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

Revamp public distribution system

This has reference to the editorial “Some food, at least: Delivery system needs attention” (Oct 26). Instead of taking steps for raising the standards of living of its people, the new Food Security Act aims to raise the number of poor in the country.

What a shame it is that instead of plugging the holes in the existing public distribution system, the government is trying to bring more people under this scheme by creating two different classes of poor — priority and general. With such a scheme/recommendation, the government is only expanding the pockets of corrupt middlemen and crooked politicians. More money will flow into their pockets. And that’s what the politicians really want.

The government should work to eliminate poverty, hunger and illiteracy by devising ways and means to educate the masses, to control the population of the country, to generate more employment opportunities and make food available for all sections of the population.

R K KAPOOR, Chandigarh

II

India has sufficient food production and the only problem is its proper preservation under scientific storage arrangements and proper distribution system. The evolution of the public distribution system in India had its origin in the rationing system introduced by the British during World War II.

In view of the fact that the rationing system and its successor, the PDS, have played an important role in attaining higher levels of the household food security and completely eliminating the threats of famine from the face of the country, it will be in the fitness of things that its evolution, working and efficacy are examined in detail so that it goes to the real beneficiaries.

In the present information technology era, it has been rightly suggested that food stamps may be tried and its benefits can really help. Food stamp is, in fact, now known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programme (SNAP). It helps just when you need it most.

Since reducing poverty is one of the major developmental challenges facing India, the country has introduced a wide range of economic reforms, including a direct anti-poverty programme. Only political will can bring the desired results by keeping a proper check over the PDS to plug the loopholes and by giving exemplary punishment to those working against the system.

HARISH K. MONGA, Ferozepur

Modernise the armed forces To the editorial “Commanders conference: Govt must be sensitive to the Services’ needs” (Oct 27) I would like to add that serious issues affecting national security and internal challenges have been brought to light, requiring urgent attention of the authorities concerned. While the Services must maintain a high standard of the officer cadre, the civilian authorities must clear all proposals in time and modernise the armed forces. The present security environment demands an exalted degree of preparedness both in physical domination and technical support. There is no dearth of military equipment in the world market and purchases must be finalised without delay. The Defence Minister may ensure that all deficiencies are addressed on a priority basis to enhance the effectiveness of the Services in the prevailing scenario. S C VAID, Greater Noida

Bihar elections

We congratulate the people of Bihar for defying the Naxalite threat and voting in a big way (editorial, “People’ s power”, Oct 26). It is a triumph of democracy. If ballot can solve the problem it is always better. When will Maoists learn this lesson?

AMAR JIT SINGH GORAYA, Griffith NSW, Australia

Women’s equality

The middle “Don’t mis(s)behave” (Oct 26) by Sai R Vaidyanathan deserves special commendation. The humour with which the writer has described the changing scenario with regards to the better sex needs special praise. I would like the writer to clarify if women want equality on every front then why such a hue and cry for reservations is being made in Parliament. Let politics also be a level playing field for both men and women.

VIVEK KUMAR. Chandigarh

Cherish daughters

The editorial “Missing daughters” (Oct 16) has rightly stated that Punjab where female foeticide is widely rampant should hang its head in shame. It seems that that girls are given their due share and considered equal only on paper. The ground reality is dismal.

The editorial has aptly pointed out that what to talk of granting girl child equal rights, in the 21st century India they are even being denied the right to birth. Nanhi Chhan can certainly change mindsets. Such initiatives must be followed in other states also.

SUBASH C TANEJA, Rohtak

Try Geelani

All those who participated in the so-called Azadi meeting in New Delhi recently should be booked for treason. If they find everything wrong with India and sup with the devil to break it into pieces they should better leave the country and go to the haven they feel can afford them all freedoms and no responsibility.

If they are not loyal to the nation that nurtures them, they cannot be loyal to any country. They are self-serving people and deserve to be ostracised.

They should thank their stars that they are in a country like India. Had they been in Pakistan or in any other country with little concern for democratic rights, they would have known what it is to bite the hand that feeds them.

RJ KHURANA, Bhopal