Smart Money

The distribution of free television sets in Tamilnadu is going on in full swing. Yesterday, it was in my neighbourhood. Unfortunately, I was not eligible for one. It was interesting. A maidan with the party flags. A party honcho giving away the cartons with color TV. They carry it and walk two streets away, where there is a buyer at Rs.2000/- per set. The government has perhaps paid around Rs.5,000/- or so per set. Turns out that most people already have TV sets, so they do not need this one. The "buyer" apparently is from the suppliers' side. This is again sold to the government at the higher price!! A lovely scheme, much like the ones I have seen in my working years, in some companies.!! Everyone wins. Screw the tax payer.