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

Nandan Nilekani

Mr Nilekani ( The Tribune Interview, July 3 ) is right to say that we have to re-engineer public services and clean up the system by having biometric identification system. But while application of technology may somewhat reduce generation of graft or black money in government purchases and distribution system, it will work only if the guilty are punished and justice delivered swiftly and not delayed.

Dr B.S. Aggarwal, Panchkula

II

The Tribune Interview with Nandan Nilekani ( July 3)was done very professionally. But while the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has taken impressive strides in the last two years, the Authority cannot ensure that every Indian gets access to a mobile phone, a bank account and an e-mail. Also, in which language and to which address will letters be sent by the Authority to millions of people who keep migrating for a living , who are homeless, live in slums or those who are illiterate ? One also hopes people with the Adhaar number will not be required to get it attested by the Sarpanch, a gazetted officer or a minister.

Tejinder Singh Bedi, Faridabad

III

Raj Chengappa's interview with Nandan Nilekani made for delightful reading. Rarely does one see a CEO of one of the most respected companies joining the government to serve his country. The launch of a Unique Identity is certainly a landmark in our history. While the Chief Ministers of states need to issue the required notification declaring the Aadhaar number as residence proof and the basis of identity, one looks forward to the system eliminating ghosts and duplication from our public distribution system, welfare, employment and pension schemes.

Harish K Monga, Ferozepur

For and against Ramdev

The property and money said to belong to Baba Ramdev ( Khushwant Singh's column, July 9) are all donated by people of their own free will and they belong to a Trust, which functions for social service and for the benefit of needy persons. In contrast, the writer should look at the financial position of political leaders before elections and after they come to power. The columnist is also wrong when he writes that Ramdev's followers are all Hindus. Khushwant Singh should watch any episode of Yoga on different channels where he will find people belonging to different faiths among the Baba's disciples.

Ashok Rana, Patanjali Yog Samiti, Punjab

II

I fully endorse Khushwant Singh's views ( I applaud action against Ramdev, July 9) . He has, as usual with him, called a spade a spade. He is right when he says that the BJP's plan to utilize the rising popularity of the Baba for the party's benefit has misfired.

Sundar Singh Giani, Mohali

III

I have been an avid reader of Khushwant Singh's column but find his views on Ramdev ( July 9) unacceptable. The atrocities committed by Delhi police on hapless men, women and children at midnight were viewed and condemned by everyone. Even the Prime Minister described it as 'unfortunate'. Writers like Khushwant Singh must take an objective view.

Ashok Sharma, Retd HoD English, DAV College

IV

Khushwant Singh was his usual, forthright self in his column on Baba Ramdev ( July 9). He rightly revealed the Baba to be a man of 'modest learning' who had 'limited means' till he moved from Haryana to Hardwar. I doff my hat for the columnist's courage of conviction. May his tribe multiply.

Tara Chand, Ambota ( Una)