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

Highlight issues of common man

This refers to the news item, “Media is ignoring real issues, says new Press Council chief” (October 11). Justice Markandey Katju, the new Chairman of the Press Council of India, has very rightly observed that the media in the country often portrays non-issues, while real issues remain sidelined.

There are so many issues which require attention. As the Chairman points out, poverty is one of the issues. The media needs to publish stories on poverty-related issues. What is the government doing to implement poverty-alleviation programmes? What are the real problems of the poor? How is lack of education one of the main reasons responsible for keeping people in a perpetual state of poverty? How are NGOs supporting the government in removing poverty? These are some of the issues which the media can highlight. Besides, I also feel that there is a need for what may be called ‘positive’ journalism. If we do an analysis of news stories appearing in any newspaper, it is very difficult to find stories which make us feel good. It must be kept in mind that stories that are nothing but gossip, cannot make us feel good, at least those of us who are no longer teenagers. We need stories which tell us about the good things that are happening in the world. In the light of the above facts, I, as a reader, feel that the primary role of the media should be to focus on subjects which bother the common man.

Dr SUKHBIR SINGH, Ludhiana

More news, please

The press has been considered the fourth pillar of democracy and in a democracy the people are supreme. But they are being made voiceless by the media because of its limitations and space constraints. These days, especially during festivals, we find many full-page advertisements appearing in newspapers almost on a daily basis.

In some cases, several pages of a newspaper are used for advertisements. Therefore, the readers are deprived of even some important news items.

Moreover, some news items pertaining to NGOs/individual problems requiring attention are ignored. In my opinion, the press should publish more stories, which relate to common people and their problems.

S K KHOSLA, Chandigarh

Telangana crisis

With reference to the editorial, “The Telangana tangle” (October 5), I want to say that today all over the country, the demand for small states has cropped up. The Telangana agitation is the only movement in India that involves a capital city located in the region that is fighting for separation from the main state.  This problem cannot be solved in one day.

Agitations cannot be the solution to any problem. The leaders must realise the plight of the people when work in almost 10 districts of the region, including Hyderabad is paralysed.  They should sit across the table and come out with an amicable settlement.

HARISH K MONGA, Ferozepur

Acting responsibly

I do not think anyone in India is really bothered about who will be the Prime Minister if the BJP comes to power in the next general elections (Advani keeps up suspense, October 11). Today, the people of India are concerned about issues such as corruption, inflation, employment, education, and many others.

Moreover, the voters are now gradually becoming matured. They will look at several areas before deciding to vote for a certain candidate. The Congress and the BJP have definitely emerged as the two main political parties and it is their responsibility to lead India to the next level of political and economic development. India has reached a crucial stage in its history, and from here it can emerge only as a developed nation. The political parties should, therefore, behave in an appropriate manner. India must play a significant role in fighting poverty and disease even in other countries.

AJAY SHARMA, Faridabad

Privatising education

Many people have a misconception that privatization of any service, including education, means higher costs. It is important to look at telecommunication services to come out of this myth. Today, private operators have made it possible even for a labourer, earning Rs 4000 a month, to possess a mobile phone and in many cases a dish TV as well. This is because of the economical bouquet of services that have been made available by private operators.

Similarly, modern techniques of communication can help private players in bringing down the cost of education in the country. 

MANEET DEWAN, Ludhiana