M A I L B A G

Amend rules to help kin of cadets

It was interesting to read Gen. Kadyan’s article, “Military cadets are soldiers too”. It highlights the fact that if a cadet, while undergoing training in IMA Dehradun, dies in an accident, neither he nor his parents can get any compensation according to the existing rules. This is very unfortunate.

I would like to mention a similar accident in IMA Dehradun when I was the Commandant during 1978-1980. The IMA sends some cadets for Parachute Training to Agra who volunteer to do so. A cadet died when the parachute did not open. I took up the matter with military authorities at Delhi but nothing came out of it, as under the regulations he was not entitled to any financial benefits.

After repeated efforts, I took up the matter with the Haryana Government as the cadet belonged to Haryana. I felt happy when after meeting the Chief Minister, the government granted some compensation to the cadet’s mother, who was the widow of a retired Havildar.

If the Railway Minister can sanction compensation to the next of kin of those passengers killed in railway accidents, why can’t the Defence Minister do so in case of a deceased cadet under training at the IMA? The rules in this regard need to be amended.

A cadet now gets pay for the last year of his training only at IMA. But before Independence, it was a different story. During 1946-47, when I was a cadet in IMA, we were given a stipend of about Rs 250 a month which was a princely sum those days. But after Independence, this stipend was stopped. Obviously, the government in general and the Defence Ministry in particular have not been fair in treating the Academy’s cadets. I do hope that the government will look into the interests of the cadets at IMA, Dehradun.

Maj-Gen RAJENDRA NATH (retd),Chandigarh

A welcome move

Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Priya Ranjan Das Munsi deserves appreciation for his decision to take action against TV channels showing objectionable contents through legislation. This is a welcome move.

Unfortunately, channels have been telecasting such programmes which are quite against our moral principles, ethical standards and values. Obscenity and vulgarity strike at the root of morality and ethics. Such objectionable telecasts are not only fatal to the character of the younger generation but also give impetus to criminal activities.

Dr M. HASHIM KIDWAI, New Delhi

 

Time to tap hydel potential Reports suggest that Punjab will experience power shortage to the tune of 3000 MW. Its impact will be severely felt in the form of power cuts and blackouts, when the paddy sowing season sets in. The Punjab government is exploring various possible ways for overcoming the power shortage. It is thinking in terms of increasing thermal capacity by installing three more thermal plants. Even going in for nuclear power is also being considered. However, there is no mention of tapping the balance hydel potential in Punjab. It exists below Thein Dam at Shahapur Kandi Dam and the associate hydel channel. In addition, the UBDC Hydel Project Stages III and IV have been explored and the design prepared. Fortunately, technical power needed for these projects is available. In addition, the hydel power potential in the canals, which is looked after by the PEDA, is yet to be tapped fully. The Parkash Singh Badal government should look into this aspect. Dr G.S. DHILLON, Former Director (Research) (Irrigation, Punjab), Chandigarh

ESI hospitals

The Haryana government’s decision to run the state’s ESI hospitals by the labour department is welcome. The existing staff of these hospitals, who are on deputation from the Health department, have no sense of commitment and devotion to the ESI scheme. Most doctors and paramedical staff leave the hospital early, causing hardship to the ESI scheme’s poor donors.

To improve the working of these hospitals, the government should recruit fresh staff. Bringing staff on deputation from the Health department must stop. One cannot expect good results if some of the staff members in these hospitals are wives of the doctors running private clinics.

Similarly, some employees working earlier in civil hospitals, who were transferred to far-flung areas, got themselves adjusted in the ESI hospitals to stay in cities.

ASHOK KUMAR, Yamunanagar

Helping jawans

Brij Raj’s letter (April 16) was interesting. Army jawans are willing for reemployment in parliamentary forces. But they are not inducted due to one reason or the other.

We have taken up the case with the government to allow jawans to serve up to 60 years age. On retirement from Army (35-45 years of age), the Record Offices concerned should issue fresh appointment letters.

The government may create vacancies in parliamentary forces like the BSF, the CRPF, the ITBP, the GREF, the DSC etc., fill up reserved vacancies at the Centre and in the states and provide for 25 per cent reservation of vacancies in the state police.

Retirement benefits may be disbursed on superannuation. In case it is implemented, the interest accruing on retirement benefits, on completion of 15 years service like gratuity and commutation may be at par with the pay and allowances of new appointments. Consequently, the government may utilise their services free.

Sub-Maj MUKHTAR SINGH (retd), Patti (Tarn Taran)