Credit cards - convenience or harassment

Credit cards were started to make financial transactions convenient. One can not carry hard cash all the time. It is risky also. But over the period, credit cards have become a source of harassment.

Me and my son are member of RCI, the time sharing company. It got into an arrangement with Standard Chartered Bank and offered us a credit card. The bank issued us two credit cards, one for me and one for my son. My son travels a lot and he used the card very frequently. Slowly we discovered that it would be advisable for us to check the bills sent by the bank very thoroughly, as there might be wrong entries causing us financial loss.

We discovered that bank was charging interest from us for late payment, whereas we had made payments well before the payment date. Now, every time the bill comes, we will have to make two to three calls to the bank to tell them that we had made payment well before the date and how can they charge the late interest. They will check it, say sorry and interest will be reversed. This had become a routine.

Now the credit card was more of a harassment than any convenience to us. In November 2006, we asked the bank to cancel the card. They will give all sort of assurances but the process of adding late payment interest will continue. We will receive phone calls at inconvenient hours from different people. Some of them will call us defaulters in payment. The damn card had become a nightmare for us.

Now after many months, they had blocked the card. But the harassment continues. The phone calls keep coming telling us to make outstanding payment. The callers are not interested in listening to our side that we have made all payments and nothing is outstanding. When we ask them to send us their details of outstanding, they say that as per bank rules they can not send the details in writing. Such illogical stand by a multi-national bank is difficult to understand.

Sometimes I feel that our Indian system is best. No credit cards, no purchasing on credits, no tension, no harassment.

People suffer, as Delhi Govt is ineffective and inefficient

Capital is limping, commuters are suffering and waiting for hours, autos are picking up pockets, innocent citizens are being killed by killer buses, but Delhi Govt is saying "bear with us". A bus passes Delhi Govt Test, goes out and kills another innocent citizen, but Delhi CM says "bear wit us".

PM Manmohan Singh is not able to sleep as an Indian Muslim is charged for terror acts in distant countries UK/Australia, but his sleep is not disturbed by murders of innocent citizens on Delhi roads under his nose.

Is this a new problem? No, an age old problem. Everybody knows about it but Delhi Govt. had been unaware. Or was it aware but did not consider it a problem? The fact is that Delhi Govt has failed in its duty to provide a comfortable, punctual, reliable bus service to Delhi citizens and protect their lives from the buses licensed by it to run on Delhi roads. Delhi CM and her transport minister are responsible for deaths of many Delhi citizens caused by these buses. Along with the drivers and owners of killer buses, they should also be charged for allowing them to murder innocent citizens.

Life of Indian citizens is not that cheap as it is being considered by the Govt. A mother goes under lot of pain to give birth to a child, then parents take lot of pains to raise them, and one day a killer bus comes and kills them. AND DELHI CM SAYS BEAR WITH US.

Added on 28.07.07

Govt checks the buses and allow them to run on the road. Yesterday a bus, checked and cleared, killed a cyclist. Machine was checked but not the man. Has Delhi Govt fixed a target of people to be killed by these killer buses?

Added on 05.08.2007

In an interview Sheila Dikshit, Chief Minister of Delhi, India, says – ‘If I fail to resolve problems of citizens, there’s no point in my being in Chief Minister’s chair’.

If words have any meaning for her, she should have vacated the chair long back.

I am a citizen of Delhi, living here for last 32 years. I am proud of the city, but my pride has been hurt by Delhi Govt. When people say that Delhi is the crime capital of India, it hurts me. I can not defend my city. It is a fact that Delhi citizens are not safe on roads, not even in their homes. Delhi police, meant to protect citizens and their property, harass them, torture them in police lock-ups, and even kill them. Citizens do not get water and power to meet their needs. Babus sitting in Govt offices do not work without taking money under the table. Buses kill citizens as a routine.

Perhaps Sheila Dikshit, while saying above, had politicians in mind, as only politicians seem to the citizens of Delhi. Rest are unwanted intruders. You will not believe it but she said so recently.

Harassment by Passport Office

Regional Passport Office at Delhi does not lag behind in harassing its customers. It talks of Tatkal schemes but for routine processing of passports it has no bench marks.

It has a most useless website. The page 'Status of your application' probably does not exist. Any time you click on it, it shows error 'Not Found'. For last one month I am not able to access it. When I decided to send feedback and clicked on 'Contact Us' the source opened and not the page. Webmaster seems to have forgotten to close the tag. WHAT IS THE USE OF HAVING SUCH A WEBSITE?

My son applied for renewal of his passport. The application was submitted at Pitam Pura District office on 08.06.2007. It was yet another unpleasant experience. Although all originals were verified, photo copies were taken, but after some days we were visited by a policeman. He said he had come for verification. Again all originals were shown to him, photo copies were given, forms were signed. But renewed passport has still not arrived.

When we visit their website the relevant pages do not open. A clear case of harassment, wasting time and resources of citizens.

Visit the link if you wish to have real experience:

REGIONAL PASSPORT OFFICE

Edited on 24.07.2007

After I could not get any positive response on the website I sent an e-mail (address provided on website) to rpodelhi@mea.gov.in, but it bounced with remarks - "The addresses had permanent fatal errors (reason: 550 5.1.1 <rpodelhi@mea.gov.in>... User unknown).

So, this is the website of India's External Affairs Ministry and its e-mail address. And they were considering the minister for making him President of India - rewarding for harassing the people.

Added on 05.08.2007

Site is still down. E-mail are still not being accepted. Message shown is - ----- The following addresses had permanent fatal errors ----- <rpodelhi@mea.gov.in> (reason: 550 5.1.1 <rpodelhi@mea.gov.in>... User unknown).

Today I have sent an e-mail to Chief Passport Officer. LET US SEE WHAT HAPPENS.

She does not harass me. May God bless her.

Sia, the naughty baby, looking so innocent

Ministry of Health & Family Welfare - An Uninterative Website

Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has a Website - http://mohfw.nic.in/ph/tdghs.htm, but it is not interactive. I wanted information whether the ministry has issued a circular to diagnostic centers to obtain third party accreditation from NABL. I also wanted to know how the ministry is implementing RTI Act and who are the Public Information Officers. These informations are not directly found on the website. When I searched the site, I came across a link Circulars and RTI Act. But on clicking a message came that these links are forbidden (invalid URL). How can information on RTI Act be forbidden?

Then I decided to send feedback on this. I clicked on the link and a form appeared on the screen. I filled it and clicked on Submit button. A funny message appeared - "Sorry!! Pl. fill up the form first then submit. I checked again and again but could not find any blank in the feedback form but on submitting this message continued to appear.

What is the use of such a website? It is not interactive. Majority of Govt. websites designed by NIC are like this.

Ministry is also law bound to display information on RTI Act but it is forbidden.

Funny will you say? I think it is harassment.

On-line registration of complaints - how effective is this system?

Many organizations have installed on-line complaint registration systems on their websites. As per my experience these systems are either not properly designed and installed or not effectively managed. First problem the complainant faces is complaint does not get registered. If at all it get through, no response is received. No body knows where it goes from the website. The case in point is of the website of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), National Standards Body of India. The website has been designed by National Informatics Center (NIC) and supported by BIS Computer Center.

Last time when I registered a complaint on-line about sub-standard quality of ISI marked biscuits, it got through but was lost at NIC or BIS. This time my complaint was about Packaged Drinking Water manufactured and supplied by IRCTC, it did not get through. Following message is coming -

Microsoft JET Database Engine error '80040e09'.Cannot update. Database or object is read-only./cad/response.asp, line 177

First it will keep on telling me that description & remedy of complaint should be maximum 250 words, even though it was less than that. I had to cut short to 20-25 words only then it went ahead but then error blocked it.

What is the use of having such systems if the organization can not manage them properly.

Why waste time and resources of the people trying to register their complaints and failing in their efforts? It is nothing but harassment.

Edited on 24.07.2007

I has sent an e-mail to Director, Consumer Affairs Department of BIS to draw his attention to these problems and also about ISI marked packaged drinking water (see below). But he has failed to respond so far.

"I have purchased a bottle of drinking water from IRCTC approved caterer in Taj Express on 17.07.2007. The date of manufacture is 11.07.07 and batch number is 11 07. The paper strip (giving information about the product and ISI mark) pasted on the bottle was not properly pasted. It was detached as soon as I opened the bottle. No information is marked on the bottle. If this strip can come off the bottle how it will be ensured that this strip will not be misused by someone by putting it on another bottle and selling sub-standard water with ISI Mark?"

Yesterday (23.07.2007) same problem was observed with BISLERI water bottle. This seems to be a general problem but BIS is not taking action.

Call Centers and Customer Support

Service providers have put Call Centers between them and you. By doing this they have avoided any angry reaction from the customers for the poor quality of their services. The guys sitting at call center do not know anything about the service. They are paid to talk and only talk.

Here are some conversations:

Tech Support: 'I need you to right-click on the Open Desktop'.
Customer: 'OK'.
Tech Support: 'Did you get a pop-up menu?'.
Customer: 'No'.
Tech Support: 'OK. Right-Click again. Do you see a pop-up menu?' Customer: 'No'.
Tech Support: 'OK, sir. Can you tell me what you have done up until this point?'.
Customer: 'Sure. You told me to write 'click' and I wrote 'click'.

________________________

Caller: 'I deleted a file from my PC last week and I have just realized that I need it. If I turn my system clock back two weeks will I have my file back again?'.

____________________________

There's always one. This has got to be one of the funniest things in a long time. I think this guy should have been promoted, not fired This is a true story from the Word Perfect Helpline, which was transcribed from a recording monitoring the customer care department. Needless to say the Help Desk
employee was fired; however, he/she is currently suing the Word Perfect
organization for 'Termination without Cause'.

Actual dialogue of a former WordPerfect Customer Support employee. (Now I know why they record these conversations!):

Operator: 'Computerperformance assistance; may I help you?' Caller: 'Yes, well, I'm having trouble with WordPerfect.'

Operator: 'What sort of trouble??'

Caller: 'Well, I was just typing along, and all of a sudden the words went away.'

Operator: 'Went away?'
Caller: 'They disappeared.'

Operator: 'Hmm So what does your screen look like now?'
Caller: 'Nothing.'

Operator: 'Nothing??'
Caller: 'It's blank; it won't accept anything when I type.'

Operator: 'Are you still in WordPerfect, or did you get out??'
Caller: 'How do I tell?'

Operator: 'Can you see the C: prompt on the screen??'
Caller: 'What's a sea-prompt?'

Operator: 'Never mind, can you move your cursor around the screen?'
Caller: 'There isn't any cursor: I told you, it won't accept anything I type.'

Operator: 'Does your monitor have a power indicator??'
Caller: 'What's a monitor?'

Operator: 'It's the thing with the screen on it that looks like a TV. Does it have a little light that tells you when it's on??'
Caller: 'I don't know.'

Operator: 'Well, then look on the back of the monitor and find where the power cord goes into it. Can you see that??'
Caller: 'Yes, I think so.'

Operator: 'Great. Follow the cord to the plug, and tell me if it's plugged into the wall.
Caller: 'Yes, it is.'

Operator: 'When you were behind the monitor, did you notice that there were two cables plugged into the back of it, not just one??'
Caller: 'No.'

Operator: 'Well, there are. I need you to look back there again and find the other cable.'
Caller: 'Okay, here it is.'

Operator: 'Follow it for me, and tell me if it's plugged securely into the back of your computer.'
Caller: 'I can't reach.'

Operator: 'Uh huh. Well, can you see if it is??'
Caller: 'No.'

Operator: 'Even if you maybe put your knee on something and lean over??'
Caller: 'Oh, it's not because I don't have the right angle - it's because it's dark.'

Operator: 'Dark??'
Caller: 'Yes - the office light is off, and the only light I have is coming in from the window'.

Operator: 'Well, turn on the office light then.'
Caller: 'I can't.'

Operator: 'No? Why not??'
Caller: 'Because there's a power cut.'

Operator: 'A power......... A power cut? Aha, Okay, We've got it licked now. Do you still have the boxes and manuals and packing stuff your computer came in??'
Caller: 'Well, yes, I keep them in the attic.'

Operator: 'Good. Go get them, and unplug your system and pack it up just like it was when you got it. Then take it back to the shop you bought it from.'
Caller: 'Really? Is it that bad?'

Operator: 'Yes, I'm afraid it is.'
Caller: 'Well, all right then, I suppose. What do I tell them??'

Operator: 'Tell them you're too ****** stupid to own a computer!

Source - http://www.guy-sports.com/months/jokes_call_centre.htm

CUSTOMER CARE IN 2020

Operator: “Thank you for calling Pizza Hut . May I have your…”

Customer: “Heloo, can I order..”

Operator : “Can I have your multi purpose card number first, Sir?”

Customer: “It’s eh…, hold……….on……889861356102049998-45-54610″

Operator : “OK… you’re… Mr Singh and you’re calling from 17 Jalan Kayu. Your home number is 4094! 2366, your office 76452302 and your mobile is 0142662566. Which number are you calling from now Sir?”

Customer: “Home! How did you get all my phone numbers?

Operator : “We are connected to the system Sir”

Customer: “May I order your Seafood Pizza…”

Operator : “That’s not a good idea Sir”

Customer: “How come?”

Operator : “According to your medical records, you have high blood pressure and even higher cholesterol level Sir”

Customer: “What?… What do you recommend then?”

Operator : “Try our Low Fat Hokkien Mee Pizza. You’ll like it”

Customer: “How do you know for sure?”

Operator : “You borrowed a book entitled “Popular Hokkien Dishes” from the National Library last week Sir”

Customer: “OK I give up… Give me three family size ones then, how much will that cost?”

Operator : “That should be enough for your family of 10, Sir. The total is $49.99″

Customer: “Can I pay by! credit card?”

Operator : “I’m afraid you have to pay us cash, Sir. Your credit card is over the limit and you owe your bank $3,720.55 since October last year. That’s not including the late payment charges on your housing loan, Sir.”

Customer: “I guess I have to run to the neighbourhood ATM and withdraw some cash before your guy arrives”

Operator : “You can’t Sir. Based on the records, you’ve reached your daily limit on machine withdrawal today”

Customer: “Never mind just send the pizzas, I’ll have the cash ready. How long is it gonna take anyway?”

Operator : “About 45 minutes Sir, but if you can’t wait you can always com and collect it on your motorcycle…”

Customer: ” What!”

Operator : “According to the details in system ,you own a Scooter,…registration number 1123…”

Customer: ” ????”

Operator : “Is there anything else Sir?”

Customer: “Nothing… by the way… aren’t you giving me that 3 free bottles of cola as advertised?”

Operator : “We normally would Sir, but based on your records you’re also diabetic……. “

Customer: #$$^%&$@$%^

Operator : “Better watch your language Sir. Remember on 15th July 1987 you were convicted of using abusive language on a policeman…?”

Customer: [Faints]

Source - http://funnyjoke.wordpress.com/2007/02/22/customer-care-in-2020/

It is not only auto drivers harassing common people, police are also with them

I have a question for you-

“In an argument with an auto driver, police will side with whom?”

If your answer is that police will side with you then you have a surprise for you whenever you face such a situation. My experience is that police always sides with auto drivers as they see them as a money provider whereas public will only say thank you and walk away. In fact what police is doing is as per the policy of the government – “Talk of common man’s interest but work for other party’s interest”. And this party can be auto drivers, taxi/bus drivers, power/water distribution companies and any other product or service provider.

Yesterday I visited pre-paid auto booth at Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station. I wanted to hire an auto for Paschim Puri. The policeman asked me to pay Rs. 125. When I said that the fare by meter comes to between Rs. 90 and Rs. 95, he said that it if I want a pre-paid auto I will have to pay Rs. 125. He was visibly annoyed with me. I gave him Rs. 150. He threw Rs. 25 at me. And whatever talk he did was shouting at me.

I have been wondering, is it is essential for a policeman to be ill-mannered.

I monitored the auto meter. When I reached my residence, the meter showed 19.3 km and fare as Rs. 92.80. I showed it to auto driver. He told me that he can not give money to police from his pocket. Passengers have to provide it.

I will be happy if any one can cite an instance where police sided with common people.

See what Delhi Traffic Poluice say on their website (S. No. 2 for over-charging)

http://www.delhitrafficpolice.nic.in/prepaid-booths.htm

Benefits of travelling in Taxi or TSR from Traffic Prepaid Booths :

1. Prepaid booths are operated under the direct control of Delhi Traffic Police.
2. It helps to avert over-charging, refusal, misbehaviour or harassment by the Taxi/TSR drivers.
3. Taxis are presently operating from 3 booths i.e. Domestic, International Airports an New Delhi Railway Station (Ajmeri Gate side).
4. Duly signed receipt indicating the Taxi/TSR number, destination, Service Charges, baggage charge if any and the fare is given to the passenger.
5. Rs. 2/- and 5/- for TSRs and Rs. 10/- for taxis are charged for the services.
6. This system is purely optional for passengers.
7. One can SMS at 6767 for any complaint regarding misbehaviour by TSR/Taxi drivers.

In my case Delhi Traffic Police did the overcharging.

Why schools and bus drivers do not follow SC guidelines?

The highest court of India has framed guidelines to be followed by schools and drivers of the buses being used by schools for carrying children to school and back. But it is seen that no school and no driver is following these guidelines. They also do not show any inclination to follow the guidelines. For them these guidelines do not exist. This problem is very acute where mini buses are being used for this purpose.

I want to share my personal experience on this issue. Minibus of the school where my grand daughter is studying is a typical example of the mess and potential threat to the safety of children. A school teacher travels in the bus but she is a total stranger to the kids, no hello, no good morning, no care of children whether they are sitting comfortably, no concern whether the bus doors are closed when the bus is moving, One helper travels in the bus but he only occupies a seat. He does not help children in getting in and getting out of bus. He does not help children to sit comfortably. He does not ensure that bus door is locked when the bus is moving. The teacher and the helper are totally irrelevant factors in school bus and only occupy the seats where kids can sit.

I had sent a letter to the principal. We have brought up this issue in PTA meetings. But no proper response and action. Whenever we have talked to Transport In-charge, his behaviour is highly in favour of the bus driver. To one parent, he has even gone to the extent of advising that if they are not satisfied with the bus service then they can take their child to another school. When I reminded him that only this statement is sufficient for de-recognition of the school, he kept quiet but no positive action.

Why schools and bus drivers do not follow SC guidelines? Why they are not concerned about the safety of children? Can such unconcerned people be good teachers?

The situation is bad. The safety of children is not ensured. Any time ant accident can happen. But is anybody bothered?

To know the SC guidelines please click on

SC GUIDELINES ON SCHOOL BUSES