M A I L B A G

PSEB reform: need to tread with caution

In the article “Why unbundled PSEB?” (May 3), Prof Ranjit Singh Ghuman has missed the basic issue — the track record of the Punjab State Electricity Board. The performance of the private sector is much better. Losses in the private sector cannot be sustained over a long period and efficiency leading to results is the key factor.

In the public sector, overstaffing and political interference have led to corruption and inefficiency. The case of Andhra Pradesh Electricity Board, referred to by the writer, without going into the details of the new dispensation does not cut much ice.

Vested interests always oppose change and the PSEB Engineers Association’s response to the proposed changes is on expected lines. If the PSEB’s new avatar won’t be any different, the chances of improvement are not high. One should tread with caution. A hurried decision would lead us nowhere.

Dr B.R. SOOD, Khiala (Jalandhar)

Long power cuts

The Punjab State Electricity Board has been supplying power to Maharashtra everyday to cope with the electricity crisis there (May 10). However, we have been experiencing acute power shortage here. Sometimes, we have no power for eight to nine hours.

Power supply to farmers has been restricted to six hours daily. The PSEB has closed down the Ropar thermal plant’s Unit III on May 6 due to less demand for power in the state.

D.V. JOSHI, Bartana (Zirakpur)

Introspection needed

If government schools are privatised, education will be out of bounds for the common man. Basic education is the fundamental right of every citizen and no government can wash its hand off it. Government school teachers, too, need to introspect why their schools have lost out to private ones and why they have failed. They should work with a mission and dedicate themselves to impart quality education.

SUNIL CHAUHAN, Lecturer, GBSS School, Shimla

Act swiftly

Mr Rangila Ram Rao, Himachal Pradesh Excise and Taxation Minister, has said that the state government is planning to reduce sales tax on diesel and cooking gas to check price rise. The government should act swiftly and decisively if it really means business.

The cooking gas cylinder, which was available for Rs 260 at Ambota, costs Rs 314 now. The tractor owners have hiked the rate of tilling land from Rs 40 to Rs 60 per kanal.

TARA CHAND, Ambota (Una)

Repair the road

The roads of Rose Colony, Rajpura Road, Patiala, are in a deplorable condition. Three years ago, water supply and sewerage lines were laid. People of the colony find very difficult to use these roads, especially in the rainy season. The Municipal Corporation says it has no funds to repair these roads. We appeal to the Chief Minister to intervene.

R.K. HANDA, Patiala

Indo-Pak ties

It is good that India and Pakistan are trying to strengthen bilateral relations. Cricket has helped in promoting the ongoing peace efforts. But India should tread with caution. It should not trust Pakistan in blind faith.

Security is a must and there should be no compromise on this while developing cordial relations with Pakistan. Hope India’s relations with its neighbours will improve further in the future.

BHUPINDER SINGH, Mohali

Rose Garden

Chandigarh’s Rose Garden is believed to be the best in Asia. Indeed, this garden is beautiful, inspiring and soothing to the soul. But it is sad that spellings of many roses named after great personalities, including John F. Kennedy, are wrong. This puts one off as he/she walks in the garden.

Yes, another thing is that no rose has been christened after Dr Zakir Hussain — the late President. He too was an ardent lover of roses like Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.

SANJEEV GAUR, Chandigarh