Theatre of the absurd

Some recent decisions taken by Air India's board are beyond comprehension

Another scene from the theatre of the absurd played out at India’s national carrier, Air India, last week. A recent order by the management in light of the Covid crisis asked employees to “voluntarily” go on leave without pay for a minimum of six months up to two years, extendable to five years.

As expected, this left many foxed. What does that even mean? Who asks people to go on leave without pay for five years? The order is asking staffers to give up all the comforts and rights they’ve taken for granted till kingdom come — one of the main