Black money debate

The government lacks the will to bring back black money from foreign banks as pointed out in the editorial ‘Political posturing again’ (December16). The debate in the parliament has not served any meaningful purpose. The government seems to be adamant in not doing so. The danger to bilateral talks with other countries is a lame excuse. The proposal of bringing a White Paper on the issue will not serve any purpose. It seems the government is not keen to form a committee as per the suggestion given by the Supreme Court. Huge amount of black money is circulating in India which is a parallel economy. India lives in villages which are underdeveloped.

Our farmers go to the extent of committing suicide. Government should give priority to save their money, the use of black money spoils our democratic set up. Our villagers need rural infrastructure to save perishable vegetables and fruits to enhance their income.

JATINDER SINGH, Ludhiana

In a hurry

This refers to the news item ‘Sukhbir is man in a hurry, opens unfinished projects’ (December 18). I live near the Sidhwan canal where an incomplete project was inaugurated by the Dy CM Sukhbir Badal recently. I have seen the expressway project grow from day one. I am a witness to the slow pace of the project work. There is lack of coordination between various departments involved in construction of the project.

Some months ago, when construction work was underway, the Irrigation Department opened water into the canal and the PWD and Irrigation department officials fought fiercely over the issue. The state government would have easily completed the project on time had there been proper coordination between the departments directly or indirectly involved in the project.

SURINDER KAPILA, Ludhiana

II

The news report has rightly highlighted the ridiculous inauguration campaign being undertaken by the Akali-BJP government.

The inauguration spree, distribution of free cycles, freebies to government employees and certain sections of society, daily advertisements in the media, etc is putting additional burden on the already overburdened finance of Punjab. Loans are being taken to pay the monthly salaries. Can the government afford this kind of cheap generosity?

AMANVIR SINGH TIWANA, Malout.

Nanak’s teachings

The famous Lokpal Bill can be a deterrent but cannot eradicate corruption. The demon of corruption can be defeated with a slow process of character building of individuals.

I suggest people in power to adopt Guru Nanak’s message which reads ‘vand chakko’ (share one’s wealth with others and help those in need), ‘kirat karo’ (earn a living in an honest way without exploitation or cheating) and ‘nam japna’ (remember God all the time).

These preachings of Guru Nanak Dev should adorn frames in the government offices and private institutions. Since the dictum will be seen and read by people everyday, it is bound to have an effect.

A drop of water daily on a stone can make a hole in it. It will certainly inspire some government functionaries to give up their corrupt ways one day.