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

PM underlines resolve to move ahead

The editorial “Resolve to move ahead” (Aug 17) was apt and analytical. The Prime Minister’s address underlined a new sense of confidence to move ahead despite challenges facing the nation.

The PM has promised various measures to restore nine per cent growth-rate. Certainly, all the sectors, be it agriculture, industry or services of the economy need more money. The government must create a congenial environment to encourage exports. Farmers need more help to overcome the crisis that they are facing.

The PM has assured the nation that the efforts to deal with terrorism and Naxalite menace will be doubled. His views on foreign policy are farsighted.

However, time only will tell whether his promises turn into reality. The government must tackle drought, price rise and swine flu with greater urgency. The states must cooperate with the Centre and control violence, crime, lawlessness, corruption, wastage and inefficiency.

SUDESH KUMAR SHARMA, Kapurthala

Power cuts

The scheduled and non-scheduled power cuts have made the life of the general public miserable. The PSEB should take immediate and concrete steps to increase power generation. If the present state of power cuts continues, then the day is not far away when the PSEB shall be known as “power shortage electricity board”.

S S UTREJA, Ludhiana

Improve civil services

The article “Tenure for babus” by V Eshwar Anand (Aug 3) underlines the resolve of the Manmohan Singh government to bring about an improvement in the functioning of the civil services. The Civil Services Bill, 2009 envisages commendable measures. However, until and unless the recruitment and promotion rules are changed radically, it may not be able to achieve the desired results.

K C VERMA, Chamba

Hazards of drugs

The news report “SC: Doctors must disclose adverse effects of drugs” (Aug 10) proves that writing prescriptions could become as dangerous as performing surgery. An increasing number of claims based on drug reactions and the doctor’s alleged failure to warn patients are likely to come up.

Should a doctor warn every patient of the dangers of driving after taking any drug with a small antihistamine component? To what extent may a doctor reveal the hazards of a drug is a question that needs to be pondered over seriously?

ADITYA N CHOPRA, Kurukshetra

Protect saplings

Different schools, colleges and organisations are planting saplings in the rainy season. After planting saplings they often forget to take care of them. Therefore a very few of these manage to survive. We have to save every planted sapling and should not wait for special occasions to plant trees. If we want to keep the motherland green and prosperous, our slogans should be ‘Adhik hariyali, adhik khushhali’ and ‘Ek rukh, sau sukh’.

SUKHDEV SINGH MINHAS, Chandigarh

Pakistan’s stance

Since the very day Pakistan came into being India has been its well-wisher. However, Pakistan has all along been inimical to India and has been hell-bent to destabilise it. Its intransigent attitude towards India will never change.

No regime in Pakistan — whether military or civilian — can remain in the saddle unless it keeps the cauldron of anti-India sentiment boiling. The feeling that Pakistan will come round to India’s way of thinking might be only wishful thinking.

BHAGWAN SINGH, Qadian

Reduce judicial backlog It is indeed commendable (news report, “PM for war on judicial backlog” by R Sedhuraman, Aug 17) that many steps are being contemplated for speeding up the judicial process. Currently, one sees too many cases being referred to the Supreme Court, including bail applications, etc. The apex court is basically meant for taking up matters involving the interpretation of the Constitution or serious issues of law having wide and long-term implications. What is seen in practice is that anyone who can afford the fees of a Supreme Court lawyer takes his case for appeal to the apex court. Similar trend is seen in the lower courts as judgements of Sessions Courts are routinely taken up for review by the High Courts. This makes the judicial process unduly long, helps criminals and adds to the backlog in all courts. Judicial reforms should seriously consider laying down norms on what kind of cases ought to be taken up by different courts for review or appeal. KESHAV SACHDEV, Panchkula