Instead the members are betting as to when the exchange will reopen. Like any other betting activities, fluctuations against the odds take place whenever a board member visits Mumbai, the headquarters of FMC, or a letter from FMC arrives. Even some enterprising ring member went to the extent of asking a director about the expected date of commencement of the futures trading. Probably, only FMC can put the safest bet!

FICE goes for a six

It was just about six months back, when anybody connected with a commodity exchange was talking about the proposed Federation of Indian Commodity Exchanges. And supposedly, The East India Jute & Hessian Exchange Ltd was to take the leader's role. Six months down the line, the scenario has changeddrastically. Shoulders down, most of the exchange members are sitting idle, dull and dark.

Even the optimistic and the forward looking ones have slowly started losing interest in the matter. When asked about the status of the proposed federation, one such member, who was a great supporter of this federation till the other day said, ``Aarey yaar, let us have the exchange first, then we will think of the federation.''

Ring hall is not left unused

Forwards and futures trading at the famous ring hall of The East India Jute & Hessian Exchange may have come to a stop from February but the premises is certainly not left unused.

A surprise visit to the exchange found the members busy trying their hands with the cards. And it is not just a team of four, who busy kings and queens, but four multiply by five or six.

And considering the exasperating heat wave that was blowing over the city in the last two months, it is a all cool place to try one's luck. However, photographs are strictly prohibited. Evenwhen it was pointed out that their cause can be highlighted, the answer was a strict ``No.''