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Basu stood tall, above other leaders

The editorial “Jyoti Basu: a tall leader” (Jan 18) is a befitting tribute to Jyoti Basu. He was a charismatic leader who served as Chief Minister of West Bengal for more than 23 years. As the head of the government, he was successful in bringing radical socio-economic changes in the state. He did a lot to consolidate land reforms and promote decentralisation of the administration. To boost the economy and generate employment he even tried to secure private and foreign investments.

It was under his leadership that a major challenge to the existence of Congress in West Bengal was posed. He viewed the CPM’s refusal to permit him to become the Prime Minister of India in 1996 as a blunder. He wanted to implement a progressive agenda with an aim to contain communal forces. Despite his substantial contribution to the politics of West Bengal he failed to leave any institutionalised mechanism to promote social changes on progressive lines.

Committed and regimented party workers act like remote-controlled robots. Let us see if the present leadership of the party is capable of infusing humanism, creativity and modernity into its workers so as to enable them to participate in the decision-making processes with a critical outlook. The party leadership must stop feeding the cadre with “sectarianism and regimentation”.

SUDESH KUMAR SHARMA, Kapurthala

II

In the passing away of Jyoti Basu, India has lost one of its jewels and the CPM one of its main pillars. It is interesting to note that Jyoti Basu willingly opted to become a communist, discarding the affluent life he could have easily led, belonging as he did to a wealthy family.

Under his stewardship, he made the Left Front of West Bengal strongest in the country and remained at the helm of the state government for 23 years as West Bengal’s undisputed Chief Minister. Agreed that he carried on with the task of transformation of West Bengal into a state of equals. But the state also experienced de-industrialisation and flight of capital. However, in his regime West Bengal did develop in terms of human equality. 

BIDYUT KUMAR CHATTERJEE, Faridabad

Remove hurdles

To the editorial, “NRIs deserve better” (Jan 11) I would like to add that the NRIs are willing to contribute to India’s growth and prosperity but the government creates hurdles. The NRIs are not allowed to invest money in the post office schemes. Does the cash inflow from the NRIs hurt us?

Further, even meagre interest income on their NRI bank accounts attracts tax deduction at source and that too at the high rate of 30 per cent, whereas for the Indian citizens there is no TDS up to Rs 10,000 Why this discrimination? Besides, banks do not accept form 15 G or 15 H for non-deduction of tax at source from the NRIs.

The government should remove unnecessary roadblocks and allow a free flow of funds from the NRIs, which can be utilised for development purposes.

Wg-Cdr C L SEHGAL, Jalandhar

New states

India is a big country which is still developing (article, “Small states good for development?” by Manoj Dayal, Jan 14). Thus the creation of new states is not good for the development of the country.

The need of the hour is to set up a commission, which can look into the demand for new states.

KAMALJIT MALWA, Mansa

Justice delayed

The charge-sheeting of Sajjan Kumar in 84 riots case is just another classic case of justice delayed is justice denied. It exposes flaws in the system that must be addressed at the earliest.

The absence of political will is the major roadblock impeding reforms in our system of governance. Politicians must realise that the people of India are being empowered despite the system and are rising above petty politics to recognise real issues.

RAVDEEP GILL, Chandigarh

Do good deeds

Harish Dhillon’s middle “The funeral orator”(Jan 16) sarcastically describes the homilies at prayer ceremonies on funerals. People generally speak no good about others. But this is not to be the case once a person has left for his heavenly abode.

People generally don’t forgive, but it is easier to forget and forgive once the person is no more. Imagine people telling the truth! Listeners may well be aware of the deeds or more so misdeeds of the departed soul. Still they praise the eternal traveller. I wish everyone did good deeds in this life, so that the praise heaped is not just lip service.

BHUSHAN CHANDER JINDAL Jalandhar

Plug generation gap

A child is brought into the world and brought up by his parents, but when he grows up, he wants to live life his own way. We often see conflicts between parents and their children even on minor issues. This is because parents think differently from the way their children think.

While parents need to change according to changing times, children should also not forget their responsibilities. They should obey their parents and share their problems with them. Both parents and children should work to bridge the generation gap.

SIRJANDEEP KAUR UBHA, SAS Nagar

Solar mission The Prime Minister has suggested that we should set up a solar valley on the pattern of the Silicon Valley of the US. This solar valley should carry out research on not only the manufacture of solar panels but also difficulties involved in tapping of the solar power produced. Presently, the electricity produced from solar panels is stored in storage batteries and then converted into AC form for use by the present-day distribution system. Now solar to hydrogen technology is available. The Kandi area of Punjab is best suited for the location of solar panels producing power. Some time ago, the Punjab Irrigation and Power Research Institute, Amritsar, carried out research on solar panels. The PEDA should establish a solar cell and can learn from the example of Mexico, where advance in solar research has been made. Dr G S DHILLON, Chandigarh