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

Punish those involved in admission racket

Readers in Australia appreciate The Tribune exposé unravelling the racket in admissions to prestigious medical institutions. This effort should be augmented by making the admission process foolproof. Otherwise such rackets will continue to resurface. The government needs to take stern action and the Medical Council of India should derecognise the degrees acquired through dubious means.

SURAJ PARKASH, Horrnsby, Australia

II

The Tribune investigation by Chitleen K Sethi has shocked the common man. It seems that corruption has engulfed the noble profession. Culprits should be booked and punishment should be an eye-opener for others so that in future people dare not indulge in such malpractices. At the same time, the government should increase the number of seats for MBBS, MD and DM.

RAJAT KUMAR MOHINDRU, Jalandhar

III

The exposure about the agents who provide a seat for the aspirants in the prestigious medical colleges of the country by charging a hefty sum is really shocking and a blot on the noble profession. Who will believe in the capabilities of Indian doctors when rich persons can grab seats through money power?

On the other hand, the appeasing policy of reservation is blocking the entry of meritorious students into the profession thus raising a question mark on the quality of doctors. The government should rise to the occasion and regain people’s faith in the system. Strict and timely action against the culprits is a must.

SUKHDEV MINHAS, Mohali

IV

It is shameful that India’s premier medical institution is “selling” MBBS and MD seats through dubious ways. If we are producing doctors who are not capable of clearing the examination, how will they treat patients?

A proper investigation is required so that the guilty can be punished. In future, the examination system must be made foolproof.

KAMALJIT MALWA, Mansa

V

The sale of seats in medical institutions is highly regrettable. However, this is not much different from reservation-based admissions. The basis of both is disregarding merit.

S K DEWAN, Perth, Australia

Media must exercise restraint There may be some glaring and serious complaints of corruption and other weaknesses in organising the ensuing Commonwealth Games but at this moment, the prestige of the nation is at stake. Our Constitution guarantees freedom of the Press yet the media must act responsibly. The media, especially the electronic media, is indulging in much hue and cry and highlights even frivolous issues. The media should exercise restraint till the conclusion of the Games. Later we will have enough time to discuss and probe the allegations and punish the guilty. R P SOBTI, Amritsar

Feet on earth

The middle “Grounded feet” (Sept 18) by Harish Dhillon was gripping. People who always bear in mind their humble origins and keep their feet firmly grounded are, to my mind, the salt of the earth. They cherish their ideals and principles above all and earnestly practice what they believe. However, their tribe is fast diminishing.

TARA CHAND, Ambota, Una

Privatise mega events

The last line “Some people deserve to be hanged for this national shame”, of the editorial “Systemic collapse” (Sept 23), sums up the emotions of every Indian. But, we know that nobody is going to be punished for the Games mess.

India is not likely to get another chance to host a mega event in near future. But if at all it happens, privatising such events would be a better solution.

Ex-sergeant HARDESH BATRA, Paonta Sahib

Develop rural areas

To check the alarming rise in migration that eventually leads to the growth of slums and squatter settlements in urban areas, rural centres need to be developed (article “Growth without slums” by Sucha Singh Gill, Sept 17). Another solution is the development of small and medium towns with adequate infrastructure facilities and job opportunities.

GOPAL BHARGAVA, Delhi

Upper House

The move of the Punjab Government to revive the Upper House is ill-conceived and politically motivated. In fact, this is a shameless attempt to rehabilitate disgruntled leaders. In a state that doesn’t have funds to provide safe drinking water, elementary education and primary healthcare, there will be a scramble for expensive cars, posh houses and offices.

The professed aim of intellectuals seeking help in formulating pro-people policies and in strengthening the state economy is a blatant admission that our elected leaders have failed to achieve this basic goal.

Dr AMRIT SETHI, Bathinda