II

The editorial has exposed the selfish and self-serving politicians who seek debt relief and higher share from Central tax collections instead of taking tough financial decisions to tide over the state’s financial crisis.

What really hurts the common man is that our power-and-status-hungry politicians concentrate their energies on preserving the colonial legacy and live life king-size. They waste public money and neglect its welfare with the result that there are understaffed public hospitals, potholed roads, poor public transport and frequent power failures.

Will the political leadership in Punjab wake up before it is too late? Or will Punjab continue its downhill journey?

Dr VITULL K. GUPTA, Bathinda

III

Years of bad governance and profligacy will push the state’s debt to Rs 63,216 crore this fiscal. Earlier, it was reported that the Punjab Government had taken loans every month to pay salaries.

It is correct to say that future generations of Punjabis will pay for the follies of present-day leaders. The government has not reduced subsidies to farmers and the state is heading towards a financial crisis. The state government should explore new sources of revenue.

SAHIL GARG, Chandigarh

‘Vichar baithak’

Unfortunately, all political parties (editorial, “Limited exercise: Akali Dal avoids hard decisions”, Sep 14) without exception continue to indulge in vote bank politics and put some sections of society in an advantageous position compared with others. The Akali Dal is no exception.

It is time political parties showed some maturity and performed for the welfare of all. Public is supreme in a democratic system of governance.

Brig H S GHUMAN (retd),  SAS Nagar

II

Akali Dal’s “Vichar baithak” at Shimla was meant to provide a platform to SAD legislators from where they could express their views on how to implement party’s policies so that it benefits masses. Yet, the Finance Minister, Mr Manpreet Badal, was barred from airing his well-known views on subsidies.

ARUN HASTIR, Babehali, Gurdaspur

Change in UT

It is good (news report, “Punjab Guv to lose UT charge” by Ajay Banerjee, Sep 12) that finally better sense has prevailed over the Union government and they have decided to honour the sentiments of citizens of the Union Territory of Chandigarh by reintroducing the post of the Chief Commissioner for the city.

It is a long-awaited step and in the right direction. This would result in better governance and issues related to the city would be redressed faster.

 A K SHARMA, Chandigarh

Security threat

The editorial “Threats to security” (Sep 17) has given a timely warning to the nation. India must come out of its slumber. The increasing influence of Maoists is a matter of grave concern for the nation.

There is an urgent need to improve the lot of people. Only development approach will play a significant role in tackling Maoists.

Infiltrations and intrusions have been growing from all sides and it can be disastrous for the nation. As China and Pakistan appear to be hand in glove, India must step up its defence preparedness.

Capt S K DATTA, Abohar