This refers to the controversy concerning Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor referring to economy classes on flights as “cattle class”. It is believed that he has hurt the sentiments of economy class travellers in India and he should resign. This is preposterous. Mr Tharoor is a bright, articulate and intelligent professional with an excellent track record at the United Nations where he was the Deputy Secretary General. India should be thrilled that someone with a high professional calibre has joined the Cabinet and this will help to upgrade the petty level of politics in India. We need more men like him in politics.
In many countries, the economy class is referred to as the ‘cattle class’ purely colloquially, since it is crowded and the service is average. I heard this phrase for the first time in 1984 in the UK. Having said this, Mr Tharoor’s comments about the economy class in India are literally and absolutely correct.
The quality of service, hygiene, cleanliness and courtesy in the economy class range from miserable to pathetic. In the trains, the economy compartments are a gross insult to passengers. Most of the seats are made of wood, without any cushioning. The compartments are dirty and dusty. The toilets in the economy carriages in Indian railways are not even fit for cattle.
Indians should not be unnecessarily smug and should accept criticism and contrary opinions. Unless we recognise the sordid prevailing affairs, how will we correct them?
The controversy about Mr Tharoor’s comments emanates from the fact that both Sonia and Rahul Gandhi both travelled economy class by plane and train. My experience shows that when VVIPs travel in the economy section, it turns out more expensive! Incremental security arrangements are made at railway stations and airports, entire rows of seats or full compartments are blocked for these VIPs, inconveniencing routine passengers.
Rajendra K Aneja, Dubai