Today's letters
Reservation politics
Sir, The reason why chronic inequality persists in our society in spite of reservations and several inclusive measures is because of a handful of upper caste politicians like Arjun Singh who are busy catering to and ensuring their vote bank remains intact. A lackadaisical administration which likes to drag its feet also ensures certain segments of population will forever remain at the bottom. Setting up bogus committees which write reports as a diction lesson from their masters further aggravates the resentment of the common man towards the establishment. It is not surprising that sycophancy is a well practiced art in the corridors of power as only a few were meant to ‘survive’ in this country.
Anoop H
Mysore-06
Welcome judgement
The AP High court has rightly struck down the 4 per cent reservation provided by the state government to selected sections of the Muslims in education and public employment (Feb. 9). Reservations are meant to ameliorate the lots of the have-nots. Poverty does exist in all castes. There are poor people among all religions who are struggling to make both the ends meet. But the political class derives full advantages by playing the minority card.
Our politicians have no other goal than power and money. The vote bank politics plays a prominent role in reservation of quotas. Affluent sons and daughters of ministers, scientists, bureaucrats, judges, IAS/IPS officers, corner the quota meant for the deserved poor thus depriving them of an opportunity to prosper once in their life time.
Sixty three years of reservations have failed to ameliorate the conditions of the poor. So the entire policy of reservations needs to be overhauled. Reservations should not be on caste basis. This has made India a mediocre country. Merit has also become a casualty. Reservations should be extended only for the needy irrespective of the caste. Then only India will prosper.
N. R. Ramachandran,
Bombay Castle,Ooty - 643 001.
Desperate move
Despite an adverse verdict by the High Court striking down the reservations for Muslims in A.P., the West Bengal C.M. has decided to go ahead with his scheme of 10 per cent quota for the community in the State. To a seasoned political observer, the announcement will not come as a surprise move, considering the rapid decline in the electoral fortunes of the CPM during the last couple of years. It is nothing but a desperate move by the Ganashakti Bhuvan to wean away the traditional Muslim voters from the Congress-T.C. axis, so as to perpetuate the three decades old rule of the Leftists conglomerate in their fast crumbling bastion.
Arun Malankar,
Kalina, Santa Cruz (E),
Mumbai 400098
Disallowing quotas
The judgement of the AP High Court disallowing quotas for Mulims has to be welcomed by all right thinking people. Instead of trying to improve the pitiable condition of Muslims, the governments resort to the easy way of providing quotas to Muslims in spite of such a proposal being ultra vires of the Constitution and likely to be struck down by the courts.At least now the governments should be careful enough so as not to cross Constitutional limitations and pamper the minorities with quotas and the like with a view to corner their support for short term political gains.
V Padmanabhan
Sri Krishna Apartments,
Rustam Bagh Main Road,
Bangalore-560017.
Gulmarg Tragedy
The nation mourns the tragic death of seventeen brave army men while climbing the Khilanmarg hill near Gulmarg due to a sudden avalanche. Army posts in such strategic stations are a necessity from defence point of view to stall nefarious designs of the enemy.
The inclement weather conditions and the hazardous nature of the trek are themselves formidable, but the sudden drift of the avalanche sealed the fate of these brave men on national duty. Their sacrifices are notable, they died so that we may live in peace.
The rescue teams of the army and the local police did a remarkable swift job in saving the lives of many jawans, disregarding their own personal safety. We bow our heads before these brave army jawans for their sacrifice while attending to the call of their duty. As we applaud their bravery, we convey our deepest condolences to the bereaved families and appeal to the government authorities to look after their kin without any loss of time. Media should bring out their brave deeds for the benefit of youngsters in our country. Long live these brave Gulmarg jawans in the hearts of our people.
A R K Pillai
Camp: 3451-Extn-12
Gaborone,Botswana
Parties should work together in national interest
The recent BJP olive branch to the Congress in praising the Home Minister for handling internal security appreciably well deserves to be welcomed for several reasons even if the praise is not fulsome. The issue of internal security is close to the heart of BJP and it has never spared an opportunity to use it as an effective tool to launch an attack on the minority community.
If it is a change of heart on the part of BJP to perform the role a constructive opposition more seriously in a functioning democracy, it is indeed a welcome break from the past politics of mutual hatred and mistrust for the country.
Importantly, India has been currently passing through a critical period. Terrorism is an area where political parties need to rise above narrow political agendas and work together. The hyperinflation is a far more serious area of concern affecting all sections of Indians. The parties must show concern for the people and think of attacking it headlong, instead of the present blame-game. Neither the Centre nor the states can effectively control the price rise alone. Co-ordinated efforts are necessary to fashion urgent measures to tide over hyperinflation, which has the power to disturb the republican order and turn into a serious law and order issue sooner rather than later. The Centre, on its part, can involve the opposition parties in its fight against all issues like price rise, removing Administered Prices Mechanism of Petroleum, Improving PDS, Telangana, etc.
The ruling party must also initiate some Confidence Building Measures so that the opposition benches are sure of its intention of involving them in the Centre’s resolve to fight the ills affecting the nation presently as a whole.
Bichu Muttathara
Range Hills Estate, R.H.E. Post
Pune-411020, Maharashtra
Abolish death sentence
Sir, The Supreme Court’s judgment upholding the appeal against death penalty awarded by the Allahabad High Court and converting it into life imprisonment is a welcome sign.Needless to mention, there are no valid grounds for awarding death sentences in this era. It is a state-sanctioned death, devalues human life, has not shown to curb criminal activities, costs the exchequer heavily, and above all, rules out all possibilities of rehabilitation.
Though the judgment is restricted to the economic status of the offenders, in due course the economically better off might also get relief.
Idris Hasan
Vivekananda Nagar 4th Cross
Bangalore 560033
Innovation University in Orissa
Sir, Establishment of 14 Innovation Universities across the country is a remarkable step that is likely to improve the quality of higher education. Further, the decision of the government to establish an Innovation University in Orissa is matter of great satisfaction as the state is at the bottom in GER.
But, the big question is whether the central government is ready to think beyond the state capitals and create islands of excellence in places which have remained backward but still hold lot of promise. When we aim at establishing Universities dedicated for innovation why take the age old method of leaving the decision of finding the suitable place at the hands of state leaders who exploit it politically?
Infact, in states like Orissa the government thinks that the capital city has the first claim over all other places for locating national Institutes. If not stopped, this capital centric approach will also come to the fore when Innovation Universities are established.
The HRD Ministry should constitute teams that will minutely inspect the alternative places before arriving at the exact locations of these Universities. The Central government would do the right thing to include Tampara bay considered as Orissa’s Goa, near Berhampur city as one of the locations that deserve an honest inspection for examining its feasibility to house an Innovation University.
Berhampur city in South Orissa being close enough to the state capital and KBK regions which till now doesn’t have a centrally funded institute may prove to be the ideal location for such a University. The idea of Innovation University should not be allowed to fail by handpicking the places which already have a cluster of centrally funded Institutes.
Anirvan Mishra
Berhampur
Orissa
Real Life Heroes
Sir, It was heart wrenching to receive the news of loss of our 17 brave soldiers in the avalanche of snow in Khilanmarg, Kashmir. These soldiers are truly real life heroes who are sacrificing their life for saving the country and the life of common citizens like us.
In the prevailing political situation of our country where the threat from external as well as internal forces is enormous, the life of military, Para military and also police personnel has become very miserable. These honest and brave people have to risk their lives for safeguarding others lives either in such highly inclement weather conditions like Siachen glacier, Kashmir or lawless backward regions like Naxal dominated areas and tough terrains of Assam dominated by insurgents.
Hence it is the prime duty of our government to take all the necessary precautions to safeguard the precious lives of our soldiers who sacrifice all their prime time life pleasures for the sake of the nation. It is also important after any untoward incident for the government to announce and also quickly disburse suitable monetary compensation to the family of the victims who deserve it more than anybody else in the country, although monetary compensation may not fully compensate the loss of the life of the bread earner or head of the family.
Ramakanth.Udupa.K,
RPC Layout, Vijayanagar 2nd Stage,
Bangalore-560040.
Sri Lanka’s version of democracy
After years of sectarian violence, there appears to be a semblance of peace in Sri Lanka. However, the present government in power is heading towards political turmoil once again. It the military commanded by General Fonseka which finally defeated the LTTE. Instead of decorating him with military medals and according him the honour of a national hero, the government in power is treating him like a war criminal. His only crime was he contested election against the present President in the recent general election. It seems, like an animal, he was dragged out by the police from a meeting by his limbs, and taken to some unknown location. This is the most disgusting behaviour for a civilized, democratic society. Probably Sri Lanka wants to enact her own version of the Bhutto episode.
SND Poojary,
Miramar - Goa
Indo-Pak talks
This is in reference to the recent comments by Pakistan.Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi is trying to escape international preesure by saying that India is backing away from bilateral talks.Since Atal Bihari Vajpayee's time India has steeped up its efforts to try and find a solution to all the problems concerning both the nations.Pakistan clearly seems to be backing away by questioning Indian officials.Of late since the IPL auction Pakistan seems to be questioning Indians on each and every issue.Pakistan needs to approach things in a positive and diplomatic manner.We need peace between the two nations
Adarsh Bhardwaj
Bank colony,Thindlu main road,
Vidyaranyapura post,Bangalore-560097
Disappointing show
The performance of Team India in the first Test match against South Africa has been disappointing. It is clear that the team has lost test match temperament and patience, perhaps owing to too much of one dayers and T20 matches. The bowling department is awfully weak. Further, there is no suitable replacement for seasoned test players like Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman. The team and the coach must introspect and rise to the occasion before the second test match.
J.N.Mahanty,
Dutta Tota,Puri 752001
CET deadlock
This is to be remembered that during the stewardship of the then chief of common Entrance examination,Sri Harish Gowda,every thing was going well and the selection of candidates through CET was done on different phases/days without any complaints from the parents of the candidates and the candidates . The selection was highly transparent with no room for any complaints from the parents or students. The adamant attitude of COMED-K in selecting candidates through a single CET seems to be a hasty decision,which needs to be re-looked into.
If need be,opinion of eminent educationists may be obtained whether selecting candidates on a single day in the CET is beneficial to the candidates or otherwise for resolving the deadlock over a single CET for selecting candidates.
B S Raghavendra Rao,
Sterling Terraces,
BSK 3rd.Stage,
Bengaloru.
Avalanche deaths: Need for precautions
This is with reference to Avalanche buries Army camp 17 die appearing in DH dated 09 FEB10
It was an ill-timed death for 17army jawans killed by the avalanche in the Khilanmarg heights in J&K. Our soldiers are always at risk either from the enemy or due to uncertain climatic conditions. Since the soldiers have to acclimatize to an High Altitude
Warfare vigorous training is imparted at ground zero. However organizers of these training camps must take precautions on warnings issued by Snow Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE) of a possibility of an avalanche or snow storm prevailing in the area.
Deepak Chikramane
Mumbai
Inexplicable Price rise.
Sir, Prices of all daily essential commodities have become sky-high much beyond the of reach common man and majority of people are finding it difficult to make both ends meet. Eessentials items have become a luxury due to phenomenal price rise of sugar(Rs 50 KG), pulses, fruits and vegetables. In order to put an end to spiraling price rise Government should pay heed to the woes of common man and take drastic measures against profiteers and hoarders by invoking essential commodities act otherwise this price rise will lead to a national calamity and government will not be absolved of this lapse as poor are being denied of basic commodities. Also Commodity Forward trading which has led to speculation should be curbed temporarily as it has added to price rise .
The price rise is an outcome of government’s gross mismanagement on essential commodities front, pro rich /pro big corporate policies and cumulative result of neglect of Agriculture.
Ramesh G jethwani
Bangalore
Delay in BBMP elections
It looks Bangaloreans may not be able to see their corporators even in 2010.Our Chief Minister said the elections will be held at the earliest, law minister says it would be held within 3 months but the same Government requests the High Court that it needs minimum of six months, added to this are the views of state election commission to be heard before the polls are held .
It is unfortunate because of this inordinate delay our city MLA' s are now serving as glorified corporators instead of playing legislators role and the very purpose of the institution they were elected for has not been served
This problem has arose because of ward reservation hence Government should come out with a new reservation list within a month so that the candidates can know well in advance in where they can contest .instead of last moment suspense/ confusion .This will also help citizens to choose the best candidate
Since the elections are now postponed there is also doubt among people whether there would be direct elections for the Mayor .Finally, one does not understand why Government should make use of school teachers who are supposed to educate students and impart quality teaching, in census work, can’t they break this old tradition and employ other Government servants and hold BBMP elections on a Sunday during summer vacation.
If there is a will there is a way
N.Mukund
Member ,Citizen Action Forum
Timely quashing of quota system
The Andhra Pradesh High Court quashing the order of then YSR government providing 4% reservation in educational institutions and jobs for 15 Muslim groups (Muslims win quota in Bengal, lose in AP, DH Feb 9) is not only timely but also sends right signals to self-seeking politicians to change their policy. Politicians without having foresight on the deleterious effect on the psyche of nation and its populace, indulge in appeasing certain categories on the basis of caste, religion and other considerations by reserving certain quota.
What is required is the government machinery should become pro-active in persuading the parents to send their children to school; give them free ship and scholarship if they are unable to meet the expenses for this purpose. Once they are educated, it is but natural for them to compete in job market. Governments will come and go but the reservation on the basis of religion is not the solution to fully emancipate one’s poverty or to ensure well-being. Keeping in view the dangerous trend in store, it is time the powers that be shun the policy of reservation as a short cut method to come to power and also to cling to it interminably. Let the politicians think on the line of ‘opportunity for all and appeasement to none’ at least in future in the larger interest of the country and its populace.
H.P.Murali
II Stage, Rajajinagar
Bangalore-10.
‘Minority’ reservation
Even after 60 years of independence we still have communities being being labelled as 'backward' 'most backward' 'minorities' and 'other backward class' ! These categories have been created by politicians for their own benefit.By creating such categories,the politicians could divide and rule.They can use these as vote banks.The present 'plan' of reserving 10% of jobs for the 'minorities' is meant to get votes.It will be good if someone challenges the use of 'minority' tag for the Muslims.Presently,both the Hindus and the Muslims are almost equal in numbers.In the next 15 years,the Muslim population would overtake the Hindu population and the Hindus will be labelled as 'minority community'.By announcing reservations for the minorities,the political parties have only fuelled the controversy already raging over who is the actual 'minority'.In India both the Christians and the Muslims are claiming to be minorities !
It will be ideal if political parties could lift these communities out of the minority tag and equate them with the other forward communities.No right thinking indididual would like to be called 'backward' ;most backward' etc.....
Though the UPA and the other allies of the Congress call themselves as 'secular' in actual practice they think,act and live with casteism,class 'ism',etc...Divide and Rule is the best way to survive for our politicians.
M.V.Nahusharaj
Plmsprings Layout
Kanakapura Main Rd
Bangalore 560 062
Pakistan’s arrogance
Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has unveiled his arrogance in stating that Pakistan has not knelt before India for composite dialogue process. It is true that India had broken off from the composite dialogue process after the 26/11 Mumbai attack. Prior to this it was Pakistan that was insisting India for dialogue. When India refused for resumption of composite dialogue process after the Mumbai attack, Pakistan was left with no alternative but to keep quiet until the initiative came from India. It is foolish for Pakistan to think that India has failed to read the mind of Pakistani authorities.The response by Pakistan for India’s initiative should have been encouraging instead of provocative. Dialogue with mutual respect only can go forward and yield good result.
Will Pakistan welcome India’s pull-out from the proposed Secretary-level talks? Resumption of dialogue is for mutual benefit. Pakistan should shed the attitude of twirling the moustache for the initiative taken by India for resumption of talks.
K.V. Seetharamaiah
Venkata-Bindu Nilaya,
Vidyanagara First Stage,
Hassan.
Power hungry move
Buddha has announced some quota concessions to Muslims even when the more secular Centre has been taking cautious steps towards the sensitive and burning problem!
Congress led UPA is having a sort of Slow and Steady approach to the sensitive issue.It is very much evident that Buddha is very much desperate to appease the Muslim Vote Bank at once.Buddha is already an isolated man leading the disintegration of CPM led Left In WB!After the demise of the veteran leader Basuji the CPM bastion has become a barren land of sorts of the CPM led Left.Mamata has penetrated the CPM bastion and already the party is in shambles.The comedy duo of Karat+Yechury had already led the liquidation of the party at the national levels.CPM which normally boasts of reformist labels is now forced to appease the Muslims to stay in power.Buddha who comes in the footsteps of the party ideologies which called 'Religion is an Opium' has now prepared to consume the same for the sake of office!Perhaps only in India Hindus the majority religion and those who follow the same are dubbed as 'Communual'!Rest of the minorities are viewed only as"secular partners!' What a Paradox!Buddha has clearly proved that he is power hungry now!
S.Venugopalan
T.M.Maistry St.
Vannandurai
Chennai - 600 041
Undeserved suspension
The sudden suspension of Goa's senior Judge Mrs. Anuja Prabhudesai is deplorable. The justice delivery system has failed a very senior, knowledgeable and distinguished judge. Mrs. Prabhudesai is known to be a very talented, well mannered, soft-spoken yet very firm in the dispensation of justice. Even when posted as Law Secretary of the State she refused to bow to the illegal and unjustified designs of the politicians.
As she was the senior most District judge of Goa , her suspension could be a very systematic ploy to sideline and abort her hopes of elevation as judge of the Bombay High Court. If this is proven, the conspirators of this plan, of framing fake charges against her should not be spared.
If the injustice meted out to Mrs. Anuja Prabhudesai is not rectified, the credibility of the judiciary which is the third and vital pillar of our constitution is at stake. We need to stand in solidarity with this very distinguished judge while she braves this attack on her.
Aires Rodrigues
Ribandar - Goa
False claim
Sri Sri Ravishankar ‘s Art of living courses, are becoming famous all over the world. Guruji's claim that all illnesses, diseases can be cured by Meditation and his Sudarshan kriya, is meaningless. Otherwise, there need not be any hospitals or doctors at all in this world. Dhyana with sanskrit slokas or chanting OM, etc,may be accepted by only Hindus and will not be accepted by all religions, castes etc in the world, where as illness will come to every human being. People should therefore start thinking about his institution more deeply. IF this is done, one will understand that his mission, Art of Living is nothing but a big business institution, which has developed into leaps and bounds all over the world, because of Money power, influence with top bureaucrats/,politicians, blind followers and gullibles. If Guruji is really interested in people's health and wealth, let him give his courses to everyone ,all throughout the world just FREE OF COST. Will he do this?
V.Rukmangada Rao, 1732,
Timberglen Dr. Bedford,
Texas, Usa.
Kudos to DRDO
The fourth successful test fire of surface to surface missile Agni-3 on Sunday which has a range of 3500km is really a remarkable one. With this range, it can go and hit deep in China.
It is said failure is the stepping stone for success. Agni-3s failure on July 9, 2006 during its third test fire which was traced to anomalies in the first stage that happened because of the gases re-entering the missile and damaging electronic components was successfully overcome in this test. This missile’s capability in hitting the target with pin point accuracy and meeting all the mission objectives shows our scientists' hard work and capability. It is better if it is inducted into the armed forces at an early date.
Besides the above, the medium range surface to air missile "Akash" has already gone into production. The 3rd generation anti-tank missile "Nag" has completed development trials andwill shortly go for user trials. The supersonic cruise missile "Brahmos" with Russian collaboration which has a speed of three times the speed of sound is another missile which is being inducted into both Army and Navy.
Barring the above successful projects, the only thing that disappoints DRDO is its surface to air missile under "Trishul Project".
P.N.Srivatsa
JP Nagar,2nd Phase,Bangalore-78
Ensure water supply
We live in Health Layout where Cauvery water by Karnataka govt. is supplied reglularly on alternete days.But some times due to some unavoidable technical issues like bursting of supply pipes the water supply is disrupted.So,on those days,at least drinking water needs to be supplied by govt.tankers as private tankers supply unhygenic water at exorbitant rates.
A Ramamurthy.
Health layout,Viswaneedam
P.O.Bangalore560091.
