On Sunday 06 April 2003 10:29 am, Arun M wrote:

Kerala IT Minister said Malappuram district that Boycotts should not hurt the `IT development' of the state.

Sorry no more info.

We don't need more info, as it is well understood whose 'development' would be hurt most. Right now, the Govt is keen to computerise the Electricity Department on MS platforms and soon most of the departments would follow suit. CK Raju

PS : This reminds me of a joke.

---------------------------------------------Joke------------------------------------------ What makes a Minister in Kerala prefer an American businessman?

The minister invited global tenders to hunt for a 'man' to be sent to moon. A keralite, a punjabi and an american, all businessmen, are shortlisted.

Minister to Keralite : How much would you need to be sent to the moon ? Keralite : Rs 5 lakh, sir. Minister : What would you do with that 5 lakh ? Keralite : Give it to my family.

Minister to Punjabi : How much would you need to be sent to the moon ? Punjabi : Rs 10 lakh, sir. Minister : How are you going to spend the amount ? Punjabi : I would go around the world with Rs 5 lakh and give Rs 5 lakh to my family.

Minister to American : Sir, how much would you need to be sent to the moon ? American : Rs 25 lakh, Mr Minister. Minister : Sir, what would you do with that money ? American : As a charity, I would like to give you Rs 5 lakh from that amount straightaway. With another Rs 5 lakh, the Keralite could be asked to take up the 'mission' and I would prefer to keep the balance.

Needless to say, and without any anticlimax, the Minister prefers the American.

--End of Joke ---- Raj Mathur may please excuse - this one's not for you.