M A I L B A G

CEC’s remark on politicians is very apt

I endorse Chief Election Commissioner J.M. Lyngdoh’s frank and bold assessment of India’s mammon worshipping politicians. These netas/neo-princes of myriad hues, beyond strengthening their vote banks on the plank of appeasement of the so-called minorities, living here for ages, sons of the soil, as others, under the cloak of quotas, ad infinitum and despicable cheap populist slogans and policies, etc., see nothing else beyond their noses. Their sole programme is centered on the loot of public money for their gaieties.

Their vicious actions are antagonistic to the growth of national integration, national character and a value-based next generation. It would be apt to extend to them, as well, what was remarked about the Bourbons, the former rulers of France, that “they neither learnt anything nor unlearnt anything”.

V.I.K. SHARMA, IAS (retd), Jalandhar

II

Mr Lyngdoh has very rightly said that our politicians are like a cancer. I may add that they are not only like malignant cancer but also parasites who live lavishly on the host’s healthy life but slowly make their life miserable.

Every Indian should endorse the graceful statement of the Chief Election Commissioner. I think that will be the perfect prayer one can offer in the new year for the welfare of our nation.

Dr U.S. BANSAL, Chandigarh

III

Mr Lyngdoh’s comments may seem to be harsh, blunt and contemptuous, but are perfectly true. He has read the pulse of the people. Politics and politicians are hate words to the common people. The corruption, nepotism, rising crime graph, acts of terrorism, casteist politics and voices of secession are a strain on our democracy.

Let the politicians rise to the occasion and try to refurbish their tainted image for their own sake as also for the sake of the country’s democracy.

J.K. MAGO, Panchkula

Let’s make 2004 different We have entered the New Year. Even though mercury is dipping nearly to freezing point, the excitement among people is peaking up. People are fighting dense fog and cold wave conditions and are organising parties, packing gifts and sending greeting cards. But all this happens every year. The preparations and the hype are becoming a bit monotonous. What special can be done to make 2004 different? Each year we make some new year resolutions, but they fade away as soon as the newness of the year evaporates. Let’s resolve to create a “happy halo” around the new year by spreading happiness on the faces of our near and dear ones. Our generous actions and humble expressions will go a long way in spreading happiness all around. Life is not only about wishing someone a happy new year and presenting and receiving new year gifts and sweets. There is no parallel to happiness that comes out when you understand each other’s problems and try to resolve them. Let’s give it a try in 2004. Dr ABHIRUCHI MAKKER, Chandigarh

Volatile problem

Apropos of Mr H.K. Dua’s article “Despair for the jobless” (Dec 19), the issue has created a very volatile social problem in the country as evidenced by the deplorable recent events in Mumbai, Assam and some other places. The basic issue is the dwindling government jobs and ever-increasing unemployment figures.

One major reason which is at the root of the crisis is the ever-galloping population rate, especially in the poorer and backward ‘BIMARU’ states. There is an urgent need to check population explosion in these states on a war footing using all means at our disposal including incentives and disincentives.

People in all spheres and strata of society should be involved to make population control a revolutionary movement to achieve the desired results within a specific timeframe.

I am of course, not in agreement with the views of Tarsem S. Bumrah (Dec 25) holding privatisation and globalisation responsible for unemployment. Rather it is the other way around. Look at the employment generated by the private sector, be it TV eateries like Pizza Hut, McDonald, shopping malls and multiplexes, not to speak of the IT sector, infrastructure projects and soon to be opened 500 highway petrol station complexes by Reliance.

The ongoing outsourcing of lakhs of jobs is another big employer. Of course, all these are for those who have the requisite skills and won’t be an economic burden on the employer as in the case of government jobs.

BRIG H.S. SANDHU (retd), Panchkula

Heart-rending story

The article “The Ajay Ghosh story” by Justice A.S. Anand (retd) is a heart-rending story which stresses the need for penal reform. The story speaks of the fact that Ajay Ghosh, a prisoner, convicted of the crime of murdering his brother in July 1962, had remained in custody for 27 years and had been refused admission even in old-age homes because of his being a convicted lunatic.

This gruesome story proves the slow-grinding machinery of justice. It gives a philosophical veneer to legal reform.

Sadly, many people like Ajay Ghosh are rotting in our jails. We are doing nothing to protect the fundamental rights of the disadvantaged sections of society, the vulnerable and the weak.

HANS RAJ JAIN, Moga