M A I L B A G

Tax revenues not being used properly

The government is urging people to pay income and other taxes through a large-scale advertisement campaign in the mass media. Tax collection is the right of the government and it is also beneficial for us as government provides basic facilities and infrastructure to us. The problem is that many big earners evade taxes, especially those who are politically well connected. What hurts even more is that the people’s money is misused by some politicians and officials.

The government issues notices to the common man if he defaults on a tax, but nothing happens to the big fish, and those who misappropriate tax revenues. Is this not a double standard on the part of the government? Before releasing such advertisements, the government needs to put in place mechanisms to instil confidence in the people that their money would be put to good use. Then people will not hesitate to pay taxes.

Ankush Jindal, Patiala

Iran’s options

You have rightly asked in your editorial (Feb 6) that the Iranian Government should accept the Russian proposal of assistance in their nuclear programme. But have the people of Iran to make all the sacrifices in the name of compromises? The IAEA vote is not just a referral, but a state of diplomatic jeopardy. India’s vote against Iran has disappointed millions of Indians.

As you have stated, India has shown its commitment to the cause of non-proliferation. But being a nuclear state, how can we forbid others from wanting these deadly weapons? Non-proliferation is not an end in itself, as even one bomb is enormously destructive. Total disarmament is the only way leading to world peace. Imposing sanctions on Iran will add fuel to the fire.

Sandeep Krishan, Abohar

Governance derailed

In your editorial “Raj Babbar’s outbursts” (Feb 9) you have rightly held that all is not well with the Samajwadi Party. But then, there is hardly any honest politician in our country. The wealth of Mulayam Singh, Mayawathi and Lalu Prasad Yadav have all come under the scanner. While the Congress manipulates Dr Manmohan Singh, the BJP expels a person like Uma Bharati, forgetting her role in crushing the Congress. You have rightly stressed the need for decentralisation of the decision-making powers in political parties.

S.S. Jain, Chandigarh

Lawyers as politicians

It is amazing to see the spokesperson of the Congress party, who is also a lawyer by profession, in his formal dress as a lawyer of the Supreme Court, speaking to the media on various political questions. There are some other instances also where we see active politicians still practicing in the courts.

Though legally there is no bar, lawyers are an integral part of the judicial system and their active involvement in politics degrades the judiciary. Politics should not be allowed to penetrate into the temples of justice even indirectly. Joining politics by lawyers should be completely banned as it is already banned for the Judges and other government personnel.

Rupinderjeet Pandwala, Dera Bassi

Practical knowledge

At present we are emphasizing bookish knowledge a lot. But the need is for practical knowledge. A person who has only theoretical knowledge cannot attain success. Our government must do something about this because bookish knowledge is little knowledge and it is rightly said that little knowledge is a dangerous thing. A person having work experience can become more successful than a mere degree holder.

Practical knowledge will make us independent. It also helps us to know all sides of a chosen career. Students will become ready for their work mentally and physically. Then they must devote their full interest and time in their work. For this purpose it’s very much necessary that education should be free from the hands of the politicians. Government must think seriously about practical education for students rather then thinking about the privatization of education. Only proper practical knowledge along with book knowledge can prepare us for a better future life.

Shelly Sood, Ludhiana

Post office schemes

The government must either impose targets or give some incentives to postal employees to enhance the business of small saving schemes and other deposits. Unlike private finance companies, nobody is there to push these schemes. The existing conglomeration of small savings agents and postal babus is not the most efficient way of channelling the public’s savings.

Krishan Kumar, Lohian Khas (Jalandhar)

Haphazard traffic

Solan town in Himachal Pradesh is reeling under heavy traffic, which has increased many fold over the last few years. The condition of the road from Saproon Bus Stand towards Kotla Nala and Degree College is particularly bad. There is an urgent need for a new direct road from Saproon to the college side as all the bus and truck traffic towards Rajgarh pass through the D.C.’s Office and Mall road the whole day.

Santosh Kumari, Saproon, Solan