M A I L B A G

Ensuring quality power supply in Himachal

APROPOS of the editorial “Power struggle” (Oct 25), the issues raised are of great significance in so far as the functioning of the loss-making State Electricity Boards are concerned. The Himachal Pradesh government which was the signatory to power sector reforms should not sit and watch the SEB accumulating losses and thereby facing the music.

Non-filing of application for revision of tariff before the Electricity Regulatory Commission by the SEB may be acceptable to some consumers, since they continue to pay the power bills at old rates. Consumers are, however, unaware that this kind of situation where a commercial organisation keeps on accumulating losses is unsustainable. The consumers, barring a few, are unaware of the meaning of quality in power supply. If the SEB keeps on incurring losses, the first casualty is the quality of power supply.

Politically, revision of power tariff is a very unpopular step. As rightly pointed out in the editorial, the Himachal government should ensure that the SEB files its annual revenue requirement before the Electricity Regulatory Commission before it is too late. In doing so, it will be ensuring the continuance of availability of quality power supply to its consumers. We, the power consumers, look forward to the State Government taking a positive step in exhibiting good governance.

P.N. BHARDWAJ, Dharampur (HP)

Tackling terrorism

This refers to the news items “Holed-up ultra kills two children” and “3 die as ultras ambush Army convoy” (Oct 29). According to reports, reacting on the recent bomb blasts in Mumbai, Shiv Sena Supremo Bal Thackeray said, “terrorism can be countered only by super terrorism”. He said suspected terrorists must be gunned down in “encounters”.

The terrorists backed by Pakistan are attacking our security forces and Army camps in Jammu and Kashmir. Many people have lost their lives in recent attacks. India should deal with terrorists on the line of Israel. Israel is fighting terrorism on its own very well. Every civilian is given military training there to fight against terrorists. To win this “proxy war”, we should deal with Pakistan on the lines suggested by Mr Bal Thackeray and Israel.

R.K. ARORA, Amritsar

His spirit is alive

Apropos of the article “Simon go back - 75 years after” (Nov 3), the slogan “Simon go back” was coined by the Bombay-based Congress socialist Yusuf Meharally whose birth centenary falls this year. He was only 24, at the time of the Simon Commission’s visit. Though his family was traditionally pro-British, Yusuf went to jail in 1930. The commission was asked to report on the degree of “responsible government”. The move fell short of the Congress demand for a round table conference. At that time, the Congress, the Muslim League, the Hindu Maha Sabha and the Liberal Party boycotted the Commission.

Thus February 3, 1928 proved to be a decisive day in the history of Bombay, when the Youth Leaguers with Meharally at its helm planned an ambitious expedition to meet the Commission on boats, but the police took precaution to scotch it. He played a pivotal role and was badly injured. Although he is no more, he has literally given the life for the cause of the country.

HANS RAJ JAIN, Moga

Neglected Faridabad

The people of Faridabad are a disappointed lot. The Faridabad Municipal Corporation has done little to improve cleanliness and hygiene in the city. As far as cleaning of drains and sewers are concerned, our complaints in formal applications are deposited in a waste paper box. The officials simply do not bother about the complaints. They do turn up in the office but make lame excuses for their failure to set things right.

Sometimes, the response is characterised by ad hocism. The sewerage system remains blocked and the drains stink. In case they are temporarily cleaned up, the stinking muck rots and is never lifted and dumped in the city outskirts.

Officials target at hush money. When they personally fail to receive it from the sufferers, they innovate ideas. They send a private workman to inspire the client to set the blocked sewer in order. The vicious circle goes on and on and the sewers and drains overflow into the streets and houses of the occupants.

UJJAL PAL SINGH, Faridabad

Medical internship

There is a gradual deterioration of internship training imparted to budding doctors. Though good internship is essential for a student of medical sciences before he/she is qualified for the MBBS degree to become a doctor, students are not taking it seriously. The Government Medical Colleges of Punjab top the list. Most of the interns roam around in the corridors and skip clinical duties. Some even skip the rural service during internship.

Unfortunately, the teachers pay scant regard to doctors’ internship. I request the authorities concerned to stem the rot. A proper schedule with strict compliance will go a long way in inculcating education and practical training to doctors during their internship.

DR SACHIN KAUSHAL, Patiala