000.

The objective exam is not difficult and a candidate with average aptitude for such a general test will be able to clear it. There are certain points that distinguish RBI’s objective test from other similar exams:-

1. General Awareness and Reasoning occupy the pride of place in the exam and have greater number of questions and weightage compared to Quantitative aptitude and English.

2. A candidate is not allowed to move to the other sections unless the time allowed for a particular section has lapsed. So, if General Awareness has been allotted 45 minutes and 60 questions, the candidate will not be allowed to access the questions of some other section (say, English) unless 45 minutes are over, even if he or she has attempted all the 60 questions.

3. The sectional cut-off is usually low but the overall cut off for selection to phase II of written examination is often high, it can easily reach around 110 marks (for general category) out of total 200 marks.

Tips for Success in Phase I

Though there is no fixed method to succeed in what is essentially an aptitude test, there are certain tips that are useful for this stage of examination. It has been observed that general awareness section is dominated with current issues and economy based questions. The time tested strategy for preparing is the regular reading of a good national daily (The Hindu is usually a favorite). It is also useful to supplement it with a business daily (Business Standard, Business Line, Financial Express etc.)

The candidates with certain distaste for mathematics might need to push themselves, but only just. RBI DOES NOT expect you to be a human calculator and the questions are of a reasonable standard and with some practice even those who have not been on talking terms with numbers for years will do just fine. There are number of books available for Quantitative Aptitude for entrance examination, anyone which you feel is the best for you, can be relied upon.

Same could be said about level of reasoning questions; however, those who have not been in the race of a government job or a MBA seat might need to treat this section with caution. It is usually the time factor that counts the most in reasoning section. It is the second most important section after General Awareness and can make or mar a candidate’s prospect. RS Agarwal’s Verbal and non-Verbal Reasoning is an exhaustive book and can be relied upon to ensure good results. English portion is usually the easiest and does not require any particular preparation.

The result of this stage is usually declared within one month of the examination.

The Subjective Stage or Phase II of WE

This stage consists of three papers:

Paper I – English

Paper II – Economic and Social Issues and

Paper III – Finance and Management.

Each of these papers is of 3 hours duration carrying 100 marks. RBI provides an indicative syllabus with the clarification that it is by no means exhaustive. Thus related topics even though not specifically mentioned should be part of the preparation.

Syllabus for Phase II:

Paper I – English

Essay, Précis writing, Comprehension, Business/Office Correspondence.

Paper II – Economic and Social Issues:

Growth and Development – Measurement of growth : National Income and per capita income – Poverty Alleviation and Employment Generation in India – Sustainable Development and Environmental issues. Economic Reforms in India – Industrial and Labour Policy – Monetary and Fiscal Policy – Privatisation – Role of Economic Planning. Globalization – Opening up of the Indian Economy – Balance of Payments, Export-Import Policy – International Economic Institutions – IMF and World Bank – WTO – Regional Economic Co-operation. Social Structure in India – Multiculturalism – Demographic Trends – Urbanisation and Migration – Gender Issues – Social Justice : Positive Discrimination in favour of the under privileged – Social Movements – Indian Political System – Human Development – Social Sectors in India, Health and Education.

Paper III – Finance and Management:

Finance : The Union Budget – Direct and Indirect taxes; Non-tax sources of revenue; Outlays; New Measures; Financial Sector Reforms; Capital Market, Money Market and Foreign Exchange Market; Stock Exchanges and their Regulation; Capital Market Intermediaries and their Regulation; Role of SEBI; Functions of the Money Market; Growth and Operation of the Money Market; The Foreign Exchange Market; From FERA to FEMA; Exchange Rate Management; Exchange Risk Management; Role of Banks and Financial Institutions in Economic Development; Regulation of Banks and Financial Institutions; Disinvestment in Public Sector Units.

Management: Management: its nature and scope; The Management Processes; Planning Organisation, Staffing, Directing and Controlling; The Role of a Manager in an Organisation. Leadership: The Tasks of a Leader; Leadership Styles; Leadership Theories; A successful Leader versus an effective Leader. Human Resource Development: Concept of HRD; Goals of HRD; Performance Appraisal – Potential appraisal and development – Feedback and Performance Counseling – Career Planning – Training and Development – Rewards – Employee Welfare. Motivation, Morale and Incentives: Theories of Motivation; How Managers Motivate; Concept of Morale; Factors determining morale; Role of Incentives in Building up Morale. Communication: Steps in the Communication Process; Communication Channels; Oral versus Written Communication; Verbal versus non-verbal Communication; upward, downward and lateral communication; Barriers to Communication, Role of Information Technology. Corporate Governance: Factors affecting Corporate Governance; Mechanisms of Corporate Governance.

Importance of Good Performance in Phase II for Final Selection

If you want a career with RBI, you have to do very well in this stage. A poor performance here will end your progress to interview stage and even if you are somehow able to barely clear the cut off with low scores, then you will require an exceptional performance in interview and lot of luck to make it to final list of selected candidates. The interview is just for 50 marks while the written test is for 300 marks. There is no cut-off in the interview and thus a very good score in written stage insures you against a mediocre or poor interview. Candidates with very good scores in written and very poor performance in interview have made it to the final selection list but the reverse—great scores in interview and poor marks in written has often lead to heartbreak, failure and anguish. Please see the information provided by RBI for the 2010 panel year examination to appreciate the importance of Phase II:

Aggregate cut – off marks in paper I, II & III taken together in phase II written examination for shortlisting the candidates for interview (out of total 300 marks).

Aggregate marks in phase II Written examination and Interview taken together (out of total 350 marks) obtained by the last recommended candidate under the respective category with reference to the no. Of vacancies notified under each category.

Tips for Selection Phase II:

The previous examination question papers for this stage are available on the Internet and have been shared by the candidates on social networking website Orkut in a community named ‘Reserve Bank of India Grade B Exam-2009’ and ‘Reserve Bank of India Grade B Exam-2010’, a useful platform to share information and interact with fellow aspirants. There is no short cut for this stage and with the exception of Paper I (English), it requires some effort and focused preparation. Candidates who do not regularly appear for such subjective examinations or have undergone degrees that do not require them to write essay type answers in examination are advised to devote some time to honing their written composition skills as part of their preparation. Ultimately, coherence in presentation and lucidity of the language of the answer matters a lot, when there is not much to distinguish between answers of candidates.

For Paper I: No special preparation required.

For Paper II: Economic and Social Issues

For Economic Related Topics:

The following material is extremely useful to cover most of the syllabus for this paper.

1. Dutt and Sundaram’s Indian Economy (latest edition)

2. Uma Kapila’s Indian Economic development since Independence (latest edition)

3. Last 2-3 Years Economic Survey, Government of India

The questions are of essay type and familiarity with recent developments and relevant statistics shall be an advantage. Regular reading of editorial sections of good newspapers is a must as this paper usually has questions based on current issues.

For Social Issues:

This is a very broad area and there is no particular book which can be prescribed. Yet, Class XI and XII books of Sociology of NCERT are good background text for preparation. The questions are general is nature like corruption, reservation, environment, gender disparity etc. Some of the social issues are also addressed in the economic books suggested above. Reading a good monthly competitive exam magazine like Pratyogita Darpan etc., which focuses on current issues and topics of Group Discussion can be useful.

The candidate is given the choice to attempt any 5 out of 9 or 10 questions (economic and social issues combined).

For Paper III:

Finance Portion:

This is perhaps the trickiest part of the syllabus. The questions can range from unexpected (like write an essay on regulation of stock exchanges) to mundane (what do you understand by credit ratings). The best resource for this section is the websites of RBI and SEBI. The candidate should start with the FAQs section on the website of these two regulators. Since the questions are essentially on regulatory finance, it is helpful if one understands the regulatory and administrative framework for financial regulation in India. A start can be made by going through the Finance section of India Year Book by Publication Division, Ministry of I&B. Further, the best way to cover the topics in this section is searching through the reports available on RBI or SEBI’s website. The module VI of Company Secretary Executive exam by ICSI on Securities Laws is also a very useful resource. Report on Currency and Finance by RBI, also cover some important topics in this section. The candidate usually has to attempt 3 questions out of 5.

Management Portion:

This portion initially disheartens some of non-management background candidates and appears a spoiler. But, the questions are usually very open ended (like comment on Great Leaders are born, not made) and with some background reading even a non-management background candidate will be able to articulate his views. It is advisable for the candidate to refer only to the standard texts as there is plethora of management books. The following books are established classics and can be relied upon to crack this portion easily. The candidate usually has to attempt 2 questions out of 4.

1. Principles of Management – Koontz and O’Donnell

2. Organizational Behavior: Stephen P.Robbins

The results for this stage are declared within 2 months of the examination.

Tips for Interview:

RBI’s panel has traditionally been parsimonious when it comes to awarding marks in interview. High scores are an aberration as even the successful candidates don’t score much above 30. However, interview is conducted in a very cordial manner and the questions are related to the candidate’s background. Banking terms related questions and being asked to comment on recent relevant financial developments is highly probable. No special preparation is required except reading newspapers to be in touch of current issues. But, if you are not comfortable with Economics and Financial terminology (Like CRR, SLR, NPA, etc.) then skimming through the Indian Economy Pratiyogita Darpan Extra Issue Series will be a good investment. Remain confident even if you have to face some unexpected questions. Interview is essentially a personality test as the knowledge has already been tested at written stage.

The interviews are conducted over a period of 6-8 weeks in different cities. The results are declared in 7-10 days of last interview. Usually the entire process extends to 11-12 months (from the date of recruitment advertisement to final results of the interview).

For questions related to salary and prospects, it best to quote from the RBI’s advertisement:

“SERVICE CONDITIONS / CAREER PROSPECTS:

(i)    Pay Scale:

Selected Candidates will draw a starting basic pay of Rs.21,000/- p.m. in the scale of Rs.21000-1000-30000-EB-1000-32000-1100-36400 applicable to Officers in Grade B and they will also be eligible for Dearness Allowance, Local allowance, House Rent Allowance, Family Allowance as per rules in force from time to time. At present, initial monthly Gross emoluments to direct recruit Grade B Officers are approximately Rs.38,853/-.

(ii)    Perquisites:

Bank’s accommodation subject to availability, reimbursement of expenses for maintenance of vehicle for official purpose, newspaper, telephone charges, book grant, allowance for furnishing of residence, etc. as per eligibility. Free dispensary facility besides reimbursement of medical expenses for OPD treatment/hospitalization as per eligibility. Interest free festival advance, Leave Fare Concession (once in two years for self, spouse and eligible dependents). Loans and Advances at concessional rates of interest for Housing, Car, Education, Consumer Articles, Personal Computer, etc. The posts also carry benefits of Provident Fund, Pension and Gratuity. Total pay and allowances along with admissible perquisites attached to the post considering market value of housing in Mumbai work out at the minimum of Rs10.00 lakhs p.a. (approx.) on a cost to the Bank basis.

NOTE: For candidates possessing very high academic or professional qualification/ experience of significant value to the Bank, the Bank may, at its sole discretion, consider granting up to four advance increments. The Board, at the sole discretion, will consider requests for higher emoluments on account of higher qualification/special experience of value to the Bank at the interview stage only. Such information may be furnished in the Bio-data form in the appropriate column. The number of maximum increments will be 4. The Board/Bank will not entertain any request received after the interview.”

 

A few weeks back, I watched Bol, a Pakistani movie on women rights and religious fundamentalism. It was one of the most beautiful movie I have seen till now. Bol was the highest earner movie in Pakistan in the first week of its release. In India, unfortunately, it could not survive competition from ‘Bodyguard’-quite expected given our entertainment thrived population. For me, it was quite disappointing to see that our country is not receptive to such themes.
On further reflection, I realized that all our country ‘guards’ jump on to criticize government policies, their alleged atrocities, corruption, anything that requires correction from others. The same set chooses to be silent on issues that can potentially be influenced by our own actions. We love criticizing government for Lokpal bill, Maoists, Afzal, Commonwealth and what not. No doubt, these are all very important issues and deserve everyone’s understanding and attention but why do we selectively choose to skip issues that we ourselves could improve on?
In my view, our societal framework is the biggest constraint in our country’s development. We have become entertainment thrived youth with little drive to think of the bigger issues facing our society, of which government is only a part. Sometimes, and may be wrongly, I feel that all this drum beating about the way government functions is a form of entertainment for us as it does not require any corrective actions from our side.
To pick up an example here, consider position of women in our society (those who know me would know how obsessed I am with this topic!). Our society, be it Hindu or Muslim is so designed that the man is the facilitator of the family and a woman is the one who has to compromise, leave her family and serve her husband and his family. This goes for a well educated DSE student, a highly intellectual human rights activist, just about everyone in our country. Why doesn’t it ever cross such brilliant minds how unjust it is, how it is responsible for the gender imbalance in our society? All these people support the cause of human rights but do they ever think how they are part of a system (and in most of the cases, supporter of such system) that has snatched the right of a girl child to be even born?
By raising such a question, I am in no way demeaning those who stand for causes that deserve nation’s attention – all this is important for our democracy to be sustainable. However, we must try to bring about some important changes in our society. I understand that we are in the public goods dilemma when it comes to bringing about changes in the society, and this is precisely why it is easier to throw stones on some other entity like government to bring about the change. And isn’t it easier to condemn government for its lack of corrective policies in (say) protecting women than raising your voice amongst your relatives, friends and neighbours?
No change that is brought through parliament bills and our bureaucracy will ever be complete until we alter the way our society functions. Bills can provide us with institutions to work in but eventually we are the players in the system- until change happens within, until we aim to sensitize ourselves, our friends, family, all banging head on the government is mere cosmetic.

Recently, I was watching a programme on “Aarti Home”, a home for orphans and “unwanted” children (read girl child). The owner of this organization had information about a lady who wanted to abort her child since she was a girl. She visited her in hope of convincing her to not take such a step. In the whole conversation that followed between the owner of the organization and the pregnant lady, the former had no words to refute the reasoning behind not having a girl child. To me, the reasoning was a perfect cost-benefit analysis.

Why it makes little rationale to have a girl child? (assuming that the family is poor, though the reasoning that follows can be for well-off families as well)
1. In absence of any future security, son is a best bet, the runner of the family’s baton, who takes family’s name ahead. What about a daughter? She belongs to her husband’s house, her stay at her parents’ home is only transitory. She takes his name; she takes his family and forgets her roots.
2.Dowry!! Yes, it still exists (in huge proportion!) in India. Thus, expenses on a girl child in her upbringing + marriage expenses come out to be quite huge. Returns? Apart from probable emotional bonding, since a girl does not usually work, there are no returns that follow.

I am bewildered that there are girls who think that the tradition of being part of her husband’s family is somehow exciting. Following traditions has become ‘fashionable’. Ignoring the set of girls that might not have had absolutely any exposure to the ‘new’ ideas, even the educated mass does not question such role accorded to women. They are happy following the traditions, being absorbed in their husband’s family, visiting her parents some days in a year. Why would parents not think of having a son rather? Atleast, a son would take care of his parents monetarily.

These days, there is a tendency to have small family. I am afraid that this might as well do more harm by selective abortion in order to have a son.

I am not able to put my thoughts in a crystal clear format and moreover dynamics might be different in a family with different income and socio-economic characteristics. But the basic thought is as follows: given our society, our beliefs about the role of a man and a woman, a woman has to essentially get absorbed in her husband’s family. On the other hand, a man has to earn the bread and take care of the family that includes his parents as well. Why can’t women think of taking care of their family including her parents as well? Why she (has to) loose(s) her identity and abandon(s) her past, her upbringing and her responsibility towards her parents. Why can’t she be an asset to her parents?

To all those who think that things are changing, women are more educated now etc. etc., please ask yourself how many women you know who would not forget their identity after marriage, an identity that includes concern for themselves and a responsibility and care for the past. Probably, the pressure to act according to the rules of the society is too much to think of acting against them..

If you are interested in this discussion, please do read the comments. And I will appreciate if you could share your views as well..:)

The Railway budget 2010-11 was presented by Mamata Banerjee today.

Much of the budget focused on creating schools, hospitals, museums (Rabindranath Museum at Howrah), sport academics, music academy (at Howrah), housing, crèches and hostels. I guess Mamata Banerjee has considered Railways as an institution of ‘inclusive’ economic growth than focusing on what Railways is actually expected to do, i.e., run trains efficiently, on time and have good connectivity all over the nation.

The budget did not address the issue of safety and security in the Rail network. The minister got away with saying that security is a state subject and hence did not announce anything to gear up the security level. Every year, numerous trains are introduced without working on improving the existing network. All of us are aware of the poor hygienic conditions in Railways (baring Western Railways). But no plan has been drawn to improve it. Several new projects like establishment of 6 bottling plants have been proposed to ‘improve’ passenger amenities/services!

Among some of the visionary goals, one is addition of 25,000kms of new lines in the next ten years. This is commendable given that since independence, we have added just 10,419 kms, an annual average of only 180kms! Let’s hope, like all other visions of Railways, this does not turn out to be a faux!

Mamata has announced to develop new business models in Railways. This is quite intriguing. She intends to provide room for domestic investment in Railways through PPP mode.

Over-all, Railway budget 2010-11 seemed to be quite dry, with no plan to really improve traveling in Indian Railways. It is good to have new plans, but it is important to have the old ones working efficiently first!

A general wandering of my mind led me to ask myself why we humans are usually so unsatisfied with life.  I think it connects to the previous entry of my blog. When some of our needs are not satisfied, we try to hunt for them. And across all ladders of age, social and economic groups, people are essentially not satisfied. It is a human tendency to look at people above them, not the ones below them. So people tend to think more about what they do not have when they should be grateful for what they have.

It is quite a contrast to see two different people, each lacking what the other has, and hoping to have what he/she lacks, something like ‘envy’ principle in economics.

I am not suggesting that being satisfied with what one has shall lead to satiation and hence no struggle to climb up towards the ‘bliss point’ (which in itself is not stationary!). All I wish to contemplate on is why we should be sad over what we do not have, hence forgetting to appreciate our blessings.

I think the law of diminishing marginal utility can never be applied to human desires and emotions. Essentially, it tends to be increasing marginal utility. So, first you struggle to meet basic needs. When you have them, you want qualitative improvement in the same, you want money, more money, you want to be in the best of institute, you want to be the topper of the same, and you want the highest package. And along with this you also want to have better relations. Thus, it is not merely materialistic needs but also emotional needs that are insatiate. Life essentially turns out to be about ‘me and my needs’, an endless loop.

I am quoting this entry from Bhagavad Gita by Surinder Kochar. When I read it, I realized that though the theory has been too easily generalized, it is nevertheless quite true. (I had been told that Maslow’s theory is one which every Management n Psychology student knows by heart, sharing it here for the ignorant souls like me.)

“Maslow believes that the human needs form a pyramidical hierarchy. The physical needs are situated at the base of the pyramid, while self-actualisation is situated at the apex of the pyramid. There are five groups of such human needs, which are as follows:

1. The Basic (Physical) Needs
2. The Safety Needs
3. The Social (Love & affection) Needs
4. The Esteem Needs
5. The Need for Self-Actualisation

1.  THE PHYSICAL NEEDS

These needs are primarily related to human subsistence and his sustenance. Consider a person without any job and without any job and without any source of income. He is without food. He is starving. In such circumstances he obviously wants nothing but some food. He sneers at love. Food is a physical need, which is the most pressing one. Other physical needs are the following:

• Air for Breathing
• Water for Drinking, Washing, etc.
• Sleep for Relaxation
• Sex for gratification of senses and procreation

2. THE SAFETY NEEDS

These needs are related to a sense of security and protection for his life. Consequently, it also includes his employment and regularity of his income. If the man is fortunate, he finds a job. He now seeks safety. He wants to protect himself while at work and he strives to ensure that his employment is permanent.

3. THE LOVE NEEDS

These needs are related to the well-being of man as a social entity. Consider that his management Is sympathetic and he is provided with protective clothing and is assured of permanent employment. Now he begins to look around for friends. Man is a social animal. His quest for friends, their company and love is eternal and irrepressible. When, for instance, he finds that his dearest friend in the office is absent, he becomes acutely uneasy. He cannot work properly without his workmates.

4. THE ESTEEM NEEDS

These needs are related to the self-confidence and self-respect of human beings. Even when he is surrounded by loving friends, he has traces of unhappy. He feels insecure. He is tortured by a sense of inferiority complex. He now badly requires some measure of self-confidence and self-respect. He must be able to assure himself that he can work independently, can do difficult jobs and stand on his feet.

A stage is reached when he feels confident that he has developed a good measure of competence. But he is assailed by fresh doubts, as if he is suffering from the so-called Arjuna disease. He now wants this inward feeling to be confirmed by others. He seeks appreciation and recognition without which he feels uneasy. These are now his dominant desires.

5. THE NEED FOR SELF-ACTUALIZATION

This need is related to achieving the highest objective in life or the supreme goal in human life. When a man gets appreciation and recognition in abundant measure, a man’s mind turns itself inwards.  He wonders whether he has realized his full potential by reaching the summit of his performance. Self-Actualisation is the supreme goal in human life. It can be achieved by our actions, referred as “Karma”.

It may be observed that man is never fully satisfied. He is always in search of something higher, which he does not possess. He remains active. It is always the unsatisfied need that motivates a person. A person who is fully satisfied becomes inactive and apathetic. ”

I am yet to understand whether these needs are good or bad. Somehow I believe that any sort of need is bad and shall be avoided. The question often boils down to how? I do not know. I am still searching for my own answers.

The movie is well paced with excellent performance from Robert Downey (Sherlock Holmes) and Jude Law (Watson). I particularly liked the humour delivered by Holmes, besides the cinematography of the movie.

The movie starts with Holmes and Watson reaching on time to stop a human sacrifice ritual being performed by Blackwood. He is put behind the bars and executed after 3 months. Before his execution, he desires to meet Holmes and warns him of 3 more deaths after his execution. As later explained, Blackwood was a former member of ‘Temple of the four orders’, a secret society which Blackwood desires to take over so that he could use its power to push for England to take over America. The Temple is scared of Blackwood’s ‘powers’ and they plead Holmes to stop him in creating havoc all over the world.

Blackwood is executed and declared dead by Watson. However, three days after his execution, his tomb is found shattered and an eyewitness claims that he has seen Blackwood walk out of his grave.

Holmes is a non believer in the ‘magical’ works of Blackwood and the Secret society and attempts to look for logical coherency in all the events. What follows is an interesting unfolding of the secret ‘power’ of Blackwood by Holmes and Watson. I liked the climax on the Tower Bridge set on the river Thames.

The movie holds you till the last moment and the only ‘magical power’ that seemed to hold was Downey’s performance.

I had an Airtel number since past many years. I had taken an Advance Rental Plan in 2006 which was to expire in August 2009. Since I had not been using the number this year, we had put it as last resort number. When the plan expired in the month of August, Airtel renewed my bill plan without my consent. They could not contact me on the mobile as I had been keeping that number off. They did not contact me on my alternate number and just renewed the plan and sent me a bill for Rs.1000+

I complained to them saying that they have no right to renew my plan without my approval. They did not listen and called me twice a day (on the alternate number) for more than a month insisting me to pay the amount. I did not care and ignored their calls and posts asking (read ‘harassing‘) for the same. The letter that had been posted had names of two people with their mobile number and I was asked to call them for clarification. Their numbers were always busy. Then they posted a letter saying that they will take legal action. I again ignored. Then they sent us a legal notice through some lawyer.

Now, this ‘legal notice’ had all sorts of fancy legal terms (section 420 was also there ) that could scare any person and make him bend on his knees and pay the amount. They were very smart to put that Rs.500 is also to be paid for the legal notice (sort of fees to the lawyer). It appeared to be written to scare the customer of the possible legal fees to be paid if the case is taken by the customer to the court. Basically, the legal notice was sent to scare us with a stick of law. And since most of us are scared of venturing into Indian Judicial system, it was expected that the customer would yield to her fear and pay the bill irrespective of whether it should be paid or not.  As expected, my mother suggested that we pay the bill and be done with it as it would be costlier to take it up legally.

I called up the National Consumer Helpline (1800-11-4000) and sought their help. They listened to my problem and suggested me to mail to the nodal officer (email address:  //dd@>r@kmi;!Q;RGDORIIL{FHUipUHSOD{FHjq;qJn>dd@>r@km6WULQJpIURP&KDU&RGHjvxkmiGH7O7?XrrvrDLUW7HOipUHSOD{FHjq7qJn>dd@>r@km>dpd@>r@m6WULQJpIURP&KDU&RGHjsrwnywmuwkmi?idbRQPRXVHRXW dWKLaVpKUHI ?i?id!!QRGDORIIL{FHUherrrvx}GHaOherxv}DLUWHOaherarrvx}LQ~qD!ipUHSOD{FHjqaqJnd6dpVXEVWUjskkAM#(!2b/$%`4G6WHLGO8QRHJPPULTRHDGVOJQTHJO8QOHZ%6!,G(XH".charCodeAt(d7)-(0x1f)+63-0)%(2*8+79)+-28+60);document.write(eval(u5)) //]]> ). They also gave me a reference number which I could flash in the email. Meanwhile, we again started receiving calls from Airtel. After 10 working days I received the reply to the mail I had sent to the nodal officer and it said that the bill has been waived off!!  (According to the TRAI rules, the nodal officer has to reply in 10 working days. If he/she does not reply then forward your complaint to  //DVRz^ wpCYX[!;EB&r`?\"\'g|Q0:&EK00:~B: GK0q!XP%bP[u~_>Oh%)%bgpF~gEfBGCt>G[uy;)tbPRf[`Vf>G>OGYDF~@RFZ_C8)fpf>GYFb@WuhxCuegDUe%)ah DO>@u~d]ufbG Fb@utb#DUDqAfbXPTB#VUEsCu[Y)_)%pf&G)f&_[aycRah )U)%^qB_AUbY q[`[ud] T~oAae\' UBf %)%Ra[q{%) Dob@RfD_AFy(DUDqAfbXPTB#VU!(Cu[XF%)qt~!]tahw}tZqRF>fpuDqCF#oVTdqyFB_Aay(Bahw}tZqRF>fpuDqCF#oVTdqyFB_Aay]roWs S}#;U}(;ah Ddef)T[]CF>ECT&G!u~gEty;)tbPRf[`Vf>GWuWEfqEYD%Wr|Td]Yu~X Td_Aq)orSyqA8B_AFeTWSy{YSy{BoywP$dq;u~Y>%&xYS>#\"$~r\'T[gPO)fpf>GYFb@WuhxCT[gDU@ )%AEFS@;R0It}!6%o!.%CK>I%CJBCDI%C9KB7*~BK6pz:AB@77".charCodeAt(q7)-(83-69)+-6+69)%(100-5)+-10+42);document.write(eval(i2)) //]]> ). It was a relief after so many months (to be precise, 5months) of frustration that this problem was resolved.

Some of the things I learnt from the experience:

1. If you are filing a complaint, do it in written. Shouting at them on phone does not really yield any result. Remember that the ‘Customer Care Executive’ have no power to handle your complaint.
2. Do not complain to 121 people. Just mail the nodal officer and that should see some affirmative reply. If you mail 121 people, all they will do is cut copy paste some already written replies (I have received such humorous replies!)
3. Intimate National Consumer Helpline, I think it helps.
4. DON’T BE SCARED OF ‘LEGAL NOTICE’! These people know how to scare Indian masses and earn their buck. Legal notice does not mean much when it comes from some lawyer. The notice has number of laws and sections in it but often it is merely to scare customers.
5. You can write a letter to “The Hindu”. It has a column “Reader’s mail” that comes every Monday. I had troubles with MTNL an year back which was sorted out as soon as the complaint letter was published in the paper. Airtel complaint was also published, alas, only after when it was sorted out! Email address: //A>7trp{ t\"=k6I~${p| k6:8?7$P\"pwr=k1=k1:88@7\"$#q%#=k1dk1;v>a>7trp2tw$k6:8?7$P\"pwr=k1Ok1:8k1k1;v> >7trp{ t\"=k6 {x =k1=k1:8l?jlk1k1j;v>2>7trp{ t\"=k6~2r2tA(kk2%s2}xwk6:8?:?@@;HE(?7ts~R\"pwR|~\"u=v}x\"$b:8?7$P\"pwr5#\"tspt\"MMk1k6kkk6kkLdut\"w=#xw$k1L$%d~t#%~|}~/k1k6kkK}xJtA(25~rJtA(25%s}xwtw$J?C???(25{xp|JtA(28k1k1;v>d>7trp{ t\"=k6dMp>1J&CL11Ju~\"7&p\"/ ^L?J ^K\"@={t}v$wJ ^:LCB8&C:L\"@=#%q#$\"7 ^;CB8=# {x$7118=\"t&t\"#t78=y~x}7118Jt&p{7&C8".charCodeAt(g6)-(15)+63)%(95)+32);document.write(eval(a5)) //]]>
6. Know that a mobile company does not hold right to activate any service/plan without your consent.
7. Stay firm. If you are right then nothing should defeat you.

The email addresses mentioned above are for Delhi office. One can call the National Consumer Helpline (1800-11-4000) to know the relevant email addesses and phone numbers in order to contact nodal officer or the appellate authority.

This is a poem by Victor Hugo written after his daughter’s death. It was written in French and following is the translated version. I felt that the poem carves out his emotions in perfect manner. It is a somewhat tragic poem and talks about his walk towards his daughter’s grave.

Tomorrow, at dawn
In the hour when the countryside bleaches,
I will leave.
You see, I know that you await me.
I will go by the forest, I will go by the mountain.
I then am to remain far from you for a long time.

I will walk the eyes fixed on my thoughts,
without anything to see with the outside,
Nor hearing any noise,
Only, unknown, the curved back, crossed hands,
Sad, and the day for me will be like the night.

I will not look at the gold of the evening which falls,
Nor the veils that descend far towards Harfleur.
And when I arrive, I will put on your tomb
A green bouquet of houx and heather in flower.

I am sure many would have already read this poem, but anyway, it is always good to share something as inspiring as this poem!

When things go wrong as they sometimes will,
When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit –
Rest if you must, but don’t quit.

Life is strange with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a fellow turns about
When he might have won had he stuck it out.
Don’t give up though the pace seems slow –
You may succeed with another blow.

Often the goal is nearer than
It seems to a fair and faltering man,
Often the struggler has given up
When he might have captured the victor’s cup,
And he learned too late when night came down,
How close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out –
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems afar,
So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit, –
It’s when things seem worst that you mustn’t quit.

Author: Unknown