L E T T E R S    T O    T H E    E D I T O R

Monitor Mid-Day Meal scheme

The editorial “Mid-Day Meal scheme” (March 27) was a timely advice to the defaulting states. The states like Haryana need to emulate Tamil Nadu, the first state to introduce this important scheme in India. In Haryana, the judiciary has rightly indicted the teaching community for the mismanagement and misappropriation of the funds meant for the Mid-Day Meal scheme.

A mechanism should be developed to recast the scheme. The fresh food should reach the schools daily for distribution among students. This will lighten the unnecessary workload of the teachers, as also help avoid mismanagement and misappropriation. Needless to say, a strong management information system is the need of the hour. Only then can the scheme be monitored effectively. The administration should think over the problem in all seriousness.

DR S KUMAR, Panchkula

Able administrator

A tragic accident led to the sad demise of Captain Kanwaljit Singh. The feelings expressed by Mr Manpreet Singh Badal (“Punjab loses a statesman”, March 31) analysed his character very well. He was certainly an able administrator, a visionary and a great leader. All, irrespective of party affiliations, will feel his loss. His party has lost a stalwart, an able guide and a leader. He was certainly a very capable person and the nation needs such leaders to direct the people in the right direction.

 MANJEET SINGH BAL,  California, USA

Desired arrest

The editorial, “First high-profile arrest” (March 30) aptly highlighted the problems faced by the county in the wake of religious fundamentalism. The Judge, Mr D H Vagela, has rightly clubbed the religious fanatics with the terrorists. It is a shame for our country that while such fanatics commit crimes with impunity, some of them also legislate the laws that govern us. The need of the hour is speedy justice, along with the interpretation of the law equally for everyone.

DESHVIR S BHULLAR, Kapurthala

Exercise restraint

In Mr Varun Gandhi’s case (“Varun gets bail but NSA keeps him in jail”, March 31) one thing is clear: he has uttered the same words for which action has been taken against him. Who can believe that the speech was doctored or manipulated? His behaviour confirms that politics is not a child’s play. Young politicians like Mr Gandhi who have inherited politics from their parents must understand that such short-cuts do not work.

No one can achieve greatness by fanning hatred against any caste or community. It is shameful that seasoned politicians like Mr L K Advani are supporting him, thus placing narrow party interests above the interests of the country. Our politicians must show respect to public sentiments and exercise self-discipline while delivering speeches. Such abominable behaviour is not at all acceptable.

CAPT AMAR JEET KUMAR (retd), SAS Nagar

II

The no- holds barred election campaign is undesirable. We cut a sorry figure before the world. Our leaders should take a cue from the leaders of the US. We should reject bigots and get rid of the deadwood. I appeal to all Indians to vote for sensible candidates and make India a vibrant democracy.

 DR SACHIN KAUSHAL, Patiala

Congress infighting

The infighting in the state Congress units (“Cong ticket: Ball in Sonia’s Court”, March 30) is not in good taste. The delay in announcing the Congress candidates has not gone well with the electorate.

There is a case for adopting a policy of not fielding any sitting MLA for the 15th Lok Sabha elections, which can facilitate Ms Sonia Gandhi to take a quick decision in announcing the Congress candidates.

DR M M GOEL, Kurukshetra

Prevent rape and incest The reports of repeated rapes on girls, including minors, by relatives, friends and even fathers are painful and shocking. The recent report of an Amritsar based former BJP leader committing this heinous crime was appalling. The question often posed to these victims is : why did you not speak earlier? This question implies that the crime’s severity is lessened if it is not reported right away. This is a wrong notion. The truth is that by and large these victims are dependent on the culprits, making it extremely hard for the victim to speak out. They are scared into silence by threats. By silently enduring this trauma, the victim lives in the hope that one day it will all come to an end. Therefore, repeated rape over years increases the severity of the crime and does not lessen it. Boys are also vulnerable to such crimes and need to be protected. What remains to be seen is how society reacts to such crimes? Are the people of Punjab going to permit murder and rape? We must take decisive measures to prevent heinous crimes like incest. ARSHDEEP S JAWANDHA, Chicago, Illinois, USA