L E T T E R S    T O    T H E    E D I T O R

EC’s role has been praiseworthy

Undoubtedly, the Election Commission has not only enhanced its own image but also served the cause of democracy in the country (editorial, “EC at 60”, Jan 29). It has conducted many elections successfully across the country. But still the Commission is not free from controversy over the appointment and removal of the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners. The present system of appointment of the CEC and the ECs does not seem to be fair and warrants a foolproof procedure.

It is a matter of fundamental importance that the CEC and the ECs should continue to inspire confidence. The Constitution lays emphasis on the ability, knowledge and judgment of the EC.

It is, however, unfortunate that the successive governments over the years have not made the appointments transparent. The Moily Commission report “Ethics in Governance” is worth consideration. A collegium headed by the Prime Minister with the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, the Union Law Minister, the Lok Sabha Speaker and the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha should make recommendations for the consideration of the President for the appointment of the CEC and the ECs.

SK KHOSLA, Chandigarh

II

The editorial rightly highlights the commendable work done by the Election Commission for conducting free and fair elections. When we talk of the commendable role of the EC, we should also acknowledge the role of the millions of government employees, who as members of polling parties reach polling stations in every corner of the country and ensure free and fair elections.

JAGDISH MITTER GANDHI, via e-mail

Death traps

The article “Growing lawlessness on Indian roads” (Jan 28) by Ram Singh has described the ground realities of increasing prevalence of lawlessness on Indian roads, which I strongly feel has its roots in arrogance of the rich and most importantly inefficient, corrupt and insensitive enforcement of outdated laws without any severe punishment for serial offenders.

Why don’t public interest groups agitate for road improvements? We fail to notice that these roads are death traps for which the government ought to, but will not take responsibility. Tragedy is no one knows whom to complain to. Mr Singh has aptly written: road users need three things to return home safely: good brakes, a good horn and, most importantly, good luck!

Dr VITULL K GUPTA, Bathinda

World’s guru

Inder Malhotra’s article “A sad commentary: Soft states can’t be super powers” (Jan 8) was educative and thought provoking. The writer has listed important cases where the police and the justice system have failed. This depicts the poor performance of governments since Independence. Spiritually this country has been playing the role of guru to the world. We have given to the world the knowledge of human mind. We cannot afford to fail our people.

RIKHI DASS THAKUR, Hamirpur

Ayurveda’s advantages I read with keen interest the observations made by Dr Naresh Trehan, a renowned cardiologist (news report, “Medicine of future: Ayurveda with allopathy: Medicity to provide top-of-the-line tertiary care, research facilities: Dr Trehan” Dec 28). Dr Trehan has rightly observed that ayurveda, the traditional medical science of India, is extremely effective in curing health disorders like diabetes, hypertension, respiratory and digestive disorders, kidney failure and many other ailments. I would like to add that this therapy is undoubtedly quite scientific and clinically tested over the past 5,000 years and for that reason it has survived till date. Further, it offers low cost treatment. Its curative effect is a bit slow as compared to allopathy but is permanent and long lasting. People suffering from chronic ailments are fed up with allopathic medicines due to their side-effects. Ayurveda completely cures patients suffering from chronic diseases. A large number of ayurvedic medicines are available in the market in the shape of tablets, capsules and syrups. But it is deplorable that after Independence the government has only patronised the allopathic system of medicine, and the ayurvedic system has suffered. It is now desired that the government patronises this system with sufficient funds and research facilities. Dr KULDIP SINGH, Chandigarh

Respect women

The appointment of an illustrious personality such as Ms Mrinal Pandey as chief of Prasar Bharati is another step towards women empowerment.

She is a seasoned writer, anchor and journalist. It is heart-warming to see women occupying prestigious positions in society.

However, as long as infamous cases such as Ruchika’s, Jessica’s and many other lesser-known victims of dowry deaths and female foeticide keep on cropping up, celebration of women empowerment seems meaningless.

Society must learn to respect and appreciate women irrespective of their class and status.

ANITA KATARIA, Patiala

Plight of common man

The feudal attitude of the ruling elite plays havoc with society (middle, “Corridors of Power” by Ramesh Luthra, Jan 21). Liberty, equality and fraternity have been forsaken. The common man’s plight is pathetic.

Ms Luthra has written justifiably that “Morality exists not for them”. To protect the dignity and exploitation of the vulnerable people, a vibrant and strong civil society is the need of the hour.

LALIT KUMAR MANUJA, Nahan