Lalu’s basket of comforts and IT

Sir,

Union Railway Minister, Lalu Prasad Yadav, while inspiring the aam aadmi, has astutely  sought to embrace information management in his Rail Budget 2008. If his Budget 2006 exemplified the management strategy of reducing the unit cost, by increasing the volume, the present budget is a harbinger to foster information culture and orientation in railways. Introduction of ATMs and cybercafes in major railway stations in Budget 2006 was perhaps the thin end of the wedge.

Railway vision 2025, multi-departmental innovation promotion group in railway board, an investment of Rs 2,50,000 crore in the next five years for total network, and modernisation and upgradation are slotted in this category. His move to introduce internet in trains is a major step. Large number of people now can manipulate and evaluate information while  travelling. Over the next decade, sustained emphasis on this information orientation may transform customer relationships. 

S Raja
Bangalore

Not fair

Sir,

The match referee’s decision to fine Ishant Sharma is not at all fair as Andrew Symonds started the abuse and the young lad only reacted to it. Symonds thus deserves the same penalty if not more. The Aussies are bad losers and resort to sledging whenever they fail at the wicket. It is therefore time for our players to learn from them to be professional even in sledging, so that their words are effective but do not expose themselves to the match referee.

R G Srinivas
Bangalore

Prez address

Sir,

This refers to the editorial, A soft address, (DH, Feb 26). President Pratibha Patil’s speech appears to be  carefully drafted keeping in mind the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections.

The President should not hesitate in highlighting mistakes of the Government in power. Also the President has not mentioned issues concerning the common man, but has tried in vain to raise the issue of the Indo-US nuclear deal which has been hanging there for many months.

S Sundaresh
Bangalore

N-deal and Prez

Sir,

The President in her address to the joint session of Parliament has not referred to the Indo-US nuclear deal. Obviously the Congress party wants the public to believe that it can convince and carry along the Left parties in pushing through the agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and finally seal the deal with the US.

The UPA coalition should face the challenge and catch the bull by the horns. If the Government falls and elections are necessary the Congress will gain people’s esteem and support. 

K Vekataraman
Mumbai

Good message

Sir,

The fatwa issued by the Darul Uloom Deoband, is very apt and timely. It says terrorism is un-Islamic and adds that mischief, rioting, murder are amongst the severest of crimes. In recent times Muslims and terrorism have become synonymous due to intense US propaganda at the international level and rise of communal forces in India.

This fatwa should also put to rest the misconception that madrassas are dens of terrorism.

This fatwa will give a good message to some of the misguided youth who due to being pushed to the wall and  may have viewed it as a method to obtain justice.

Ram Puniyani
Mumbai

Sheer waste

Sir,

The pre-paid auto/ taxi counter at Bangalore Cantonment Railway Station is a waste. None of the auto drivers are willing to enter the queue. Instead they  park their autos  in the vicinity and woo hapless customers.

They even charge exorbitant rates. A trip to nearby C V Raman Nagar  costs Rs 150 during night. A lone traffic constable who is posted there is a mere spectator to all these acts of omission and commission. He is not in a position to question these errant drivers. Traffic authorities concerned should be more strict and post enough policemen to tackle this problem.

Suthan K P
Bangalore