M A I L B A G

Rapists must be punished and ostracised

Refer to the editorial “No mercy for the rapist” (May 6). The ward boy, who ravished the hospital nurse, richly deserved the life sentence awarded to him. It is, however, seen that even though severe punishments are inflicted o the rapists, there is hardly any day when newspapers do not carry a report about a rape case.

Evidently, quite a number of unscrupulous people have declined below the moral standard of civilised society and forgotten the proud cultural heritage of India. Vulgar numbers, sung by pop singers, and despicable gestures of men and women in bikinis capering round them, salacious advertisements and articles in newspapers and magazines simply gratify the ignoble tastes.

The perpetrators of rape, even though exonerated by courts for want of adequate evidence, are not worthy of being accepted in society. They should be ostracised.

BHAGWAN SINGH, Qadian (Gurdaspur)

II

We are perturbed over the increasing number of rape cases, murders and scams. The worst part of it is crimes like father raping daughter, brother raping sister, teacher raping student and rapes committed on children/minors.

If India should emerge as a progressive and developed country, it cannot degenerate into a sick society. The following options may be considered as preventive measures.

First, trial courts should try all cases of rape. They must hear cases in camera and give rulings within a specific timeframe. Secondly, nudity and kissing must be censored in films and TV serials. Thirdly, US-type witness protection programme is needed for those who stand up for others. Fourthly, death penalty is a must for rapists to act as a deterrent. Otherwise, future generations will never forgive us.

With regards, KOMAL SANDHU, Ludhiana

Include Madhopur too

The Supreme Court has rightly stayed the judgement of the Jaipur Bench of the Rajasthan High Court directing the Centre to enable the Bhakra-Beas Management Board to take over the control of the Headworks of Ropar, Harike and Ferozepur from Punjab Irrigation.

Having served in Punjab Irrigation for 39 years, I feel that if only three headworks work, out of the four headworks which cover the whole Punjab irrigation system, the whole system will collapse. So, the apex court should examine the inclusion of Madhopur Headworks also so that the take over is complete without causing any damage to the system.

Dr G.S. DHILLON, Chandigarh

Varsity’s funny logic Kurukshetra University follows a strange policy on the appointment of examiners for spot-evaluation of answer-books of the undergraduate and post-graduate annual examinations. As per rules, only regularly appointed lecturers (serving and retired) of affiliated colleges can act as examiners. The affiliated colleges under KU now have only a handful of regular lecturers left (thanks to the ban on appointments since 1998). Consequently, they are required to act as invigilators, examiners or moderators simultaneously. This leads to mismanagement, shoddy performance and falling standards. The funny logic is that ad hoc lecturers who have taught for the whole year, evaluated answer books for house examinations and perform invigilation are not considered competent by the university to act as examiners. Dr SUSHIL KANSAL, Lecturer, S.D. College,Ambala Cantt

Disturbing trend

The news-item “Admission in Govt primary schools at all-time low” (April 27) is disturbing. This will make the position of Sarv Sikhsha Abhyan campaign bad to worse. Most villagers are ignorant about the importance of birth registration in the panchayat records or in hospitals. Making birth certificate compulsory will discourage the guardians of the children from admitting them to schools.

An attestation of the gram panchayat or proof from Anganwadi records should be accepted as alternative to the birth certificate. Making birth certificate mandatory will defeat the very purpose of the campaign to remove illiteracy.

NACHHATTAR SINGH, Odhan (Sirsa)

Speedy justice

The Centre’s decision to continue fast track courts is welcome. About three crore cases are pending in various courts. New cases too come up every day. What is the fault of an ordinary citizen? One has to wait years for justice. If justice comes after 15 or 20 years, what is the use?

Fast track courts were set up five years ago to provide speedy justice to the people. They should be set up in every district to speed up justice.

Dr NARESH RAJ, Patiala

Plug leakages

If the Punjab Chief Minister’s statement that the state has no money to fill school teachers’ posts is true, why can’t he pay attention to streamline the revenue collection departments, particularly the finance ministry, which is not so serious to take action against tax defaulters?

N.M. HANSI, Ludhiana

Burning of straw

These days farmers burn wheat straw in their fields despite the ban. This has resulted in environment pollution. A large number of trees in the fields and on the roadside canals and bird nests also get burnt in the process. Birds fly here and there due to the fear of fire.

People also suffer from lung and eye diseases caused by the poisonous smoke emitted during fire. Many friendly insects are finished. The yield value of the land and its humidity also get reduced. Farmers do so to avoid extra burden on them. Let us create awareness among farmers against this menace.

BALWINDER SINGH, Moga

Preventing quakes

Kangra and Chamba have been experiencing mild erathquake tremors regularly in the recent past. The report, “Centre asks HP to develop codes for quake risk mitigation”, though welcome, the time period of every six months to review and revive existing codes only seems to be illogical.

The need of the hour is to take prompt action, may be on restricting concrete jumbo structures or formulating stringent guidelines to follow the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) during construction. A commitment is required to give practical shape to the policies and to spread awareness among the people through CDs and experts.

MEENAKSHI PATHANIA, Advocate, Shimla