M A I L B A G

How best to fulfil PM’s promises

This has reference to the editorial “Inspiring words” (Aug 16). The Independence Day address by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh from the ramparts of Red Fort was very reassuring, honest and genuine. But how can his promises be implemented?

The biggest challenge before India today is bridging the gap between the rich and the poor. While the rich are reaping the fruits of economic growth, over 250 million people continue to live below the poverty line. The only lasting answer lies in population control. If we keep adding crores to our population every year, all development projects, including increase in jobs, will get neutralised. So, we have to bring down our population below 100 crore.

Apart from constant awareness and motivation, the two-child norm should be strictly implemented. The people’s representatives — from Parliament to panchayats — and the educated must set personal examples in this regard. Irrespective of caste and creed, let’s all strive to crystallise India’s achievements and make it truly great.

Colonel R.D. SINGH, Commandant, 213, Transit Camp, Jammu Cantonment

II

In his address, the Prime Minister has not offered any immediate and plausible solution to the unemployment problem. Since the government has opened floodgates for MNCs, many small-scale industries, unable to compete with them, have closed down their shutters. This has rendered lakhs jobless. The universities and other institutions churn out professionals every year but where are jobs for them? Moreover, there is the ban on recruitment even though public offices are unable to cope with the workload.

The government should fill up all the vacancies. Small and medium employers should be given subsidy to establish their concerns in rural  areas, train the unskilled workers and retain them for at least 200 days.

S.K. KHOSLA, Chandigarh

III

Even as the country celebrated Independence Day, the Uttar Pradesh and Delhi governments are not allowing the state-run buses from entering each other’s territory. This has put thousands of commuters, most of whom are from lower and middle income sections, to hardship. Of what use is the National Capital Region (NCR) if politicians behave in an autocratic manner? I appeal to the President and the Prime Minister to resolve the matter amicably in the larger interest of society.

UDITA AGRAWAL, New Delhi

Checking pollution

This has reference to Prabhjot Singh’s report “Mechanical harvesting work leads to health problems” together with the picture of a harvesting thresher blowing out clouds of dust (May 3, 2005).

I can make a machine to help control pollution in the villages caused by harvesting thresher, straw-making reapers and cleaning sieve fans used in the grain market to clean wheat, paddy, sunflower or seeds. Also, the husk blowing fans and paddy cleaners used in the rice mills can be manufactured by using my ideal machine. Dust will come out by gravity and not in the shape of clouds of dust.

I have contacted the Member Secretary, Punjab Pollution Control Board, Patiala, for checking the pollution problem caused by the machinery in question. Those interested may consult me at this address: 274, Street No. 2, Vikas Nagar, Rajpura (Patiala district). (Ph: 01762- 226449).

MAHAN SINGH TOOR, Patiala

A rare photo

You have published a rare photo on the front-page of The Tribune (Aug 17) of a policeman actually helping a visually challenged woman to cross a barricade to join protesters! This action of the police is entirely out of character, but it proves that humanity is not dead even in the police uniform.

KULDEEP KUMAR, BHATNAGAR, IAS, Chandigarh

Follow TN example

I endorse the view that the Punjab Government employees should retire at 55 as in Tamil Nadu (Letters, Aug 10). This will help reduce the unemployment problem to some extent. Two youths can be provided employment if an employee retires at 55 years.

CHAMAN BHATNAGAR, Ludhiana

Why single out a community? In his article “Clash of civilisation” (Aug 5), Sushant Sareen has singled out the Muslim community as his target. He has vainly tried to rationalise the terrorism perpetrated by the US and the UK on Iraq using the Machiavellian ideology. He has also conveniently forgotten the terrorism supported by millions for razing the Babri Masjid, in instigating the Gujarat riots and the genocide of Sikhs in a democratic country. Religion has a very powerful role in the evolution of society. It offers spiritual solace and salvation to suffering humanity. But it has also opened the floodgates of fundamentalism leading to terrorism based on certain perceptions of what is just and unjust. It further leads to terrorism. Clearly, terrorism must be stopped in all forms — war, social and economic exploitation or otherwise. The weak must not be considered so weak as to let anyone, howsoever mighty one may be, not to have sleepless nights. In short, history is a story of the men and events, clash of arrogance, egos and clash of Titans and survival of the self. HARJINDER SINGH TANGRI, Faridkot