M A I L B A G

Why make mountain out of egg?

Egg is not an item where a manufacturer by turning out small eggs would save on the material. Nor are there poultry farms that specialise in providing small eggs in millions, nor indeed it is possible for poultry farm owners to save on the feed so that poultry give smaller eggs. (News-item, “Egg on Army’s face”, Sept 4; and Editorial,
“When small is big: Bad eggs should be thrown out", Sept 5).

These eggs are part of ration right up to the rank of General and someone along the line would have pointed out if these were really small. Nor would it have taken HQ Northern Command five years to discover that eggs are small, when everyone at that HQ was also being given these.

Apparently, somehow in the contract papers, the egg’s weight had been, by mistake, entered as 40 gm instead of 48 gm and, over the years, the same error got repeated. And now it has come to the notice of audit, again after five years! It is a case of making mountain out of, not a molehill, but an egg.

Lt-Gen HARWANT SINGH (retd), Camp: New York

Timely recognition The Education Department is recognising the efforts made by non-formal educational organisations which are working hard for the welfare of the underprivileged children, i.e. the first generation learners, whose potential still remains untapped. I was amazed to see the list of people who are working for this cause. As a teacher, I have found that our toppers have been those who have done their primary education at some private institute. We need to work out strategies and change our pedagogic approach to lift the standard of education at the primary level, especially of the underprivileged. The multiple strategies being used by these organisations are improving the lives of these children in many ways. From catch-up lessons to theatre workshops, provision of monthly stipends to remedial classes, introducing lesson-study strategy to enhancing soft skills and surrogate parenting, the list is long. It is time these bodies developed effective interaction with government agencies to set up evening community schools for these first generation learners. I am confident that these organisations will get continued support from the people to help create a society of enabled people. SARITA TEWARI, Lecturer, Girls’ Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 16, Chandigarh

Crime against women

Despite the Supreme Court’s directive on immediate registration of FIR by the police in case of a complaint and its unbiased investigation, the police try to hush up complaints because of corruption and political bureaucratic pressures (Aug 20). Crimes against women are on the increase. Newly married women are being shunted out barefoot by husbands and in-laws with greedy and criminal mentality. Even the personal belongings of the woman like clothes, jewellery and cash etc. are denied to her.

In fact, deserting young brides is a more heinous crime than rape or dacoity. All concerned must make efforts to check this menace. Otherwise its consequences will be disastrous for society. We have no dearth of laws. Their strict implementation by the authorities is the need of the hour.

B. P. S. WARAICH, Chandigarh

Going overboard

Though I am a fan of Salman Khan, I was disappointed when he shot chinkaras for fun. The media went overboard to record every single moment about his arrest and release on bail.

Bishnois love chinkaras and can anyone tolerate if their kids are chased and killed for fun? Surprisingly, none spared even a second thought about highlighting the plight of endangered chinkaras and Bishnois showing us the way to love the creation of the god.

Dr GURKIRPAL SINGH SIDHU, Barnala

II

Trial courts have found Sanjay Dutt and Salman Khan guilty under various sections of the relevant law for offences they had committed. On their interim bail, the electronic media and fans are projecting them as heroes as if they have done a splendid job to their motherland by their criminal acts. Does the action on the part of the electronic media and fans not amount to contempt of court?

J.R. AZAD, Shimla

Restore buses

The authorities have neglected the historic Alawalpur town only because it is not on the main road. Punjab Roadways buses don’t ply. Earlier, the Hoshiarpur depot buses used to run from Hoshiarpur to Kapurthala via Adampur and Alawalpur connecting all municipal towns, but were suddenly suspended causing hardship to the people of this area.

Similar is the case of Punjab Roadways’ Jalandhar depot buses. Why has the Alawalpur-Chandigarh bus service been suspended? The Punjab government should get these routes restored soon.

TEK CHAND DUBB, Alawalpur (Jalandhar)