M A I L B A G

Reservations in private sector won’t do

THIS has reference to Udit Raj’s article “Dalits in private sector will make India stronger” (Perspective, June 12). It is good that industrialists have extended their support for education and training of the dalits. Not merely giving doles, but capacity building holds the key to development.

The poorest among the dalits, being educationally backward, have not been benefited by reservations. Only a microscopic minority among the dalits has been cornering the benefits of reservation for over five decades. This has become possible only because they could have access to education. Once the dalits are provided best education and training, they would acquire higher position in the industry as in the US.

Moreover, a fair comparison cannot be made between the situation in the US and India as the US got independence 230 years ago where as India is in the nascent stage of freedom.

I would advocate liberal financial support to poor dalits for highest education and training to help them compete with others and setting up of industrial enterprises from the government and industrialists instead of creating a “dependency syndrome” among them and perpetuate it further.

PURAN SINGH, Nilokheri (Karnal)

II

Dalits should definitely get jobs in the private sector, but purely on the basis of merit and not through the backdoor of reservations. Caste-based quotas have played havoc with the public sector. We cannot commit yet another blunder with the private sector. The sacrifice of merit at the altar of vote bank politics has ruined the public sector. This should not be allowed to happen in the private sector.

The private sector is doing well because merit is the sole criterion for jobs here. Quotas should not be introduced in the private sector. The public sector too should be insulated from the quota system and it must recognise merit in the larger interest of the nation.

A.K. SHARMA, Chandigarh

Switzerland: Heaven on the earth IN their article “Picture Perfect” (Spectrum, June 12), Poonam Batth and Priyanka Singh have tried to depict a good picture of Switzerland and its delights. But neither the picture nor the delights are complete unless we know something about the Swiss and their way of life. No doubt, trendy Zurich, medieval Berne, lively Lucerne and dreamy Intertaken are there to fascinate the tourist. But he must have a peep in the life of the people. Two hundreds years ago, Switzerland was a poor country. But today, it has the highest per capita gross domestic produce in Europe. Switzerland has the highest amount of gold per head. The important factors are hard work, traditional habit of saving, wise foreign policy of neutrality, freedom from wars and a most efficient all-party government headed by honest, patriotic and able leaders. Despite loyalties to their respective parties, they are more loyal to their country. Switzerland is the cleanest country in the West, literally and morally. If socialism means equal opportunities for all, one can see it in practice in Switzerland. There is dignity of labour. The Swiss love newspapers. There are 500 dailies and periodicals for a population of more than seven million. The Swiss gift to the world is the International Red Cross. The country does not produce an ounce of iron, coal or cotton, yet it exports watches, heavy machinery, huge diesel, marine motors, turbines, machine tools, instruments and finest textiles. Swiss chemicals, dye stuff and insecticides are in demand in every part of the world. Switzerland’s currency (Swiss franc) is the strongest in the world. The country has no professional army, yet every citizen is a soldier. There are no slums, no unemployment. It is a major banking centre. The stability of the currency brings funds from many affluent people. Like Kashmir, it is heaven on the earth. VIJAY SHEEL JAIN, Ludhiana

Protect the tiger

Vibha Sharma’s article (Spectrum, May 29) rightly stresses the need to protect and save the tiger from extinction. There were about 40,000 tigers during 1909-1910 in India. This number was reduced to 1500, which eventually led to Project Tiger. It is a fact that the tiger trade is well-financed and well-coordinated between poachers and dealers.

It is a result of lack of effective enforcement of the law. Besides political support, strict laws should be framed and implemented.

It is shameful that the development of man is accompanied by environment degradation, resulting in the destruction of the natural habitat. The youth must be imparted the knowledge about each and every aspect of wildlife.

HITESH LAKHANPAL, On e-mail.

II

The dwindling ratio of tigers is, undoubtedly, a serious threat to our eco-system. Besides tigers, other animals like star tortoises, sea horses and leopards are also in peril.

The need of the hour is to save the flora and fauna. Strict action should be taken against those indulging in their smuggling. Poachers should be penalised and put behind bars. Forest guards should be given more powers. Dependency upon forests for livelihood by some people should be minimised. The Wildlife Act needs to be followed in letter and spirit.

SAURABH BAMBA, Ferozepore

A courageous man

I read V. Gangadhar’s article, “Dutt’s the way to live” (Spectrum, June 5). The life lived by Sunil Dutt will act as a source of inspiration for all, especially for those who lose hope at the time of crisis and struggle. In spite of innumerable setbacks, he kept on working with the same zeal and zest. Personal crises could never stop him from serving society.

Incidentally, a popular song from his own movie, Humraaz, conveys the complete story of his life: Na muh chhupa ke jiyo aur na sar jhuka ke jiyo, gamon ka daur bhi aaye to muskura ke jiyo.

Besides being a very talented actor, Sunil Dutt was a great human being. He was a true philanthropist, His dictum of life was very simple: live life as it comes.

VIPIN SEHGAL, Ladwa