For use in our research project we need access to an online database. Access is granted upon faxing a request form. Not a big deal I though. Well, actually it might take some time, given the (non-)availability of fax machines and the sophisticated bureaucracy here in India.
First we went to our supervisor to download and fill the form on the computer. That was easy, and despite the fact that we had to use a printer in another office (only few offices are equipped with printers) the task was done in only about half an hour. Next we went to the Student Welfare Office, which is the nearest(and apparently only) place with a fax machine. We were told to come back later, when the Associate Director was there. We came back later, and met the Associate Director of Student Welfare in his office. He politely explained to us that for sending a fax it is essential to have the "Requisition for Fax Message" form filled by the Head of the Department. We went back again to the Head of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. Fortunately we didn't have to wait. Though the Head of Department told us, to get the form filled by our project supervisor, only then she will sign and stamp it. Well, everything else would have been too easy. Our supervisor was not there for the afternoon, so we had to wait for a day to get the form filled. Once that was done, we got the approving signature from the Head of Department. All requirements fulfilled. We went back to the Student Welfare Office, and when I saw the fax machine, I understood why there was such a fuzz about using it. The machine looked like some kind of alchemist apparatus and also reminded me of an old gramophone, because of the wooden box around it. I assume the fax machine has been here since founding of the University, 51 years ago.
Well the fax was sent, we got the paper back with a stamp denoting, date and time of delivery as well as a reference number. The reference number probably refers to the notes that were made in a large book where - I assume - all fax messages since 1957 are listed.
It was an odyssey, but a very funny one. I don't try to understand anymore. I just observe. It's quite funny if you have time and things are not important, but if I'd been in a hurry to sent this message it might have been frustrating.
Did I ever mention how much I like German bureaucracy? Things are so quick and easy! :)
random picture of the day: stairs in my flat with (my) bike
5 comments:
Yo wassup man! If you think this is big bureaucracy, you should see the one in Turkey. Greetinngs from HB, DE.
hey malte, enjoy all the "chaos", you will miss it in Germany! I always found it fascinating in other countries to see how different from "normal German" methods things can work and that they do actually work although my German brain told me that it´s impossible they work in this way... know what I mean? ;-)
Greetings from Dresden
I understand what you mean. I feel exactly like that :)
who are you, btw?
ups, sorry, it´s Bärbel, wasn´t too shure how this comment writing works and just after posting it I saw that it didn´t show my name ...
Aha, babetta = bärbel :)
I just came back from a 12h bus drive for a week end trip. Very nice, and as always full of chaos, confusion and beauty
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