Improve policing instead

Nirbhaya rape case had certainly shaken the conscience of the entire nation. A strong punishment was required, not only to bring justice to Nirbhaya and her family, but also to set an apt example. But capital punishment is not the right way. Real deterrence is created when the ‘potential criminal’ knows that if he commits crime, he will not escape the law. In such a scenario, even if the punishment is milder than capital punishment, it will still create deterrence. Moreover, capital punishment presumes that a criminal is beyond reformation. The need of the time is to enhance the policing capacity. States need to enforce police reforms.

Jashandeep Singh Kang, Chandigarh

Not free to protest

Refer to ‘No goon held, but JNUSU prez booked’ (Jan 8); Aishe Ghosh was wounded badly and has been booked for vandalism. Does the youth of the country not have the freedom

of speech under this Hindutva government? If they are fighting for their rights, how are they disloyal to the country? This means that the government is now not working on the Constitution, but on its party agenda.

Shruti Sharma, Ludhiana

Clean chit before probe

The Tribune has raised some pertinent questions on the credibility of the probe into the brutal attack on JNU students and teachers (‘Fair and unfair FIRs’, Jan 8). Even as the complicitous conduct of the JNU administration stands out, the Delhi Police response was tardy. They have not apprehended even one goon. On top of that, the Minister of State for Home has given a clean chit to the right-wing students’ union, ABVP, even before any inquiry concludes. It may be made a case of anti-nationalism versus ultra-nationalism, instead of students’ demand for quality education at affordable cost.

Prem Singh Dahiya, Rohtak

Cut their perks, too

Apropos ‘Govt to cut revenue expenditure by 20%’ (Jan 8), in order to improve the precarious fiscal health of the state, the government of Punjab has imposed a 20 per cent cut in standard object of expenditure (SOE) of the revenue budget. Though belated, it is a step in the right direction. So poor is the financial health of the state that government employees have yet to get pending DA instalments and arrears. The government also proposes to cut non-practising allowance of doctors, among other steps. To tide over the crisis, it would be appropriate to curb the perks and freebies being enjoyed by our elected representatives. The government needs to have a relook on the payment of a number of pensions to former MLAs, ministers and CMs.

NK Gosain, Bathinda

Tribute to Idu Sharif

‘Idu Sharif’s powerful voice falls silent’ (Jan 8) is a sad comment on the poverty of the cultural policy of the Punjab Government. The pathos of his voice was capable of touching the chords of the heart of the audience. I had heard him at the cultural segment of the 83rd session of the Indian Science Congress held at Punjabi University in 1996. But like other organisations, the university, too, missed the opportunity to develop his musical talent. It reflects the prevalent approach to human resources of the state. Being the ‘voice of the people’, The Tribune has paid a befitting tribute to him by carrying the news of his demise on the front page.

Jagvinder Singh Brar, Patiala

Oil crisis on horizon

Apropos the article ‘Oil crisis looms as West Asia simmers’ (Jan 8); if preventive measures are not taken, the situation can take a turn for the worse. There is need to exercise restraint in the use of petroleum products. The use of huge personal cars should be avoided, and as far as possible, public transport should be made use of. In rural areas, conventional sources of energy such as firewood can be used as there is a thick growth of bushes.

Santosh Jamwal, Hamirpur

Too cold to be in school

Reference to the news ‘Thin attendance in govt schools amid immense cold’ (Jan 8); in immensely cold western countries, life goes on as usual. Children go to school and other people go to work when it is still dark and return home when the sun has already set. Most of our people are poor. When they have no shelter to save themselves from cold, how can they provide their children with warm clothes? It is their poverty which does not allow their children to attend schol. The school administration should take a sympathetic view towards such students, or close school for some days to avoid any tragedy.

Faqir Singh, Dasuya

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