M A I L B A G

Counting the corrupt in Punjab

There is a pahari saying that when all the goats begin to shiver within the Divine courtyard, the slaughterer might tire out and crumble well before he could slaughter all of them in honour of the deity. Therefore, Capt Amarinder Singh might get fatigued in the pursuit of the corrupt, possibly fail to catch all the thieves before his tenure comes to an end because Punjab is crowded with thousands of Sidhus and Ahluwalias, their touts, patrons and beneficiaries — among them VIP vultures.

Corruption by institutional heads enjoying patronage of people in power has had generated a loot culture of limitless greed; encouraging other people to indulge in all kinds of anti-social activities, by choice or by force of family circumstances, to open up fake financial agencies or travel agencies that indulge in trafficking in women from hills, besides trafficking in jobless youth to foreign countries against a huge price-tag.

The greatest asset of any society is its youth, who trust in the fairness of the system, that has now been shaken, promoting bitterness and cynicism among youth. An attempt to subvert the system by those, who are expected to strengthen it must be resisted by all at all levels because a young person selected by paying bribe is bound to pollute the system further.

As advised by Central Vigilance Commissioner N. Vittal, Capt Amarinder Singh must make a law to take over the properties held by all Sidhus and Ahluwalias, make an example of it to be followed by all Congress Chief Ministers of 13 other states in similar cases.

B.C. MAKHAIK, Shimla

Sack other members

The government has moved to remove Mr Sidhu as PPSC Chairman. But other members are also not less guilty. We are told that the persons who occupy such coveted positions as that of Member, Public Service Commission, are distinguished personalities in various fields. When they are people of eminence and outstanding calibre, they ought to be bold, fearless and should have the courage to speak out if things go wrong and against the public interest. Further, the perks, glamour and salary associated with such positions should not enslave them, which has happened in this case.

Prima facie, they have failed to discharge their responsibilities. By remaining mute spectators to the misdeeds of Mr Sidhu, they are as guilty as Mr Sidhu and deserve to be sacked and prosecuted. Each member costs the exchequer about Rs 100 lakh a year and such an amount can’t be spent on any govt servant if he is only idling away his time on the chair.

BHARTENDU SOOD, Chandigarh

Politics of secularism

We are very proud of our rich heritage and ancient civilisation that teach us coexistence, tolerance and respect. But all these ideals appear to have vanished in thin air as far as Gujarat is concerned. The land of Gandhi has become a fertile ground for communal forces.

The secular parties and the media consider it their duty to criticise anything related with Hinduism. This kind of attitude has not helped the cause of secularism. If the Prime Minister visits a minority shrine then it is secularism, but if he visits a Hindu shrine, a debate is ensued about the deviation from secularism.

Secularists treat different communities as vote-banks, nothing more. The Muslim community is the biggest loser in this game of politics. The community, could get only little benefits of development in the last 50 years in comparison to other communities.

PUSHPINDER SINGH GUSAIN, Chandigarh