The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Letters to the Editor

NEWS AND VIEWS

PUNJAB

HARYANA

JAMMU & KASHMIR

HIMACHAL

REGIONAL BRIEFS

NATION

OPINIONS

LETTERS

BUSINESS

SPORTS

WORLD

SPECIAL COVERAGE

CHANDIGARH

LUDHIANA

DELHI

THE TRIBUNE SPECIALS

50 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE
TERCENTENARY CELEBRATIONS

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

Parliament logjam: Opposition not to blame

I beg to differ with the views expressed in the editorial ‘Misplaced protests: Let states decide on retail FDI’ (November 29). I disagree that the parliament is not being allowed to function by the Opposition. In fact, the UPA-II government seems to be determined to ignore the deep resentment of FDI by small traders and farmers. The so-called economic reforms have fostered the culture of corruption with nearly Rs 5 lakh crore plundered in different scams ranging from the 2G Spectrum, Commonwealth Games (CWG), Adarsh Housing Society and many others.

The captains of industry were given tax exemption to the tune of Rs 5 lakh crore. Nearly 40 lakh acres of land was acquired throughout the country from farmers at cheap rates in the name of ‘public welfare’ and developing ‘Special Economic Zones’ (SEZs). FDI in retail is inherently against small and marginal farmers who form bulk (nearly 90 to 99 percent) of the farming community of India and they do not have any chance to prosper under the shadow of foreign companies. Nearly 40 million people earn their livelihood in the retail sector. The FDI is thoughtfully keyed to the needs of prosperous sections of the society.

Dr RAJ BAHADUR YADAV, Fatehabad

This is in reference to the editorial ‘Enough is enough’ (November 30). The mistrust between the government and the opposition parties is quite evident. If the UPA government is really concerned about the people why don’t they allow 51% FDI in oil retail which will benefit everybody.

The UPA government decided to bring in FDI without any debate in the Parliament, the Opposition had no other option but to stall the proceedings of the House. The government should give incentives to home retailers to bring them at par with foreign retailers.

Capt AMAR JEET KUMAR,

SAS Nagar

III

In the editorial ‘Misplaced protests-Let states decide on retail FDI’ (November 29) it is rightly pointed out that there is no need for protests when the states have the freedom to say no to foreign retailers? FDI would be allowed in cities having a population of more than 10 lakh.

Let FDI be tried and if it proves to be counter-productive, then the Opposition can press the government to oust MNCs. Other important issues like price rise, black money, secret foreign bank accounts, corruption should be taken up for discussion in the parliament.

DP JINDAL, Mandi Gobindgarh

The FDI ghost is haunting UPA-2. FDI will displace retail shops leading to a steep rise in unemployment. Secondly, it will lead to hegemony of the powerful corporates and can seriously affect the polity of the nation as these corporates have the potential to influence decision-making process. FDI simply means ‘Foreign Direct Interference’ and ‘Finance Devouring Idea’.

Prof RAJAN KAPOOR, Nakodar

Talks with Maoists

Very constructive suggestions have been given in the editorial ‘A lost opportunity: Ruptured ties between Mamta and Maoists’ (November 30). The conciliatory course of talks should not be closed. The government and the Maoists must resume peace initiatives.

The Maoists should not damage state infrastructure like rail lines, roads, school buildings, etc which serves the general public. They should not obstruct the progress of other development works.

Bloodshed alienates them from the masses and does not further their cause anyway. The best course available to Maoists is to come to the negotiating table. The government must offer them a feasible and attractive rehabilitation package.

SC VAID, Greater Noida

Conduct of judges

Chief Justice of India SH Kapadia is very right in saying that the entire judiciary cannot be brought to disrepute because of a few erring judges. We have some very outstanding judges also. There should be complete transparency and accountability in the selection of judges at all levels.

Chief Justice Kapadia has also publicly requested that complaints against any erring judge should be addressed directly to him. Six Mumbai High Court judges including the Chief Justice attended a private dinner hosted by a local advocate at Goa recently. Private interaction between judges and advocates is unacceptable and does not augur well for the judiciary which should be above board.

AIRES RODRIGUES, Goa

Examinees should be careful
This is with reference to the news item ‘Banking aspirants cane-charged’ (Nov 28). I wish to inform you that the fault lies with the aspirants. I too appeared for the same exam in Chandigarh and as directed on the roll number slip, I carried my photograph, bank challan slip and a photocopy of my PAN card as proof of my identity. Most of us never bother to read the general instructions meant for the candidates. The same instructions were circulated through SMS, e-mails and advertisments in national dailies.
The same kind of protest was witnessed two months back for the same reason and the selection board had given another chance to the candidates who missed the exam.
DEEPJOT SINGH THUKRAL, Ambala Cantt