Fill or abolish posts

‘Vacant posts in Army’ is not a new thing these days. We find every department with shortage of manpower at different levels against sanctioned strength which naturally hampers working and performance. There are departments which need to be kept alert/emergent 24×7 and 365 days, such as defence, health, Railways, fire, disaster, etc., where not only full strength is a must, but also the provision of leave reserve (10%) is required to be kept. As far as replacement in place of retiring personnel is concerned, rules are very clear when sufficient time remains with appointing authorities for selection/recruitment of suitable employees or new entrants systematically. But personal whims or considerations put obstacles in timely action. We should not forget the 1962 debacle on account of our unpreparedness in manpower strength and Army equipment. We need to prioritise manpower strength in all disciplines, or else abolish posts which remain vacant for years.

JS Jassal, Patiala

Farmers or terrorists?

Water cannons (which are not available when crop residue is burnt in the fields, but are available to ward off protesting farmers), tear gas, cobra wire to defend, rapid action force, and what not! Are they farmers or terrorists? The way the government is treating them is simply not acceptable. Delhi is underestimating the farmers. If left unheard, they will intensify their agitation.

Vishal Munjal, Abohar

Farmers’ loss of trust

The farmers’ agitation has been going on for the past two months or so, but the situation has taken a grim turn as thousands of farmers and union activists are on the march to Delhi. One thing is for sure that mainstream political parties in Punjab have turned irrelevant as the farmers hardly trust them, and their elected representatives have failed them. In a democracy, such a situation is an unhealthy development. We, as common citizens, can just sit with our fingers crossed. I hope that the union government will find a pragmatic political solution as the farmers are a very significant stakeholder in the national economy.

MS Aulakh, Ludhiana

Meaningful dialogue must

The BJP’s strident political posturing, portraying all its political opponents in the Valley as anti-nationals and separatists might be electorally useful for it in the Jammu region, but is harmful for the national integration that it professes. When such statements come from the Home Minister, it is even more counterproductive. A meaningful dialogue is essential, and violence-free elections are the best way to open up peace possibilities.

Neha, Kharar

Corona upsurge in HP

The recent surge in active cases in Himachal Pradesh is an alarming situation for a state with limited medical facilities, transportation and climatic difficulties. The lifestyle of the people of the state that is based on agriculture, animal rearing and other livelihood means as well as overconfidence supported with ignorance about the dangers of the virus in its first phase are responsible for the present situation in the state. The government as well as the people need to be more cautious and observe the Covid protocol. All family and religious functions and duties should involve utmost caution.

SS Verma, Longowal

Ad hoc DEOs

‘Vacant posts in animal husbandry’ is an eye-opener. I am a retired educationist and similar is the story of school education in Punjab. There are 22 posts of District Education Officer (Elementary) and the same number in secondary, but all 44 DEOs are working on an ad-hoc basis in the pay scale of a school principal. Ironically, even the Director (Elementary) is working on an ad-hoc basis. According to inspection cadre rules of 2018, seniormost principals are to be promoted as DEO through departmental promotion committee with one additional increment, but for the past many years, such promotions were never ordered. Junior DEOs and junior DPIs are dictating orders to senior principals and even writing their ACR, contrary to rules. As the seniority of the DPI (Elementary) is placed at 1262, all senior principals up to 1261 should be designated as DPI. For the sake of justice, and for improvement in the standard of education, the department should promote senior principals as DEOs and DPIs.

Devinder Sahni, by mail

A blow to Congress

The death of Congress leader Ahmad Patel is a great shock for the party. Called Chanakya in the Congress party, he had the ability to take everyone along. His death has created a vacuum in the party, which is hard to fill. Now, Rahul Gandhi should take the command of the party in his hands, and make the Congress strong at the booth level as well as the Centre. He should connect with booth-level workers via video conferencing.

Narender Kumar, by mail

Letters to the Editor, typed in double space, should not exceed the 200-word limit. These should be cogently written and can be sent by e-mail to: Letters@tribunemail.com