Needed amendment
The editorial ‘Saas-bahu equation changed’ (October 11) interprets appropriately the much sought-after amendment. Contrary to the criticism often raised, constitutionally and socially, women in India stand unduly prerogated, having more rights, sanctions and privileges than male citizens. Moreover, such protective favours are often misused by them. The demand for reserving 30 per cent seats at political and social platforms in itself is contradictory as the right to equality already exists in the Constitution, and women, being almost half the population, cannot be accepted as a vulnerable group. The Domestic Violence Act amendment is revolutionary and was long due. We should welcome it whole-heartedly.
MPS Chadha, Mohali
A new low
Reference to the editorial ‘State of nature’ (October 11), there is no denying the fact that the debate between the US presidential nominees Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump has become nasty, with denigrating personal comments. Indeed, in the coming weeks, the Americans and the rest of the world would watch with dreadful fascination how low this contest would sink.
Satish Sharma Majra, Kaithal
Better issues
It is unimaginative that the ideology of the US presidential election would go so low in contemplation. The US is the most powerful country in the world. Instead of pondering over international policies, progress and peaceful coexistence among different races and societies of the world, the debate has focused on illicit personal remarks on women, sex, jealousy, Trojan horse, jail, etc. May God grant wisdom to all political leaders of the world to save it from destruction.
Lt Col Kirpal Singh (retd), Chamba
Just gone, how?
Even the most enlightened in the food sector cannot understand the action of the government to get a loan of Rs 31,000 crore to meet the shortage of foodgrains worth thousands of crores, instead of first fixing responsibility on those guilty (‘Loan to cover up theft’, October 10). Such action without first explaining the reasons for this colossal burden on the already financially stressed state, smacks of something dubious and fishy. Sunil Jakhar of the Congress has been raising a voice against this scandalous shortage for long. The government must explain to the people why no action has been taken against the guilty. The Centre should not shut its eyes and mind to such issues, which may become a precursor to the loot and plunder of people’s money across India, like the 2G and coal scams. Investigation should be launched under the supervision of the Supreme Court.
Abhiraj singh Bajwa, Amritsar
Towards polyandry
India’s child sex ratio (0-6 years) came down from 945 girls for 1,000 boys in 1991 to 927 in 2001 and slipped further to 914 in the 2011 census (‘The rainbow generation’, October 11). This ratio clearly indicates what is in store for us. Drastic measures need to be taken otherwise the way we are going, India is bound to become a country where monogamy will be replaced by polyandry.
Sujit De, Kolkata
Ties with Myanmar
The article ‘Re-energise ties with Myanmar’(October 6) is relevant. Why are we so indifferent to consolidate economic and commercial ties with Myanmar? A major tea company in India has successfully invested in three tea factories in Vietnam, so establishing commerce with Myanmar should not be a problem. Aung San Suu Kyi, PM-elect of Myanmar, completed a significant part of her formal education in Delhi and this should facilitate interaction between both countries. If further delays arise, with China and Japan’s involvement already in Myanmar, India’s role may lose lustre. China has benefited, giving credence to the proverb, ‘The early bird catches the worm’.
Deepak Rikhye, Ambala
Toying with Army
The Government of India is preparing a notification to reward soldiers who silently carried out the daring surgical strikes. At the same time, the Modi government has let down soldiers by issuing a notification, reducing considerably the disability pension. This is a repeat of what the Congress government headed by Indira Gandhi did after the 1971 war. It slashed the pension of soldiers from 70 per cent of the salary drawn to 50 per cent and imposed the condition of getting this pension on the completion of 33 years of service, well knowing that a majority of soldiers retire on the completion of 15 to 24 years of service. The same Congress government increased the pension of civil servants from 30 per cent to 50 per cent of the last salary drawn, as if the babus had fought and won the war. This was a real reward given by the government for surrendering over 90,000 enemy soldiers. At the same time, it ‘forgot’ to get back its own prisoners of war from Pakistan, many of whom are still in Pakistan jails. A dirty game is being played with the armed forces.
Lt Col Angad Singh (retd) , Mohali
Prove by action
Let India not call the demolition of terror launch pads across the LoC a surgical strike. These terror spots exist only for the single reason — to harm India. Certainly, these are neither meant to overawe the Pakistani population nor to be mere showpieces. India is within its right to safeguard and demolish their terror modules. Our raiding sorties are in keeping with our rights to protect our territory against the enemy. Raids on these terror modules must go on to ensure that the miscreants do not go unpunished. Let us not gloat over being the most populated nation with the best Army. We need to assert ourself and prove it by our action.
TEK CHAND, Una
Interest rate
There are two types of depositors in banks and other financial institutions — those who want to keep their money safe and the other group that wants to increase its income by deposits against interest. GPF, CPF depositors must get higher rates of interest, as also those who wish to save money for old age. People who want to safeguard their money should not be given interest, rather the institutions should charge costs against it. The RBI should take up this issue. The interest rate should not be less than 10 per cent compoundable.
Dalip Singh Wasan, Patiala
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