M A I L B A G

Sirsa-Bathinda diesel multiple unit

Government plans often remain on paper only. The Railways plan to start a diesel multiple unit (DMU) for the Sirsa-Bathinda is section one such example. Thousands of devotees visit three famous deras on this route: Sacha Sauda at Sirsa, Radhasoami at Sikanderpur and Shah Mastana Dera at Kalanwali, near Sirsa.

There is no train between 6-10 a.m and 1.15 p.m from Bathinda and between 6 a.m and 11 a.m from Sirsa.

The railway authorities announced to start a DMU between the two stations six months back. It is still on paper.

RAJ KUMAR CHOPRA, Bathinda

Unfair to ayurveda

I could not digest the news of setting up of a TB hospital in Sector 24, Chandigarh, a residential area, and that too by replacing the ayurvedic dispensary there. I won't hesitate to say that some diabolical mind is at work.

We all are aware that the city has numerous allopathic dispensaries besides the PGI and the government hospitals in Sectors 16 and 32. But the administration is least concerned about the upliftment of the alternative systems of medicine.

The city has very few ayurvedic dispensaries, and the one in Sector 24 came up only recently for the benefit of the poor colony people of Sector 25 and others. But it is sad to say that the UT Administration is not bothered about the interests of the ayurvedic system.

ASHISH KAPOOR, Chandigarh

PCS examination

The Punjab Public Service Commission will hold a PCS (judicial) examination in August. But the PPSC has not held a PCS (executive) examination since 1998, though about 100 posts are lying vacant.

ANTAR JYOTI GHAI, Ludhiana

Pilgrims & plastic waste

The route to the Sikh shrine of Shri Hemkunt Sahib from Gobind Ghat is littered with toffee covers, plastic bottles, rain coats and other non-perishable waste. It is time the authorities, NGOs and pilgrims join hands to keep these sacred places clean.

BALJIT SINGH MANN, Bathinda

Poor VSNL services

VSNL has failed to provide good Internet services in Jalandhar. It is coming up with new schemes to attract more customers without improving their present services. The server remains down most of the time, sometimes for even two or three days.

PRABHJIT KAUR, Jalandhar

VRS & trade unions

The VRS in banks has given a severe blow to the existence of trade unions. It is difficult to mitigate problems of labour without the involvement of a union. The VRS is not a well-thought out plan. A big chunk of money has been flown out. The bank managements and trade unions are now in a fix. A reconciliatory approach between the two can only help in improving the health and productivity of banking institutions.

NIRMAL SAINI, Chandigarh

E-mail & officials

Almost all government departments now run websites but no mail address is provided to contact any senior official. The Chandigarh Police has done a commendable job. Anybody can send an e-mail to the IG, Police. The Punjab Police also has an e-mail provision but it is not functioning.

SANJAY CHOPRA, Chandigarh

Shimla stinks

The authorities in Shimla are not paying due attention to cleanliness of major tourist spots, including the Ridge and the Mall. Most of the toilets stink. The business community can also help restore the past glory of Shimla because it is the direct beneficiary of tourists.

V. K. SHARMA, Shimla