M A I L B A G

India should buy more T-90 tanks

Maj-Gen Himmat Singh Gill’s article “Arjun Tank nowhere in sight: Who is responsible for the delay?” (Dec 22) brings out many useful points. The tank has been developed by the Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO). In India, DRDO works directly under IAS officers of the Defence Ministry and the Services have nothing to do with development of new weapons. Of course, the Army lays down essential requirements which the DRDO keeps in mind while developing new weapons.

Arjun tank is quite heavy and weighs 58.8 tonnes, based on the 48-ton German Leopard Tank. The latest Russian Tank, T-90, weighs 40 tonnes while the US Abraham Tank weighs about 65 tonnes.

The Army has not found Arjun Tank up to the mark due to defects in engine and sight etc. though it is a good gun with strong ‘Kanchan’ armour for protection. The DRDO is trying to improve the defects. At present trials on Arjun Tank are in progress. Pakistan has developed Khalid Tank in the same manner, as it has developed missiles. The Chinese have not only given the technology but also supplied the machinery to produce this tank.

Maj-Gen RAJENDRA NATH (retd), Chandigarh

Introduce right to recall It is very heartening to read about the smooth passage of the much-needed amendment to the Anti-Defection Act in both houses of Parliament. For a change, all members supported it cutting across party lines. This is expected to end horse trading and frequent fall of governments. Also limiting the size of ministries will end the era of jumbo cabinets and keeping the flock together through appeasement. Yet, Indians should have the right recall their legislators if they do not perform. There are a number of legislators who do not show their face to the electorate or show any development in their respective constituencies. Right to recall, with appropriate checks and balances, is the need of the hour. Lt-Col BHAGWANT SINGH (retd), SAS Nagar

Make it tax-free

J.P. Dutta’s LOC-Kargil is not an ordinary film. It revolves around the Kargil war. The film pays glowing tributes to our officers and jawans who sacrificed their life to defend the motherland. There is a timeless lesson in the story, a treatment to the human spirit. Through this film, Dutta has immortalised our valiant soldiers, though he faced a dilemma to use their story/sacrifices on a commercial basis.

As the film is an eloquent tribute to the memories of the bravest of the brave soldiers, I make a fervent appeal to the government to exempt the film from entertainment tax so that it is seen by every citizen of India.

M.L. DHAWAN, Chandigarh

SYL canal

I have read with great concern the news item “SC Seeks Punjab’s response on SYL Canal plea” (Dec 18). First thing should come first and the question of construction of SYL canal should come up after the finalisation of the distribution of Ravi-Beas waters.

The Supreme Court may be requested for a judicial review de novo of the distribution of the divisible pool of surplus Ravi-Beas water along with the Yamuna water on the basis of riparian rights, equity and fairplay. The only riparian state of Punjab should not be given a step-motherly treatment.

G.R. KALRA, Chief Engineer (retd), Chandigarh

Exit in disgrace

This refers to the editorial “Exit in disgrace” (Dec 11). I fully endorse the view that an institution is bigger than an individual. One expects the head of an institution to conduct himself with grace and dignity. Though one expects from the selectors to choose the right candidate for the post of Vice-Chancellor, none is above the politicians.

The political bosses would like to have their own candidates as Vice-Chancellor, Director or Principal of any educational institute funded by the state government or the Centre. Through their cronies, they would like to run the day-to-day affairs of the institute. Some policy should be formulated to remove political interference in the selection of head of any educational institute. Only meritorious candidates with good administrative ability should be selected by the selection board as Vice-Chancellor, Director or Principal of any institution.

PUSHPA PAUL, Ferozepore

Serious lapse

Recently, the Amritsar Heritage Festival was celebrated. Surprisingly, the organisers took no notice of Bhai Vir Singh’s birth anniversary on December 5, though his contributions to Punjab are immense.

K.J.S. AHLUWALIA, Amritsar

Overcrowded courts

Bathinda courts are overcrowded. Only three civil courts are functioning against the strength of seven. Due to overcrowding, justice is delayed. I request the authorities concerned to appoint at least three more courts in Bathinda to speed up justice to common people.

NARINDER KUMAR TANEJA, Bathinda

Deplorable roads

The main roads in Ferozepore are in a deplorable condition. Each road reveals the typical attitude of the government. They cry for repairs. The political bosses and MCs pay no heed to the condition of the roads.

ATUL JAIPAL, Ferozepore City

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