Indian experience

Many analysts and journalists often report India as the IT super power of the world. There are many articles written about it (http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&q=IT+Superpower&meta= ) or otherwise (http://observer.guardian.co.uk/world/story/0,,2005484,00.html).
Below, I would like to give two pictorial stories about how Indian private and government entities are less bothered about using IT for efficiency and customer experience. India Inc. is far behind in terms of leveraging IT and hence valuing its citizens’ time.

Air India
Air India is very (un)popular air line of the country. Majority of travelers despise traveling by Air India. I leave the arguments and counter arguments to Kaushik Basu and his readers (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/6125940.stm).
I prefer to share following pictures with captions with a opinion that…”Indians deserve better”:

Try figure out the online booking!

The online booking is very painful and will never work smoothly. Some of the screen shots:

Wrong date? or no return?

While one is attempting to book the flights – if one uses back button of browser, the site requests to click “ABORT” the active “transactions” before proceeding with next search.

Voila, a free ticket!

Also, visit to Indian website of Air India and stay there!!!









Another ‘winner’ organization for today’s blog is the famous, High Commission of India in London. The below pictorial story should convey the point:

After standing for more than 2 hours in cold morning outside the embassy, I was given with a token, numbered 949. I entered the building and took a seat waiting for my token to be called. When nothing happened for next 30 minutes, and I saw the masses of people queuing in front of me, I soon realized that the token had no value but was just a ticket to enter the building.

While I was asking for my turn for next two hours, I have noticed the masses grow and the gentleman at the counter working briskly. I would like to call him as Mr. Prime Minister, as he behaved like one. On my turn the Mr. Prime Minister, asked few questions and asked for additional copies and signatures and pictures and so and so fourth. I must say, my previous experience has taught me to keep additional copy every document! He asked me to come after 5 days, after 3PM to collect my travel documents. Finally, I was happy to make my out after more than 4 hours ordeal.

I reported promptly at 3PM on designated date to collect my documents. There was a mass being conducted. The Mr. Prime Minister this time was working at a slower pace and servicing by roll-calling the names. With funny jokes for the absent ones, it was typical Indian gathering with lots of jokes flying around.

And there were some interesting incidents too: a gentleman who was seeking correction to his passport received the passport. But to his shock, now he was born in Jaipur instead of Jodpur! The Mr. Prime Minister said – “oh, koyi badi baat nahi hai. Its not a big deal..its just small error, move on”!! Then came by a lady and complained that her new born baby’s passport carries wrong birthplace. The passport read London instead of Hounslow. The Prime Minister declared that’s not an error! Unlike India, UK doesn’t have any states and for immigration purposes London or Hounslow are the very same places!! I was still waiting for my turn, in mean time, the Prime Minister took the turns between his work and personal calls.

Before my turn, the embassy cleaning lady arrived promptly to tidy the place. Already getting ready for the busy next day!!!

I welcome your comments and stories