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

RTI Act will improve governance

The editorial 'A retrograde move: Parties united to weaken RTI Act' (August 3) brings to the fore political parties' unwillingness to come within the ambit of the RTI Act. To escape its purview at a time when the elections are a few months away will affect the political prospects of some of major parties like the Congress and the BJP.

The RTI Act can be an effective tool in strengthening the process of democratisation of various institutions. Inculcating a democratic attitude, particularly in organised groups like political parties, is not an easy task at this transitional stage of development of free India. Besides, it is a goal worth pursuing for the achievement of the declared national objectives.

Political parties are basic institutions in a democratic polity; their composition and quality of functioning have an important bearing on the governance of the country which impacts the lives of the teeming millions in numerous ways. Bringing the political parties under the RTI is a step in consonance with the direction Indian society has chosen so consciously.

JAGVINDER SINGH BRAR, Patiala

V C NANDA, Chandigarh

Durga's suspension

Apropos the editorial 'Mining mafia in UP' (August 3), the arbitrary decision of the UP government to order the suspension of Gautam Budh Nagar SDM Durga Shakti Nagpal, known for her plain-speak and propriety, has sent a shock wave among the dwindling tribe of upright IAS officers across the country.

Ironically, the suspension follows her tightening noose on the powerful sand mafia active in the area under the protective patronage of its top-rung political masters. The suspension was ordered without even instituting a formal inquiry into the allegations levelled against her. The plausible reason being cited by the government for her suspension was to pre-empt the chances of the likely outbreak of communal riots in the area, alleging she had ordered the demolition of a mosque wall without following an established legal process.

The step has come as a shot in the sand sharks' arms to continue their nefarious activities in connivance with their political godfathers. The Akhilesh Yadav government would do well to revoke her suspension.

RAMESH K DHIMAN, Chandigarh

Road accidents

Fatal accidents continue to happen in Punjab. Special investigation teams are constituted and immediate relief amounts announced. There are some of the major reasons for accidents which are conveniently ignored. Drivers and conductors are outsourced from private contractors who ask them to perform their duties day and night without rest. They are paid only Rs 7,000 as salary. Earlier, employees of the 108 ambulance service and A to Z private sanitation company were on strike with the same grievance. Since such employees are appointed on contract, they are always under a constant threat of being fired. They are treated like bonded labourers.

JASWANT SINGH GILL, Ludhiana