M A I L B A G

Time to check drug menace in Punjab

AMAR CHANDEL’s article “Hooked to drugs: Punjab is gasping for breath” (July 21) carries a deep mesmerism to catch one in a bind. It should have the same impact on the state government too. The article lays an urgent agenda for the government which, already aware of the menace, needs to shift the item upward on its list of priorities.

After taking over as the Chief Minister, Captain Amarinder Singh had called upon the police to eradicate drug menace from Punjab but, as the article explains, the smuggler-drug peddler nexus is so strong that it can’t be blown over by little blows. A statewide combing operation needs to be launched coupled with raids on the well-established dens of smugglers serving as stockyards for drugs. Hostels of educational institutions, construction sites, dhabas and large agriculture farms are a few areas that are needed to be kept under strict vigil.

JAGVIR GOYAL, Chandigarh

II

There is a need to constitute small committees in all villages and mohallas with sincere and dedicated social workers to check the increasing drug menace in Punjab. These committees should enjoy the full support and confidence of all panchayat and municipality members. They should arrange round-the-clock vigil on drug addicts. They should also have the motivation to reform the spoiled members of society.

All elected representatives like MLAs and MPs, panchayat and municipality members should be made accountable for the drug menace in their respective constituencies/areas.

The media — print and electronic — will have to impart proper knowledge and warning against this evil on top priority. In this context, The Tribune has already taken the lead as a duty and social obligation. The Education Department should organise workshops in schools, colleges and universities for its eradication to save the new generation.

O.P. PANJETA, Jagadhri

III

The article was both informative and educative. The drug menace has enveloped Punjab like a dust storm. All strata of society — from rickshaw-puller to high ups — take intoxicants with only the type and quality being different. Our new generation is fast falling a prey to it.

The border districts of Punjab are worst affected due to their proximity with Pakistan which has narco-terrorism bases. A bullet kills a single person but narcotics have the potential to devastate an entire society. A drug addict is a moving corpse, with shattered family and orphaned children.

Instead of catching the bull by the horns, the Punjab Government has made liquor virtually flow through the streets of the state merely in lure for lucre. Narcotics barons and drug peddlers fatten the pockets of police to look the other way.

The Tribune is doing its duty but where are our dedicated cops, bureaucrats and public leaders to put a lid on the lava-spewing volcano which is sure to annihilate the once robust and vibrant Punjab?

KARNAIL SINGH, Sunny Enclave (Kharar)

IT hub for Mohali welcome The news-item “Punjab to invest Rs 200 crore to make Mohali IT hub” (July 15) augurs well for the state. Though Chief Minister Amarinder Singh’s announcement of establishing an airport at Phillaur sounds good, Adampur near Hoshiarpur which already has an IAF base could also be considered. The Chief Minister is planning pubs, multiplexes and other facilities, but these alone won’t attract IT professionals. A healthy working environment at the work place is still missing in most IT units. Punjab can race ahead of Bangalore or Hyderabad, even after a late start, if it can learn from the pitfalls and gaps in the IT-driven environment.    The Chief Minister’s announcement of ensuring unlimited bandwidth with optical fibre connectivity, no power cuts, no entry and no electricity duties besides self-certification under the Factories Act are a great sign of his keen intent to bring investments to Punjab. He should also elicit support from technocrats like Dr V. Krishnamurthy and Mr Sam Pitroda. TEJINDER SINGH BEDI, Noida (UP)

No results yet

The academic session of Kurukshetra University has commenced from July 16 whereas the results of BA, B.Sc and B.Com first year are yet to be declared. Who is responsible for the loss of students’ precious time? The university authorities should be made accountable and penalised for the inordinate delay. Is there any authority to take cognisance of this?

Dr JAI PRAKASH GUPTA, Ambala cantonment

Welcome move

The government’s move to relax rules in the preparation of conventional warfare materials is welcome. Now even Tata Power has been roped in to build multi-rocket launcher system for the Indian Army.

If we can open up further such deals, then public-private partnerships can bring in efficiency and will put domestic resources to best possible use.

PRANAV SACHDEVA, New Delhi

A coercive step

This refers to the news item regarding the withdrawal of BSNL scheme launched in October 2004. The BSNL’s assertion that corrective action is the need of the hour is unconvincing. It is just a coercive step and hence short-sighted. The BSNL must wake up to face the stiff competition.

SHAM LAL, Chandigarh