M A I L B A G

Issues before Himachal elections

As the Himachal Pradesh elections are round the corner, aspiring candidates of the Congress and the BJP have started wooing the electorate with their political gimmicks.

However, in this hilly terrain, local issues do matter the most, i.e. electricity, drinking water, link roads and construction of bridges over the rivulets. Some sections are eager to have government colleges while some are in need of dispensaries. The state government employees will play a vital role in the formation of the new government. The employees are aware of red tape, nepotism and corruption in the offices.

Corruption is abuse of trust in the interest of private gain and it breeds at the top and slowly filters down to the lower, eating into the vitals of society. Moreover, some political parties are arousing caste and regional feelings in lower and upper Himachal for narrow partisan ends. Even top politicians, bamboozling the employees over the years, might have to bear the brunt of the belligerent voters.

RAVI DATTA, RS Memorial College, Dehra (Kangra)

II

The people of Himachal are nice and are not exposed to electoral malpractices like rigging, impersonation and booth capturing. Basically, Himachalis are God-fearing, honest and are interested to help the poor and downtrodden. During the formation of the state in 1966, the politics was divided between new and old Himachal.

Tainted candidates have always an axe to divide and rule. In all fairness, no party should give tickets to tainted candidates. Only clean and educated people should be given tickets and elected.

Dr M. L. AWASTHI, Bindraban (Palampur)

Fund crunch

The scientists at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, is facing fund crunch. To generate income, the university has to initiate revolving fund schemes. Scientists are asked to carry out only those projects which did not require additional funding or they have to arrange funds from their own sources.

The present Vice-Chancellor is capable of taking the university to new heights. In the present situation, he will remain a silent spectator or will resign.

Without funds, nothing can be done. Conducting research is not a clerical job. The Punjab government should create internal competition among scientists by filling vacant posts which is very necessary for research and development.

Dr K.K. SHARMA, Senior
Horticulturist (retd), PAU, Ludhiana

When more is not merrier Mushrooming of professional colleges is sending alarming signals. The investors of these “knowledge temples” are themselves not equipped with any technical know-how, do not posses any professional degrees and are at times completely ignorant of the demands of the current market scenario. However, they have one resource, which a professionally competent person is lacking today — capital. As if money has become a panacea for all the problems, they tend to obtain the necessary documents in connivance with the authorities concerned. Where are we heading? Students with low marks also manage to gain admission in these professional colleges. It is a win-win situation from both sides — that of the investors and the students. But where does quality remain? RAMAN KANTA SHARMA, Ex-Principal, Arya Girls’ College, Shahabad

VAT on ghee

Punjab Cooperation Minister Capt Kanwaljit Singh has stated that VAT on desi ghee would be reduced from 12 to 4 per cent. This was long overdue. Other adjoining states are imposing only 4 per cent VAT.

The government will now get extra revenue, i.e. 15-20 per cent more than last year because of the sale of desi ghee in Punjab will increase manifold. There is need for a uniform tax policy for the survival of the milk industry in particular and the farming community.

BALWINDER SINGH, GM, Milk Plant, Ludhiana

Enforce the rule

In mid-August, the Himachal Pradesh government directed, through a notification, all the regional transport officers (RTOs) to enforce 33 per cent reservation of seats for women in buses, HRTC and private. While the public response to the notification is mixed, some sections are reluctant to follow it.

The government should strictly follow it up and fix accountability on the RTOs for its compliance. Otherwise, it will strengthen the impression that the government is not committed to this social objective. Moreover, why cannot direct officers undertake surprise checks and ensure its strict compliance?

BHUMIKA SHARMA, Shimla

Irritating calls

I would like to highlight the modus operandi of some leading mobile phone companies. To popularise their schemes, they don’t bother about time while calling a subscriber.

It is embarrassing and irritating when in the amidst of an urgent task, meeting or event one gets a call on the cell phone from the so-called company — a pre-recorded song, followed by the scheme they want you to subscribe for it.

This is something discourteous. Can’t the companies seek a particular time on a certain day for conveying the scheme? Or why cannot they send an SMS?

ANITA KATARIA, Patiala