M A I L B A G

Convergence of ideas on Kashmir

The resolution of the Kashmir conflict brooks no delay. Statements by Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf on Kashmir during his recent visit to the Middle East and in Pakistan are serious in nature. India needs to respond to them with equal seriousness.

Gen Musharraf has confirmed that there is forward movement in the composite dialogue process, military has no place in Jammu and Kashmir, Kashmiris of all shades, barring militants, are to be carried “on board” and that a peaceful process is the only way forward. These candid observations emanate only days after Gen Musharraf’s meeting in Pakistan with Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.

Significantly, Gen Musharraf’s comments come close on heels of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s positive response to his four-point formula on Kashmir. The General’s proposals spire well with Indian philosophy “no redrawing of boundaries” and “making borders irrelevant”. Apparently, some convergence of thoughts between the two leaders is in the making. Tacit disclosure of progress being made through the ongoing Track II diplomacy between the two countries is heartening.

Lt-Col BACHITTAR SINGH (retd), Mohali

Moral values

In his article, “Teaching moral values to children”, Amarinder Sindhu has raised a pertinent question to the prevailing societal environment. Both school and home play a constructive role in moulding and shaping a child’s moral nature. And both these social institutions are imparting their duty effectively.

However, why are some youth deviating from the moral path? And why do they make a mockery of those following these values? Obviously, the institutions and social surroundings around these youth are equally responsible for the sorry state of affairs.

Heavy dose of sex, crime and violence, sensuous songs in new releases and remix videos are all undermining the status, dignity and security of women and destroying the moral fibre of the youth. Therefore, while teaching moral values to children, the social surroundings should also be made conducive and healthier. And this responsibility falls upon one and all.

RAVI PARKASH, Kalayat (Kaithal)

Opinion polls

The Election Commission has banned poll surveys or opinion polls before or after during the electioneering. It was a right step and appreciated by right-thinking people. It checked the malpractices and/or distortion of facts with money power or otherwise.

During the Punjab elections, the electronic media was misused in violation of the Election Commission’s code of conduct. The Commission should take cognisance of this and take action against the violators.

KANWAR SAIN ATREY, Ludhiana

Crisis of leadership

I share Thakur Tek Chand’s view (Letter, “Crisis of leadership”) but only partly. The blame for the current malaise squarely lies on the electorate who have all along failed to rise to the occasion and churn out leaders of the requisite type. The so-called “good profile” and critics of the system too must equally share the blame as they simply shy away from entering politics. These people consider politics as “dirty business”.

There is nothing wrong with our Constitution. The fault lies with the people and the representatives who have betrayed the Constitution.

TARA CHAND, Ambota (Una)

Electoral rolls

The electoral roll with “qualifying date” (Jan 1, 2002) gives my age as 51, but the QD Jan 1, 2003 says I am 52. These figures tally with those in all available records. Along comes the roll with QD Jan 1, 2007, in which I am aged 54. In four years, I grew only two years older!

There is no end to the humour in the electoral rolls. One flat, for instance, is said to still house the man who sold it and moved out over four years ago; and there is no trace of the real owners. In another, which changed hands more than three years back, the former owner, at whose cremation over a year ago I was present, is said to live with the new owners. My most remarkable discovery is that an acquaintance, a noted photographer, has three wives for the Election  Commission.

Each of these works of fiction is labelled “revision”. I wonder why people object to rigging.

MUKUL DUBE, New Delhi

 

Poor work culture in banks Today most banks have become virtual financial supermarkets. The work in the branch offices is limited to data entry, selling of products and business mobilisation. The unproductive work which we also call as back office job are being taken care of by the immediate controlling officers. Banks in public and private sectors follow the banking methods and practices of yesteryear. The staff in the branches keep engaged in heavy paper work — preparing monthly, quarterly, half yearly or yearly statements rather than concentrating on customer service, business mobilisation and competitive product selling. The need of the hour is a change in the work culture in all the banks. This is a must for their survival. These banks should follow the core banking solutions by proper use of information technology. Time consuming paper work should be done away with. RAJESH SARAF, Ferozepur city