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End power politics in Punjab

The editorial “Power politics in Punjab” (Sept 29) has rightly stated that both the Congress and the Akali Dal are equally responsible for the huge gap between demand and supply of power in Punjab. Both have indulged in competitive populism for short-term electoral gains. The Akali Government has made serious efforts to start new thermal projects in the state. However, due to the global meltdown, private sector plants may not become functional in time. Worse still, these might give power at a very high cost to the consumer.

The Chief Minister of Punjab, rather than raising his hands in desperation, should fix accountability. Let all major political parties take a conscious decision not to use the issue of power for scoring political points.

SAPNA, Kurukshetra

 Dr SOSHIL RATTAN, Amritsar

Don’t sign NPT

Indeed, India (editorial, “US arm-twisting: India must resist signing NPT”, Sept 26) should not buckle under the US pressure. It must stick to its stand not to sign the NPT in the interest of safeguarding its security. Undeniably, self-help is the best help.

India cannot afford to compromise its security and sovereignty keeping in view aggressive and hostile neighbours. India has every right to stay nuclear to deter its recalcitrant neighbours. The decision of our policy makers is right and deserves to be commended. India should not let its guard down.

 SUNIL SUNDRIYAL, Chandigarh

Education reforms

Radical reforms in education, initiated by the HRD Minister, Mr Kapil Sibal, will take both teaching and learning to new horizons. The Class X board examination will become optional from the next academic session and grades will be introduced.

Students will also be judged on the basis of projects, quizzes, assignments, etc. Though the new evaluation system has created many doubts in the minds of students, teachers and parents; continuous and comprehensive evaluation (CCE) will motivate students who will do better in a friendly learning environment.

Dr H KUMAR KAUL, Barnala

Senior citizens

On the International Senior Citizens Day (Oct 1), it must be said that pragmatic efforts to recognise the elderly are missing. Though Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act exists, its implementation is lacking and woeful.

In lieu of the physical, medical and social needs of citizens, the definition of senior citizen, itself, needs reconsideration. Besides, concessions in hotels, bus travel, telephone rentals and provision for earmarking land for old age homes would be a few steps in the right direction to ensure that the elderly live with dignity.

O P GARG, Patiala

II

Despite promises of relief for senior citizens, only few concessions have been granted to them. Senior citizens who do not enjoy pension benefits have to face many hardships. Invariably, their family members neglect them.

The educational institutes should inculcate right values among the younger generation. They should be taught to empathise with their elders. Schools and colleges should organise trips to old age homes. Senior citizens deserve better and society must wake up to its responsibility towards them.

Dr S K AGGARWAL, Amritsar

Money for pilots

To the editorial “Pilots and planes” (Sept 25) I would like to add that India can easily raise money to purchase advanced fighter planes and can employ more pilots if it would cut down high pay scales and other unnecessary costs of its huge bureaucracy.

There is little doubt that the Indian bureaucracy is overstaffed, sluggish and inefficient. Besides, it enjoys many holidays. However, high salaries and perks have not made it more efficient or accountable.

R K BHAT, Shimla

Media must inform  T P Sreenivasan’s article “Media under attack” (Sept 24) was rational. Surely, the media has the right to inform the public and bring to light all aberrations at the national and international level to enable the government to deal with them effectively. The media deserves appreciation for highlighting that China is encircling India with a specific purpose of dwarfing India’s growth and role in Asia. In fact, the media is doing yeoman’s service to the nation by reporting, analysing and suggesting ways and means to meet the challenges facing the nation. Capt S K DATTA, Abohar

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