M A I L B A G

Tackling the problem of indebtedness

THE report “Punjab farmer shoulders maximum debt” (May 12) is far away from ground realities. There is no ST population in Punjab, though it was based on the NSSO survey. It is the intellectual bankruptcy of the intelligentsia, particularly the leadership of BKU-type organisations, that they are creating hullabaloo about the indebtedness of farmers.

With the advent of the imperialist’s dictated ‘Green Revolution’ technologies, the very mode of production in Punjab had changed to capitalist mode of production long ago. Small producers are doomed to perish in the cut-throat competition.

Two phenomena — concentration of land in a few hands and parcelisation of land holding due to division and re-division of families — are occurring at a fast rate. But the mode of production — heavy use of machinery, HYV seeds, unequal exchange of input and output commodities — and the fast depletion of ground water are making farming non-viable for small farmers. This indebtedness is a logical conclusion of capitalist development in agriculture.

Unless and until the small farmers are provided alternative means of subsistence and rural population is absorbed in industries with remunerative wages, the problem of indebtedness cannot be resolved.

K. BARSAT, Sangrur

It isn’t deviation

Reference Mr R.L. Singal’s letter on the ayurveda doctors (May 12). Their right to practice either allopathy or ayurveda is well protected by the Central Council of Indian Medicine Act, 1970, under Section 17 (3) b. The privilege to practise allopathy in clinical, non-clinical and technological innovations like x-ray, ultrasound, laboratory methods, ECG etc. including surgery, gynaecology and obstertrics is provided under the law. Thus, calling the ayurveda doctors as qualified quacks is unfair and unjustifiable.

The National Integrated Medical Association condemns such comments. In fact, the idea of modern ayurvedic education arose in the pre-Independence period when national leaders suggested integration of English medicine with indigenous system for better health care services.

Since then, ayurvedic colleges imparted education in both allopathy and Indian medicine. The same trend is in vogue in the country where not only the elementary and superficial knowledge of modern medicine but a thorough study of approach to diseases and management by modern means is taught.

Consequently, if a doctor with a degree from these colleges, practices allopathic medicine, it is not “professional deviation”, but wrong impression caused by ignorant people.

Dr NARESH DALAL, Jhajjar

II

Modern medicine is very much included in curriculum of ayurvedic graduates (though to a lesser extent). It is noteworthy that admission to BAMS, BDS etc., is made through a common entrance test along with MBBS.

Aspirants, after competing the degree course, undergo practical training as well. It is this section of medical profession which caters mostly to the needs of rural areas and help avert many medical mishaps through their integrated skills.

If our universities produce quacks, where do we expect graduates come from? Perhaps we are yet to learn to live in harmony.

Dr NIRAIL SINGH, Patiala

III

Ayurveda doctors are taught both ayurvedic and allopathy system of medicines in their curriculum. That’s why they have ample knowledge of allopathy medicines; no one can deprive us of our right to use allopathy medicines. Mr Singal’s remark (qualified quacks) has humiliated our fraternity.

The Punjab government’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare had issued a notification on June 18, 2004, allowing ayurvedic doctors to use allopathy drugs.

Even the Supreme Court has given a ruling in our favour.

Dr ROHIT SHARMA, Malerkotla

NDA must respond

The editorial “Wages of boycott” (May 16) aptly called a spade a spade. The NDA must answer the question raised by the editorial on its role in Parliament. What has Mr George Fernandes to say on the ‘joyride’ enjoyed by the Judge along with his wife in a plane provided unauthorisedly by him (Mr Fernandes)?

Again, let there be an inquiry into the sale-deed of the Centaur Hotel as Mr Arun Shourie had himself demanded it. People must know the truth. To wage a political fight against the UPA, the NDA needs some solid ground.

SUDESH KUMAR SHARMA, Kapurthala

II

The NDA and the UPA governments can be placed on the same pedestal. Why fool people if there is no genuine effort to uncover reality? Boycott of Parliament proceedings is an unpardonable crime and an affront on the electorate. ‘No work, no pay’ norm should apply to those MPs boycotting the proceedings.

S.D. BALI, Chandigarh

Stop supplies to Nepal

King Gyanendra sacked Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and imposed emergency on February 1 in the country. India should continue the ban imposed on supply of arms, ammunition and other military aids to the Himalayan Kingdom.

Nepal is our closest neighbour and the developments there are bound to have an impact on this country. Therefore, India should exert pressure on the King to restore democracy there. India’s tough posture will surely force the King to restore democracy.

VIKAS SEN, Karasan (Ambala)