Dilema of PA of then ,Rohtak DC TVSN Parshad-caught between instructions of boss and my expectations of access

Gustakhi Maaf Haryana — Pawan Kumar Bansal

Excerpts from the upcoming book “Haryanvi Laalon ke Sabrange Kisse “Humours look at the intersection of politics, culture, and administration in Haryana is depicted in anecdotal storytelling .The book captures the everyday tensions and ironies of governance with a distinctly local flavor.
One recurring theme is the predicament of a personal assistant (PA) in government offices. Echoing the famous line “Abla jeevan, haay tumhari yahi kahani…”,
“PA jeevan, haay tumhari yahi kahani — one side the boss, the other the displeasure of visitors.”
Whether in a minister’s office or that of a senior bureaucrat, the PA often finds himself caught between conflicting demands. On one hand are the instructions of the officer; on the other, the expectations of those seeking access. Managing both within limited time is nothing short of a balancing act. Those with prior approval get priority, leaving others dissatisfied.
The situation, is grown more complicated with the advent of mobile phones. Earlier, requests were limited to landline calls routed through the PA. Now, if a visitor is told that “the officer is busy,” they often bypass the system by calling directly on the officer’s mobile — placing the PA in an even more difficult position.
A Rohtak anecdote
Recalling my days as a correspondent with Jansatta, involving then Rohtak Deputy Commissioner T.V.S.N. Prasad. After repeated attempts to connect through the PA failed, I sent a pointed postcard:
“Sir, being busy is understandable, but not so busy that you cannot spare a few words on the phone.”
The message had the desired effect. Prasad reportedly reprimanded the same PA and promptly returned the call.
An encounter in Delhi
In another episode, when I visited official residence of then Prime Minister I.K. Gujral in Delhi without an appointment, seeking a meeting with OSD Ravikant Sharma. Initially turned away by the reception staff, I resorted to a rustic Haryanvi assertion of familiarity. The tone conveyed urgency and confidence. The message was relayed inside, and within minutes, I was invited in — the meeting accompanied by green tea and biscuits.
Through such lively, satirical, and grounded narratives, the book promises readers a candid glimpse into Haryana’s political and administrative ecosystem — where humor and reality often go hand in hand.