M A I L B A G

The Jehanabad outrage and after

This has reference to the editorial “Outrage at Jehanabad” (Nov 15). The Centre and the state may consider the Naxalite menace as a law and order problem. But it highlights the inherent contradictions in the prevailing socio-economic system. Justice, liberty, equality and fraternity are enshrined in our Constitution as our national goals, but in practice our social-political- economic system does nothing substantial to achieve these goals.

The poor people’s plight is either exploited by the ‘vote-hungry’ politicians or armed organisations like those of the Naxalites. Today, the tragedy is that state power is slowly slipping into the hands of the moneyed class. Criminalisation of politics helps this class.To solve the Naxalite problem, besides developing the basic infrastructural facilities in the neglected regions, people must be empowered through radical socio-economic measures. State terrorism would prove counter-productive.

SUDESH KUMAR SHARMA, Kapurthala

II

The Jehanabad jail attack in Bihar is a classic example of anarchy. The attack by a few hundred Naxalite militants, their planning and operation speaks volumes about the ineffectiveness of agencies like the state intelligence, police, executive and all those entrusted to safeguard the sovereignty 
of the nation. And now, ironically, almost all the political parties play the blame game to derive political mileage instead of evolving a strategy to thwart such horrendous acts.

Major BALDEV SINGH, Ambala Cantonment

III

The Jehanabad Superintendent of Police has been suspended, but this is not enough. The law and order administration often fails to avert group clashes. Since no one is made accountable, the district administration is caught napping when tension mounts in the city.

The district officers generally go to the scene only when the bodies are lying around. This has been happening for quite some time as there is no official accountability for such failures. Some drastic measure like invoking Article 311 of the Constitution (dismissal from service) for laxity could help.

Major NARINDER SINGH JALLO, Mohali

Fringe benefit tax I do not know why political parties are exempted from fringe benefit tax (FBT). The exemption was made through an ordinance on October 31, 2005. There should be equality in all taxes and political parties must set an example by paying all taxes. Taxes, be it FBT, perquisites (income-tax), cash withdrawal tax or service tax, should be made applicable to all citizens. Political parties should enjoy no tax concession or exemption and instead set an example of strict tax compliance. MAHESH KUMAR, New Delhi

Quality democracy

Mr H.K. Dua’s editorial on the theme “Ensuring quality of democracy” (The Tribune’s Special Supplement, “India: The tasks ahead”, September 24) is very down to earth. Achieving quality democracy is a very tough and major task and the country will be certainly achieving it in efflux of time.

The articles by Mr Fali S. Nariman, Mr N. Vittal, Mr B.G. Varghese and Mr K. Subramanyam are quite good and thought provoking.

Justice I. VENKATANARAYANA, President, AP State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Hyderabad

II

All is not well with the world’s largest democracy. The system is riddled with so many problems like casteism, corruption and criminalisation of politics that we cannot strictly call it a successful and functioning democracy. There is need for politics of consensus for national growth. Representative institutions — from Parliament to Panchayats — should meet more often for the success of democracy.

As Mr Dua points out in his article, to ensure the quality of democracy, we should have the “will to do it”. Service before self should be the motto of every politician and official. They should set an exemplary example for all others to follow in the larger interest of the country.

BALDEV SINGH KANG, Bassi Pathan (Fatehgarh Sahib)

Educating girl child

Free education to girl child is welcome but private schools too should implement this scheme, duly monitored by the authorities. It seems attractive in schemes like the Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan where 90 per cent work is completed on paper only.

No doubt, the scheme is a right step, though too late for gender empowerment. Time alone will tell how this bonanza would help our daughters. The scheme should be given wide publicity from the grassroots level. Local bodies like panchayats and gram mahila mandals should be made accountable for the proper implementation of the Central scheme.

AJAY KUMAR DATTA, Ambota (Una)

Follow Constitution

This has reference to the editorial “President’s musings” (Nov 14). It is on record that our three wings i.e. the legislative, the executive and the judiciary are not working in close cooperation with each other. Every legislation is under scrutiny and every executive order needs the judicial approval.

We have adopted some procedures and while following them and the processes, we often forget the main provisions of our Constitution. Punjab itself had nullified some of its agreements through new laws. The three pillars of the Constitution should work hand in hand for national progress.

DALIP SINGH WASAN, Patiala