M A I L B A G

Law to check obscenity on TV welcome

The legislation to prevent obscenity on TV is welcome, belated though. Obscenity may be defended by some in the name of art or some other ground, but it does great harm to society, especially to the youth. The proposed legislation or subordinate legislation should hopefully be sensible and effective.

Some other aspects of TV channels need to be looked into. There is a need to restrict ads even those without obscenity. Many years ago, an effort to restrict ads in the print media was defeated by the Supreme Court in its wisdom. The apex court should reconsider this matter. Too much space for ads restricts space for news and thus restricting the people’s right to information. Our intellectuals should make this demand forcefully. Ads in between the news should be stopped.

I am not a TV fan. I watch TV news, that too, not frequently. Even then, I suggest that a committee of upright intellectuals, also known for their ethical values, should review the working of various channels including Doordarshan and make recommendations to enrich our social, economic and political life.

SATYA PAL DANG, Chheharta (Amritsar)

Hijacking democracy

A.J. Philip’s article “Political perfidy in Jharkhand” (March 17) presents the developments in the state in correct perspective. Those who sacrificed so much for carving out this state are bound to be disappointed over the sad turn of events. Democracy warrants rule of law coupled with norms and conventions all of which were thrown overboard by the BJP during the crisis in the state.

The vulnerable legislators were hijacked with impunity and kept like bonded labourers. It was a daylight robbery on the mandate of the people who want the development of this poor and backward state. The beauty of this tainted operation is that all concerned got away laughing. The UPA Government must view this malicious move of the BJP and the Sangh Parivar seriously.

Lt-Col CHANAN SINGH DHILLON (retd), Ludhiana

Phones for elders

In the Union Budget, Finance Minister P. Chidambaram has been kind enough to exempt senior citizens from paying income tax up to Rs 1.5 lakh of annual income. He has, however, totally ignored the interest of other category whose annual income from all sources does not touch even Rs 1 lakh!

A free telephone facility could be considered for them like that of telecom employees, so that it would be convenient for them to obtain appointments with the doctors, hospitals, and maintain contact with relatives etc.

H.G. SINGH MARWAHA, Mohali

New era in Bihar

After Jammu and Kashmir, the long family rule (read misrule) has come to an end in Bihar. What Bihar needs most today is the rule of law, economic revival, jobs for the unemployed and better living conditions for the masses.

Here is an opportunity for Governor Buta Singh (who is the chief administrator of the state during President’s Rule) to appoint retired judges and military men as his advisers to provide an efficient and corruption-free administration.

Dr B.L. TEKRIWAL, Mumbai

Prisoners’ release

Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh has done a commendable job in getting hundreds of prisoners repatriated from Pakistan. They were languishing in Pakistan’s prisons even after completing their jail term several years back.

It is sad that no government at the Centre has ever been serious on the issue. Consequently, they have done little to get these young men freed from Pakistan’s jails. The families of these repatriated people shall remain always indebted to Capt Amarinder Singh for the good job he has done.

Maj NARINDER SINGH JALLO (retd), Mohali

Checking of vehicles

During a recent visit to Chandigarh with my aged parents and an ailing sister, at every roundabout, our vehicle, bearing HP number, was stopped by the police for verification of documents. I had to show the documents time and again. My father asked me if it was checking. My response was simple: it’s over-checking.

Pouncing upon the vehicles appeared to be a great venture on the part of the police. Is one checking of any vehicle not sufficient for the day in Chandigarh?

A verification card can be issued so that those who are in a hurry because of medical emergency are not delayed. The people of Himachal Pradesh mostly go to Chandigarh not on pleasure trips and merry-making but to avail themselves of the medical facilities that are not available in their state. It was a bitter experience.

DEV ROOP, Jwalamukhi (Kangra)

Riots and rights

The USA’s refusal to grant travel visa to Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi has struck at the right of politicians to stage riots and win votes. This is against democracy.

SURJIT HANS, Chandigarh