Defacing public property

Assembly elections are round the corner in Punjab and it is disturbing to see the outrageous defacement of public property by candidates of almost all parties in the fray. The ‘smiling’ faces of the candidates on the posters plastered on flyovers, electricity poles, subways, etc., in the most abhorrent manner seem to be mocking the apathetic administration everywhere. The violation of the Punjab Prevention of Defacement of Property Act, 1997, is happening in broad daylight. The authorities must take action. Also, we should not get carried away by the smiling faces on the posters. Candidates and political parties who desire to win the elections by flouting rules can never do any good, even if they win.

Col VK Sharma (Retd), Jalandhar

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Maze of UP elections

Uttar Pradesh is under the pangs of elections, which can be likened to a maze from where the victor must find his way. Political parties are behaving like parrots. When among Hindus, they talk of Hindu gods and deities and make sure that they visit temples and are seen posing with relevant ‘insignia’. When among Muslims, they make frivolous promises to appease them. Ideologies have been consigned to the bin. Then there is the great caste conundrum. There are myriad castes and sub-castes, each of which has leaders with unbound political ambitions. They also forage for their pound of political flesh. Each party is accusing the other of dividing society, though all are doing so. The media cares about TRP, and not social harmony. Sadly, no one talks of national integrity.

Kiran Sharma, SunderNagar

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No to freebies

Apropos of ‘Want jobs, not freebies’, it is refreshing that the youth of Punjab are seeking job opportunities, transparent recruitment, better education facilities and start-up programmes. They are unimpressed with freebies. They want to be self-reliant. The young voters may not be swayed by pre-poll tempting and hollow promises. Rather, the message is loud and clear: ‘Nava Punjab, rozgar uplabadh karaan walian de naal’ (New Punjab, go with those creating job opportunities).

Krishan Kant Sood, Nangal

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Safer outdoors

The EC’s announcement of allowing up to 300 people or 50% of the hall capacity for indoor political purposes and banning outdoor rallies or gathering of more than five people is astonishing. It exposes the lack of scientific considerations and ICMR guidelines. There is more risk of Covid spread in indoor conditions. It is contrary to the fact that in the past, both Central and state governments have been allowing more number of people outdoors as compared to indoors. The ICMR and Central government must take note of EC guidelines.

Vitull K Gupta, Bathinda

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NCTE inspection team

Refer to the news ‘Extortion: Working of private BEd colleges under scanner’; it is shocking that three members of the inspection team of the NCTE were arrested for demanding money for ignoring shortcomings in private colleges in HP. It is evident that they were hand in glove with the culprits. The required number of teachers is not being recruited and payment of dues was being denied to faculty members, despite having collected the course fee for a year in advance up to June 2020. Instead of reprimanding the defaulting college authorities, the team members deemed it fit to seek money. They deserve severe punishment.

Vijaya Sharma, by mail

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Toying with education

The charge of accepting bribe by the inspection team of the NCTE from private BEd colleges and awarding of degrees by MBU without adequate faculty in Himachal Pradesh is alarming, and perhaps the tip of the iceberg. The efforts of the state government to check this menace is praiseworthy, which other states must follow. Any compromise with education is sufficient to destroy a nation.

RS Kishtwaria, Palampur

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Vote wisely

With the Punjab Assembly elections looming, every party is in the struggle to form its own government. Many promises are being made to the people, all parties are claiming to solve their problems. But what next? It is vital that people understand the importance of their vote. Every single vote is valuable. People should vote according to their understanding after assessing the work of party representatives. They should not follow blindly or vote in lieu of sops. Given the current situation in Punjab, it is imperative that a party be elected which is capable of taking the state forward.

Jasdeep kaur, Ludhiana

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