M A I L B A G

Haryana pensioners seek parity with Punjab staff

The pensioners in Haryana are at a disadvantage in comparison with their erstwhile colleagues who were allocated to Punjab at the time of reorganisation. In Punjab the pensioners are entitled to a pensionary increase of 5 and 10 per cent after attaining the age of 70 and 75 years respectively. Such a provision does not exist in Haryana, although the state government claims to have taken many measures for the welfare of its senior citizens.

If an increase in the pension is allowed, as indicated above, 60 per cent of the expenditure will be payable by Punjab for the pre-1966 service rendered by the pensioners.

Secondly, medical allowance in Punjab is allowed at the rate of Rs 250 per month, while in Haryana a paltry allowance of Rs 125 is paid. With advancing age the expenditure on medical treatment increases manifold. The enhancement of the existing allowance at least to the level admissible in Punjab is essential.

While considering these points it should be borne in mind that government employees did not have any choice in the selection of states to which they were to be consigned as a result of reorganisation. In order to protect their interests, the Reorganisation Act provides that they would not suffer any loss or disadvantage on account of their allocation to a particular state. Broadly speaking, the guiding principle was to maintain parity in their service conditions irrespective of their allocation. Viewed in this context, it would be unfair to maintain the disparities pointed out above.

K. R. AWASTHY, Chandigarh

Strange verdict

This refers to your editorial “A strange verdict” (May 29). I am amazed at your naivety when you say that “it would be instructive to find at least one voice willing to support the verdict.” It may be the first case of its kind that has come to your notice or even the first case in which the court had to intervene to restore the basic rights of an individual. It is certainly not the first case of a man and a woman living together without marrying ritually.

The practice is so common that Godfray Howard in his book, “A Guide to Good English in the 1980s” was trying to find a suitable name for the relationship. Here is what he had to say:

Boyfriend: In the past, when a couple lived together without getting married, a shocked or discreet silence prevailed. But now this is so common that we need a word for the relationship.... Philip Howard, Literary Editor of The Times quotes Section 34 of the Supplementary Benefits Act 1976 which defines an unmarried couple as ‘living together as husband and wife otherwise than in prescribed circumstances’... The Ford Foundation favours ‘meaningful associate’ and some maternity hospitals advise women that they may have present at delivery ‘a designated significant other person’... So far the most reasonable solution I have heard was from a mother, ‘This is John — He and Mary are living together’.

I wonder if you have heard the names of Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir. I am mentioning them for your sake because it may lend respectability to a practice you find so abhorrent. Would you rather have the judge to send the girl back to her parents where she should have first received a sound thrashing and then married off to someone who should have rightfully tortured her for the rest of her life as the just wages of her sins? Or should she have been kept in a nari niketan? If only you knew what goes inside these homes.

If the girl has failed in her duty to listen to the entreaties of her father, hasn’t the father failed in his duty to inculcate these values in her mind? And shouldn’t he be prosecuted for filing a false complaint of kidnapping against another man? It is strange that we talk so loftily of upliftment of women, but when one of them tries to find happiness in her own way, we want her to wear a scarlet letter around her neck.

The social and ethical dilemmas of this situation need a dispassionate examination but I am afraid that you will find them unsuitable for publication considering the high moralistic and prudish stand taken by you. I do not subscribe to being what you call “a committed liberal”. Nor am I an armchair feminist. I have been happily married for 20 years. But I understand that all of us cannot move with the times: your problem is that you are lagging behind; her’s is that she is moving too fast.

R. P. JINDAL, Amritsar

Smuggling humans

This refers to Prabhjot Singh’s write-up “Smuggling humans a Rs 1,000-cr business” (June 18). I strongly feel that Indian citizens are on the wrong track in thinking that if they are not able to earn wealth and fame in India, they would be able to do so abroad. Unscrupulous elements are taking advantage of their misguided attitude.

Victims of illegal agencies are mostly ignorant and uneducated. They are easily lured by the promise of a comfortable life in developed countries. Even intelligent and educated persons are ready to leave India for the USA or Australia. Such brain-drain is not only a loss to India, it harms them too. Even after leading a luxurious life abroad, they remain deprived of recognition. Sometimes they live and die unknown.

ROHIT, Chandigarh

Fool-proof system: The central and state governments should evolve a fool-proof system for immigration whereby regulated assistance is provided to youth and immigration consultancy is upgraded.

The Punjab Bar Council and the Bar Council of the Supreme Court may assign seasoned advocates for the purpose.

SAT PAL SHARMA, Patiala

Malta revisited: Apropos the editorial “Malta revisited”, smuggling human beings is a multi-million business in Punjab where hundreds of youth, unable to face poverty and unemployment, and lured by the promise of a comfortable lifestyle in developed countries have been the willing victims.

Unless the law enforcement agencies gear themselves to stop unauthorised channels of migration, the Malta boat tragedy will keep repeating itself.

PARTAP SINGH, Kainthan (Dasuya)

Medical entrance test

The introduction of CMR application form in the Punjab medical entrance test is a welcome step as it is very simple to fill.

But there are apprehensions in the minds of students and parents regarding the motive behind the omission of fixing of a photograph on the form and getting it attested.

It means the demit card to be issued would be without a photograph of the candidate and as such there will be no identification source. In the examination hall, “A” can sit in place of “B”.

This is a dangerous practice and can harm the future of deserving students.

Dr JAGIR SINGH, Jalandhar

Passengers’ woes

Buses for Jalandhar, Amritsar and Himachal now start their journey from the sector 43 bus stand of Chandigarh instead of the main bus stand in sector 17. This has added to the miseries of passengers from Panchkula and northern sectors. They have to change buses twice before getting into the main bus for their destination. This means wastage of more time, energy and money, besides difficulties for passengers with children and luggage.

Employees also suffer as all main offices are located in sector 17. Therefore the decision to shift to the sector 43 bus stand should be reconsidered.

YOGESHWAR SHARMA, Panchkula

Traffic chaos

This is to highlight the deteriorating standards of The Mall and traffic rules violations in Shimla. We have even written to the CM, DGP, etc. Tourists vehicles and taxis ply without permits, causing traffic havoc on restricted and sealed routes.

BILLA DHOON, Shimla