M A I L B A G

Freedom sans growth has no meaning

I refer to Mr H.K. Dua’s front-page editorial, “Freedom for whom?” (Aug 15). Freedom, in its true sense, remains an unfinished agenda. Freedom and development have failed to bridge the divides that afflict our country. There are many divides, all demanding equal attention. Foremost among these is the divide between the rich and the poor. Poverty is declining, but only at a modest pace which is no longer acceptable.

There is also a divide between those who have access to essential services and those who do not, which leads to large disparities in health and nutritional status, in education and skills. Another important divide is gender bias. It begins with declining sex ratio and goes on to literacy differential between girls and boys plus the high rate of maternal mortality. Differences in educational status and economic empowerment are heavily biased against women.

The divide between urban and rural India has become a reality of our times. Large parts of our country are trapped in a prison of discontent, injustice and frustration that breed extremism. Special efforts must be made to remove the discontent, instill a sense of fairness among the people and give them dignity and hope.

Dr MANDEEP SINGH, Yamunanagar

II

Since Independence, India has passed six decades and 10 Five-Year Plans. The poverty ratio has declined to some extent (26 per cent according to an estimate), but the number of people who are living below poverty line is still almost equal to the total population of India as compared to 1947. The national character and health are being ruined by economic evils like unemployment, non-availability of drinking water, shortage of food products and power, lack of planning and improper execution of developmental schemes.

The country has made strides in education, but illiteracy will have to be removed in rural pockets. The present education system should not only help produce engineers, doctors and advocates but also vibrant and committed leaders so that common people enjoy the fruits of independence in its true sense under the best leadership.

RANJODH SINGH, Bathinda

III

How can 21st century belong to a nation where most people don’t have access to safe drinking water, 60 per cent of the population do not have proper sanitary facilities, over 50 per cent people are anaemic and malnourished, universal health care, literacy and timely justice are a distant dream, per capita food consumption is decreasing, most farmers are under debt, physical infrastructure like roads, schools, healthy centres are shoddy and, above all, we are one of the most corrupt countries?

Mr Dua is right. People have begun to wonder whether democracy in the country is really in safe hands. I think it is not.

Dr VITULL K. GUPTA, Bathinda

IV

Truly, India is adrift in high seas, sometimes seemingly going smooth but often caught in rough sea. It has yet to find its moorings even in the 60th year of its Independence. There is rampant corruption and the whistle blowers are at the receiving end.

The conduct of majority of our MPs and MLAs is shameful. Our leaders waste time and money by making fun and frolic in Parliament. We have elected them and pay their income-tax too, but do we have a choice next time?

GURKIRPAL SINGH SIDHU, Barnala