Grant at doorstep

IT is really praiseworthy on the part of the government that it has for the first time in the history of free India shown such a remarkable degree of magnanimity towards the bereaved families of those who laid down their lives on the high peaks of Kargil. Though no amount of money can either match the sacrifice that they have made or compensate the loss that their families have to sustain, yet the grant would go a long way to help those who lost their breadwinners.

However, the true spirit of this gesture would be realised only when this grant reaches the persons concerned in time and without putting them to any undue administrative inconvenience. The past bears ample testimony to the fact that whenever any such gesture is shown, its recipients have to run from pillar to post in order to secure that benefit. As a result not only the charm of the grant is lost but the afflictions of the tragedy-hit families multiply manifold. The government should take necessary steps in advance to ensure that the callous babus do not play with the sentiments of the aggrieved. It would, therefore, be in the fitness of the situation that necessary instructions are issued to the district chiefs to ensure that the intended beneficiaries receive the grant at their doorstep, and whatever administrative formalities are to be discharged should be done on the spot. The Himachal Government has already set an example by delivering the appointment letters to the widows of the martyrs at the homes of the persons concerned.

DR S. BHATNAGAR
Kisumu (Kenya)

Baby boom

Since gaining Independence 52 years ago, we have added to our population with each passing year. As a result, we are now close to reaching the one-billion mark. Compared to other national issues, the baby boom seems the most crucial one. The successive governments have always failed to gauge the enormity of the problem. Consequently, it has assumed catas- trophic dimensions. Besides, other more tricky problems seem to be the by-product of this one.

Even the population clocks could cut no ice with the general public. These yearly increases are taking us to doomsday. Like China, we too have to adopt the policy which does not allow more than two children, treating both baby boy or girl alike.

Our political leaders, social workers and general public jointly can do a lot only if they are not afraid of tough measures. If the population problem is not tackled on a war footing, it will destroy the Indian economy.

TARUNDEEP AGGARWAL
Chandigarh

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Coalition muddle

A coalition government at the Centre is not an answer to the prevailing situation. The country at the moment is not only faced with foreign aggression but economic disorder also. In the past we have seen that one-party rule gave some impetus to the progress of the country in various fields. From the time when the policy of coalition with regard to the formation of a government came into being, the impetus achieved has become very low.

D.S. BALI
Panchkula