M A I L B A G

Strong resolve needed to end corruption

Apropos of H.K. Dua’s article “The growing cancer: What should be done to stop corruption” (Oct 16), it is sad but true that corruption, like cancer, has not only spread everywhere in the country, but the malignancy has gone too deep for anyone to find an easy cure for it. Worse still is the peoples’ indifference and apathy towards the eradication of this malice which is often reflected in such statements as, “What can be done, after all”; “Nothing will happen, you know”; “Everyone is corrupt”. What then is the solution?

On the basis of his diagnosis and prognosis of the degenerating power politics, Mr Dua says that “the remedy for corruption has to come from honest citizens” and that this requires “considerable courage and may be some sacrifice in personal terms.”  For strengthening the resolve and initiative of courageous “honest citizens”, I may add
that in their venture they could enlist the valuable support of NGOs such as the Association for Democratic Reforms and the People’s Union for Civil Liberties.

Dr VIRENDRA KUMAR,  UGC Emeritus Fellow,  Panjab University, Chandigarh

II

Former Central Vigilance Commissioner N.Vittal had given a number of suggestions to root out corruption in the government, but these have not been implemented. Even a Bill could not be presented in Parliament due to differences of opinion among the political parties. No one seems interested to end corruption.

There is need for transparency in the functioning of the government, e-governance, regulatory commissions and fair selection of people for government offices. Even our religious saints can help tackle corruption. After engineer Satyendra Dubey’s murder, Parliament enacted the Whistleblowers’ Act, but its efficacy is yet to be tested on the ground. Corruption can be eliminated from the system only if there is political will and the government is really sincere about it.

M.L. GARG, Chandigarh

III

The problem is being taken lightly, although it is much deep rooted. In fact, corruption is directly related to the decadence of rural values in the country. If we are really sincere to root out corruption, we have to initiate a renaissance movement as in Europe 400 years back, but it should be based on non-violence, to create scientific and logical thoughts among the masses and destroy orthodoxy.

Dr NAVAL VIYOGI, Director, Indian National Historical Research Council, Ludhiana

Reforming justice system The lynching of criminals in Bihar, West Bengal, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh suggest that the weaker sections are taking the law into their hands. Lynching represents people’s loss of faith in the system. The poor and the weak do not get justice for obvious reasons. If the investigation is in their favour and a case is filed, the system comes in the way. The court fee, the lawyer’s fee, the long process of filing of case, the heavily burdened judges have all made the system a mockery. Having lost faith in justice, the people bear till they can, beyond which they revolt. The justice system should be overhauled by delinking it from outside influences, political and economic. It should be made accountable for giving justice to the poor. Other suggestions are compulsory registration of cases, investigation by a separate agency, time-frame for registration, investigation and filing of cases, prompt punishment of cops for dereliction of duty, and reducing the role of the lawyers. The costly legal process could be made simpler if courts accept applications directly from people with minimal or no fee, allow complainants to appear directly before the judge and produce evidence, fix norms for early case completion, and make delayed justice an offence against judges, advocates and the parties. Dr D.S. GREWAL, Ludhiana

Long-standing plea

I am 84 years old. I fought different wars as an infantry soldier from 1939 to 1972. Our political leaders and successive governments have been making statements regarding “one rank, one pension” over the years. However, little has been done on the ground. They should not fool ex-servicemen, the unlucky segment of society. I appeal to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to take a final decision regarding this long-standing demand.

Major D.C. KATOCH (retd), Amb (Una)

Follow Punjab

The Punjab government gives Rs 250 medical allowance plus LTC in cash to its employees. After pensioners attain the age of 65 and 75 years, they get increments of 5 per cent and 10 per cent in their basic pension respectively. But the Himachal Pradesh government, which claims to follow the Punjab pattern of pay scales for its staff, doesn’t sanction these benefits to its employees. I appeal to the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh to consider these demands sympathetically.

SAMARJIT GUPTA, Jawali (HP)

Spare farm land

Much damage is done to agricultural land while converting it to housing and commercial use. Decrease in agricultural land and increase in population will result in the scarcity of foodgrains. This trend needs to be checked. Instead, the government should plan and encourage multi-storeyed buildings and provide loan on low interest. This way, agricultural land can be spared.

PARSHOTAMLAL GUPTA, Jalandhar