M A I L B A G

No effective strategy to check numbers

Surprisingly, though India was among the first South Asian countries to launch a programme to check population as early as 1951, we have failed to evolve an effective strategy for tackling this problem in a sustainable manner.

Apparently, political will is lacking at the Centre and in the states to stem the tide. Half-hearted long and short-term measures taken by the Centre and the states have so far failed to make a dent in the growth rate. As a result, the demographic situation is getting worse with each passing day putting tremendous strain on the available resources.

Yet another related issue with the ever-increasing population is the corresponding increase in the number of the old people (60 years plus) consequent to the improvement in the average life expectancy. The growth rate in the elderly being higher than that of the general population, the pool of the aged individuals comprising young-old (60-70 years), old-old (70-80 years), and oldest-old (80 years plus) will make India a graying nation in the years to come if the Centre fails to act fast to check population growth.

Dr S.S. SOOCH, Jalandhar

II

I understand that in Canada, to take care of old parents, a person gets a tax rebate and also six-week compassionate leave. In the US, the companies are said to be adding elder care benefits to the salary package of their employees.

In India, where we profess to look after the senior citizens, have the Centre and state governments given any such incentive to their employees for looking after their elderly parents? We should take steps in this regard promptly to ameliorate the lot of the elderly persons.

G. S. KALRA, Chandigarh

Nuclear plant for Punjab The proposal for a nuclear plant for Punjab was dropped by the previous government like a hot potato perhaps on the grounds of proximity to Pakistan and consequent risk (News-item, Aug 21). This bogey of border state was raised by vested interests in the fifties which led to an industrial policy whereby no heavy industry was located west of a line running through Agra. Thus, industrialisation of Punjab could not take place. Surprisingly, no politician from Punjab contested this policy. During 1965 and 1971 wars, no civilian targets were targeted by the Pakistan Air Force. It does not have the resources to take on such tasks. Moreover, there is the risk of IAF retaliating in a similar manner. A nuclear plant in Punjab poses no threat to the safety of its people. If that is a serious concern, then, the plant should be located on the river Ravi, and may be in one of our enclaves across the river below Madhopur. Pakistan will ensure its safety. Lt-Gen HARWANT SINGH (retd), Camp: New York

Worthy of emulation

I was amused to see the picture of Mr Mukesh Kumar Sharma, Tehsildar, Ludhiana, perched in a public transport bus decorating the front page of The Tribune (July 20). I am happy that the Punjab Chief Minister has honoured him as the most honest Tehsildar in the state and has asked him to get the sale/transfer deeds of real estate registered in Ludhiana. One wishes and prays for his success.

The Chinese invented bureaucracy. The British (in India) perfected it. In the steel frame, which the Indian Civil Service forged and worked to perfection in India, the Tehsildar served as an able and dependable lieutenant. His duties were varied and multifarious. By and large, he acquitted himself well.

There have been men of integrity and principle as Tehsildars. Sardar Hardial Singh Aujla (who rose to the IAS), Sardar Gopal Singh "Fauji", Sardar Pritam Singh Grewal and Sardar Harbans Singh Pawar (the last two became PCS officers), as Tehsildars, were known for their honesty and integrity.

Mr Sharma would do well to take the adulation in his own stride. As usual, the recognition of his merit might have earned him more enemies than admirers.

B.S. BEDI, Mohali

Shiv Khori Dham

The holy cave of Lord Shiva, popularly known as Shiv Khori Dham in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir, is a famous Hindu pilgrimage centre. Thousands of people every year from all over the country visit this cave which is nature’s wonderful creation.

It is about 100 metre long but very narrow, congested and zigzag in its formation. As there is no exit route and it is a one-way cave, it takes a long time for the pilgrims to get the darshan of Lord Shiva, Parvati, Ganesha and several other gods and goddesses. In the absence of ventilation and shortage of oxygen inside the cave, pilgrims feel suffocated.

For easy and smooth access to the cave, the authorities concerned and the local administration should immediately arrange to carve out an exit route on the lines of Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. Besides, an emergency rescue arrangement should also be put in place.

V.K. KAPUR, Panchkula

Poison deaths

No doubt, deaths in Punjab jails are by poison but the infrastructure in the chemical examiners laboratory at Patiala is very poor (July 29). Chemical analysis work is done under a tent in the laboratory’s backyard.

There is no proper security of the laboratory. The building itself is in a deplorable condition. The viscera stored are open to intrusion. While examining the question of poison reaching the jails, the authorities should first review the working of the chemical examiners’ laboratory at Patiala. They should also counter-check the viscera reports with some prestigious laboratories like Chandigarh’s Central Forensic Science Laboratory.

Dr HARNAM SINGH and Dr SHILEKH MITTAL, Mullana (Ambala)