M A I L B A G

Enhancing the quality of literature

In most important world languages, each spoken by millions of people, it is rarely that excellent literature, worthy of acclaim and admiration, is produced in every genre like fiction, poetry and travelogue. To produce one excellent original book in each of the fields of literature every year is only a cry in the wilderness.

It is, therefore, neither necessary nor desirable to award the Shiromani Sahitkar award to the litterateurs every year religiously. This practice very often adversely affects the quality of literature.

Moreover, it is not just creative literature in the area of novels and short stories etc. which makes a language rich and efficacious enough to provide its readers with the latest knowledge in fields like science, technology, psychology and sociology. Honours and awards, therefore, must also be initiated for outstanding original works in sciences, technology, information technology and other subjects of human interest of Punjabi language has to compare favourably with other world languages.

Dr T.R. SHARMA, Patiala

Timid approach

B.G. Verghese’s article “Governance is the issue” was thought-provoking. The Gujarat government played a dubious role in the 2002 riots. Admittedly, the communalisation of the issue, intimidation of the minorities and Mr Narendra Modi’s rhetoric paid rich dividends for the BJP in the Assembly elections. An ineffective opposition led by the Congress failed to counter this boldly.

If a person has disregard for human values of life, disrespect for humanity and strong tendency to hurt others, he or she will not be admired in society. Instead of taking a righteous stand, the Congress failed to pinpoint the tragedy perpetrated on human beings by the Modi government and that is why it lost the elections. If this timid approach continued this year, the ruling UPA will fail to gain the people’s confidence.

S.M. MEHTA, IAS (retd), Chandigarh

Intrinsically corrupt

It needs no reminding that the government-initiated health schemes are ineffective due to rampant corruption. The recent World Bank report on large-scale corruption, kickbacks and bribes in five health projects puts every Indian to shame.

As Indians, we are highly religious. We can see a Gurudwara, a temple, a masjid or any religious building at every nook or corner. Yet, we hardly care for cheating the system which aims to protect human life — the ultimate gift of God. The power of money even makes it the most cherished possession, even if it is amassed by dubious means.

Capt RUPINDER SINGH, Ahmedgarh Channa (Sangrur)

Driving, Punjab style The traffic rules are uniform in all the states and UTs. The difference is in the way these are enforced. In Punjab, most people drive cars without pollution check certificates, but when they plan to go to Chandigarh, they get the same issued in a jiffy. The reason: the Chandigarh police is firm on rule enforcement. In Punjab, the traffic light system is perfunctory and lacks proper coordination. Long and erratic power cuts have paralysed the system. Most traffic squares are unmanned, helping many to ignore the rules. The police should coordinate with the PSEB in this regard. Secondly, the Punjab police should be honest and transparent in fining the rule violators. Some people, when caught, call up their contacts in the police or district administration and manage to escape. But in Chandigarh, the traffic police promptly fine the flouters even before they try to call up their contacts. And finally, every fifth car in Punjab has a red beacon or siren, considered a license to flout the rules. The Punjab government should think twice before giving beacons to anyone. SUKHWINDER SINGH, Ludhiana

Mohali airport

Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has claimed that the proposed Mohali airport would create 30 lakh jobs for Punjab’s unemployed youth whereas it would uproot 100 families of Jheurheri village to suffer. The Chief Minister should clarify how would airport authorities create 30 lakh jobs? The airport will only create 50 jobs for the near and dear ones of the powers that be.

Every Chief Minister has pushed Punjab into debt by laying foundation stones on fertile land under the garb of development. Politicians have become immoral and unprincipled as they formulate policies only to meet their selfish ends. Accumulation of wealth to fight for the next elections is also their main concern. The Chief Minister should not provide facilities to the rich by acquiring poor farmers’ land for the airport.

Capt RAGHBIR SINGH GILL, Jheurheri (Mohali)

Metro for Tricity

The residents of Tricity — Chandigarh, Panchkula and Mohali — are thrilled at the news regarding the approval of Metro. The authorities should not take it easy now. Necessary formalities like processing of administrative approval, survey, alignment, designers and estimates should be accelerated. A coordination committee drawn from Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh UT should pursue and expedite the Metro, the city’s dream project.

Metro will go a long way in controlling accidental deaths and lowering the pollution levels. The funds should not be a problem, as luckily our own local MP is also the Union Minister of the State of Finance. The project should not be confined to files but needs to be pursued vigorously.

J.K. MAGO, Panchkula

Tribunal for forces

The President’s assent to the amended Bill notifying the Armed Forces Tribunal Act 2007 will be a boon to the defense services personnel. It will resolve the intra and and inter-service matters speedily and effectively. The serving Judge Advocate General, in the rank of Lieutenant General, should be appointed as Chairman or Deputy Chairman of this Tribunal instead of a Supreme Court or High Court Judge.

B.B. MAHAJAN, Chandigarh