L E T T E R S    T O    T H E    E D I T O R

Airlines’ plea for bailout ridiculous

The private airlines’ demand for a bailout on the pattern of Air India is quite ridiculous. The editorial, “Why bailout?: Airlines must cope on their own” (Aug 3) rightly raised the question: “When they do not share their profits with the government, why should the latter share their losses?”

The private airlines may have deferred their strike on Aug 18, but the government should not bow to their pressure. They have forced passengers to re-schedule their journey and caused much harassment to them. The government should take strict action against them. I agree with the view that these airlines had been earning profits and purchasing more and more aircraft. Certainly, “they have not saved for the rainy day”.

R.K. KAPOOR, Chandigarh

II

The editorial, “Airlines U-turn: Simply fly or leave the skies” (Aug 4) was interesting. Obviously, the private airlines are victims of their own mistakes as they have not been managing their financial resources effectively.

Clearly, instead of expending huge monies on sponsoring international cricket events, they should have utilised their resources in productive activities to bring their ailing units out of the red.

HARDEEP SINGH SULACH, Mohali

Timely expose

Chitleen Sethi’s report on how top district officials are making government pay their power bills was timely (July 31). The Tribune has been doing yeoman service to society by bringing out various cases of open loot of the taxpayers’ money by the powers-that-be including politicians and bureaucrats.

The expose on the exorbitant monthly electricity bills of the DCs and SSPs being paid by their offices needs thorough investigation and remedial action.

Brig H.C. MALHOTRA, Panchkula

Wrong message

Reports of the alleged involvement of former Union Home Minister and Bihar Governor Buta Singh’s son in a bribery case is shocking. Being the Chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes, Mr Buta Singh is holding a constitutional post. If his son is really involved in bribery, this sends a wrong message to society.

A comprehensive probe and exemplary action against all those involved in the bribery case have become imperative.

ANIL GOEL, Jagadhri

Welcome ruling

I read the report, “SC to Centre: Ensure no place of worship built on public land” (Aug 1). The apex court ruling will be heartily welcomed by the law-abiding people who are sick of the highhandedness of the land mafia that has been usurping government land in the guise of erecting places of worship.

It will be nice if the Supreme Court appoints a committee to monitor the enforcement of its ruling. For, its directive on police reforms has been in limbo.

R.J. KHURANA, Bhopal

Unique number

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIA) with Mr Nandan Nilekani as its head is set to provide a unique number to all Indian citizens by 2011. Obtaining this number is not mandatory. Thus, people who would want it but cannot obtain it for reasons beyond their control would not be blamed.

But then, they will inevitably be confused with those who don’t want to be identified either because they are illegal immigrants from neighbouring countries or because they have anti-national aims. This would make genuine citizens without UI numbers targets for police checks.

Moreover, making the UI Number mandatory may raise a constitutional point because of the state assuming the restrictive role of a “Big Brother” that limits or restricts individual freedom.

Dr S.G.VOMBATKERE, Mysore

Disturbing trend

I read the report, “Fake currency racket busted, women held” (Aug 3). Women’s increasing involvement in crimes of this nature is disturbing. Moreover, there is a spurt in cases where spouses either kill their partners or hatch a conspiracy to get them killed. The police has cracked three cases where women, in connivance with their alleged paramours, conspired to kill their husbands.

Police officers, experts and lawyers should sit together to examine this alarming trend.

HARPREET SANDHU, Ludhiana

In defence of fixed tenure V. Eshwar Anand’s article, “Tenure for babus: CMs must help PM improve governance” (Aug 3) rightly underlines the imperative need for a fixed tenure for bureaucrats, especially at the cutting edge of the administration. The truth is that politicians create a phobia among the babus, some of whom willy nilly fall in line. Those who are upright and stand firm are patronised by the new dispensation. Thus, in every state, IAS and IPS officers are identified with one or the other political setup. Some learn the art of collaboration and carry on by sacrificing public interest. I agree with the writer that the Chief Ministers’ role is vital in governance because they, with their team of legislators, can set an example by ensuring that decisions are implemented fairly. The civil servants’ role is crucial in this context. Unfortunately, barring some, they are sucked into the melting pot of state politics. Lt-Col CHANAN SINGH DHILLON (retd), Ludhiana