M A I L B A G

SEC should function independently

The recent move of the Haryana Government to hold elections to municipal and panchayati raj bodies in the state four months prior to the expiry of their tenure overrides the authority and undermines the dignity of the State Election Commission (SEC). It is pertinent to mention that the SEC is a constitutional body vested with the responsibility of superintendence, direction and control of elections to urban and rural local bodies in the state. Though the Constitution provides that the state government can enact legislation with respect to the conduct of these elections, the time schedule of holding elections should be the responsibility of the SEC and it should not be subject to the whims and fancies of the state government.

Last year also, the state government made it mandatory for the SEC to consult the state government before announcing the dates of elections, thus encroaching upon its independent and autonomous character.

HEMANT KUMAR, Ambala City

Neglected road

The condition of the Ludhiana-Malerkotla Road is pathetic. It is full of potholes and broken stretches for over 30 km. The road is busy with traffic from both cities round the clock. Ludhiana is just 42 km from Malerkotla and other adjoining areas.

This road has historical importance too. It was aptly named Guru Gobind Singh Marg during Giani Zail Singh’s government in 1966. It is also known as Namdhari Shaheedi Marg due to the importance of the Namdhari sect in the Independence movement.

Unfortunately, MLAs and members of local bodies of the area are doing little to improve the road even though it has become accident prone. The authorities should bestow attention on this road and order urgent repairs in public interest.

MANMOHAN SINGH, Ludhiana

Best of both worlds

I found the editorial “Slim chance” (Nov 27) quite amusing. However, if the research is authentic and its findings are really true, then it is good news for all those who can sleep to their heart’s content and reduce their weight as well. It will be like enjoying the best of both worlds.

RAJNISH, New Shimla

BSNL charges

It is good news that the BSNL has slashed the security amount of landline connection charges from Rs 2000 to Rs 500 in rural and urban sectors. The authorities need to refund the amount deposited by the old consumers in excess of Rs 500. The refund may not be made in cash but be adjusted against the consumption bills.

SUKH MOHAN SINGH, Kharar (Ropar)

Combat corruption Corruption in society has crossed all limits. It needs to be eliminated, otherwise the country will explode one day. Today we need a Jayaprakash Narain to show light to the public which has been deprived of the fruits of independence because of corruption. The present-day leaders give no hope because they are only worried about themselves. Look at how shamelessly they give a statement in public and deny the same the very next moment. They never feel they are in the wrong but blame the media for all their acts. The masses need a good leader to follow. All political parties directly or indirectly contribute to the spread of corruption. It can be eliminated only if the heads of all departments are honest and deal firmly with offenders. However, no punishment is awarded to the guilty due to various reasons and politicians are treated as being above law. Let all Indians be treated equal in the eyes of the law-enforcing agencies. Only then will corruption be rooted out. HS SARWARA, Rajpura