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Windfall and shortfall in Punjab

Cash-strapped Punjab is often said to be a state where people are rich but the government is poor. But this no longer seems to be the correct description of the state of affairs. Now the apt description will be that it’s a government that has enough money for those in power, but nothing for the common man.

Sample this: The Punjab government very reluctantly agreed to issue the DA instalment to its pensioners with effect from July 1, 2013 (though it was due from January 1, 2013) just days before Diwali. But the pensioners got a rude shock when they found that only one month’s DA was actually paid to them and the remaining money was taken back from their accounts after crediting it once.

As if this shock was not enough, a story highlighting an increase in the salaries of all ministers and MLAs, with the Chief Minister getting a 100 per cent raise, appeared on the front page (November 6). It seems there are two treasuries in the state: one for the commoners and the other for the people in power. While one is full of money, the other is empty.

GURMUKH SINGH, Mohali

Most films vulgar

India is the largest producer of feature films in the world. But most of the films deal with cheap and vulgar themes. They are made mostly to please the distributors and meet the demands of the box office. Films produced nowadays have little social content. They depict a lot of violence, pornographic details, rape scenes, murders, robbery, theft, cheating, dirty songs and dances. By depicting vulgar movements like the gyration of hips, they create a bad impression on the minds of people. This type of cinema has an unhealthy effect on the morals of young boys and girls. By creating a sense of false values of life, such films demoralise and degenerate society. They contaminate the social and moral atmosphere of society. The government should formulate policies so that only good films are produced. The Censor Board should be strict while passing films.

Dr H. Kumar Kaul, Barnala

Update bus stand

Recently, I went to Chandigarh and noticed the following shortcomings in the bus stand:

There is no proper restaurant/hotel at the bus stand; there is no shop selling newspapers and magazines; there is no proper teastall; the urinals/lavatories are on the second floor and it is difficult for the old and disabled people to go there; and the seats in the urinal/toilet are not adequate.

The transport authority should look into these points in public interest.

DS Moudgil, Kullu

Kudos to PM

Though Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is under suspicion over allocation of coal blocks, he deserves appreciation for his invitation to answer any question by the investigating agency. Earlier, he had volunteered to appear before the JPC but we haven’t heard if he was ever called for questioning. Ever since the issue of coal block allocations came to light, the 2G spectrum case vanished in the air like steam. Instead of criticising the Prime Minister, the Opposition must take this opportunity and ask for a special investigation team headed by people who are considered honest by the Opposition. This will help settle the doubt. Any such request made in the court of law will be accepted in no time.

DEEPJOT SINGH THUKRAL, Ambala Cantt

Bring early justice

The youth of India will force the judiciary to deliver justice expeditiously. Rapes, eve-teasing and sexual harassment cannot be tolerated. Since mother goddess Durga is termed as Shakti in our country, why don’t we formulate severe punishment to criminals to stop such crime. Be it the Congress or BJP or any other party else in power, the women need safety and security. No one can stop them from getting their rights. Rapists are more dangerous than any wild animal. Punish these criminals so that they can learn to respect their own mothers and sisters at home.

AKKU ATTRI, Ludhiana

Stop husk burning

The annual burning of rice husk has once again converted the sky dark and it has become difficult to breath in this atmosphere. The number of patients suffering from congestion, burning of eyes and asthma has increased. Every year, big promises on bringing an end to the practice of burning of husk are made, but the ground reality is different. It is strange why the Pollution Department is sleeping on the issue, while people are affected with allergies and their health is deteriorating.

The government should take up the matter seriously and stop burning of straw. It should educate the farmers and motivate them to to instead sell the straw for use in bio-mass plants. Only then will the public be saved from the unhealthy atmosphere which is leading to allergy diseases among the citizens.

O P Garg, Patiala

Bailey redefines sports leadership Every sports leader has his own way of dealing with his human resources to get the best results in the form of a win. Probably, the right question to ask is: “Which form of leadership is the best?” One of the best forms of leadership has been displayed by George Bailey recently. He has a different and strikingly amazing approach as well as a cool attitude towards dealing with the team mates on the field. Almost all previous successful Australian skippers like Steve Waugh and Ricky Ponting were over-aggressive and short-tempered as far as on-field behavior with other players is concerned. In the case of George Bailey, we have seen a good captain, but in a different form. A form which has aggressiveness, consistency and politeness probably in the right proportions. Today, most former cricketers are praising Bailey for showing good temperament and qualities of leadership with a cool head. He may be the future face of Australian cricket. We wish a long and successful career to Bailey who may redefine sports leadership. Simranjeet Singh, Subhri Ambala