M A I L B A G

An enduring solution to power crisis

Disturbingly, about one-third of the total power generated in the country is lost in transmission and distribution losses. In sharp contrast, transmission losses are barely one-tenth of the total power generation elsewhere in the world. Obviously, there is more to it than meets the eye.

If the State Electricity Boards tackle the power pilferage problem sincerely, the availability of power can be increased by at least 20-25 per cent. An emphatic “No” to freebies and roping in private investment in the power sector can also go a long way in easing the bleak scenario.

An enduring solution should, however, be to step up the generation of electricity. This can be done by utilising the enormous outlays in improving the efficiency the existing plants and replacing the obsolete equipment and ensuring proper maintenance of the machinery.

AMRIT SACHDEVA, Kaithal

II

The editorial, “Darkness at noon” rightly observes that the Centre and the states have failed on the power front. The states have found an easy way out to blame the Centre for their failure on the power front.

The editorial rightly asks why cannot states in general and Punjab in particular take stringent action against power theft (which has been rightly described by the Prime Minister as “cancer”) which accounts for an alarming 30-45 per cent losses. I would urge the Punjab government to initiate a vigorous drive against power theft.

Lt-Col ONKAR CHOPRA (retd), Abohar (Punjab)

III

Under the aegis of the Consumer Protection and Grievances Redressal Forum, we have been organising awareness camps on power conservation in SAS Nagar (Mohali) and Ropar districts for the last few years. Though these camps and leaflets, the residents are apprised of various methods like the use of CFL lamps to save power.

Over the years, we have been pleading with the government and the PSEB to popularise CFLs. At last the new government has taken a decision which will help save power.

The CFLs do have some drawbacks. The Chinese made are costly. To make them affordable, the government would do well to provide them at subsidised rates. Secondly, as CFLs contain mercury, the fused ones should be carefully disposed off.

Col ANGAD SINGH (retd), Mohali

Stem the rot

Mindless violence, cancerous corruption, endemic casteism and communalism, rabid intolerance and parochialism, you name it, we have them in abundance. One at times wonders whether at this rate India is going downhill and fast turning into an ungovernable entity difficult to sustain itself despite rapid economic progress in certain fields. Most politico-social maladies afflicting us today can be attributed substantially to crass selfishness and abject weak-kneed approach on the part of those ruling India over the years. Add to this the divisive vote-bank politics scarred and stigmatised by the scourge of reservations and concessions. Politicians of all hues must bow in shame and devise ways to stem the rot.

Wg-Cdr S.C. KAPOOR (retd), Noida

Two-phase poll

The recent confrontation between Gujjars and Meenas has highlighted a basic defect in our election process. Declaring the largest vote-getter in a constituency as the winner irrespective of the vote percentage encourages divisiveness, and invests power in vote blocks beyond their intrinsic worth.

We should amend our Constitution and hold elections in two phases. The first phase will be as now; the two top scorers will enter the second phase and fight it out. This way different vote banks will be forced to form a coalition at the grassroot level itself. Already the prevailing use of electronic voting machines will make the process manageable.

The winner in the two-phase election will have legitimacy. The term of the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies can then be fixed at five years. This will pose no problem at the Centre, because there is no provision of President’s rule. If a state government falls, Governor’s rule can be imposed keeping the Assembly in suspended animation and MLAs paid their salaries.

Two-phase elections accompanied by a fixed term for the House will encourage different pressure groups to accommodate one another, save money and give the country respite from perpetual politicking.

RAJESH KOCHHAR, Mohali