Maoist menace

S Nihal Singh’s article “Fighting the Maoists” (Oct 20) was analytical and enlightening. But the big question remains: Why do deprived and helpless people fall for the Maoist ideology?

Unless we strengthen the democratic processes the Maoist influence is bound to grow and the oppressed will be driven into the Naxal fold.

Dr VITULL K GUPTA, Bathinda

Gene revolution

From the Green Revolution to the gene revolution, Indian agriculture has come a long way. Although the introduction of GM food has been clouded by controversies, its benefits are tangible and will lead to the reduction of pesticides, conservation of water and soil and a better harvest.

Environmentalists argue that GM crops are capable of increasing allergens, antibiotic resistance and deposition of toxins. Even the World Health Organisation agrees on the need to standardise methods of assessing the safety and nutritional aspects of GM food.

GM brinjal has been tested across the country to determine its performance under varied conditions. Millions of North Americans have been living in the pink of health after eating GM papaya, soyabean and corn for years now.

So perhaps there is not enough reason to raise an alarm as yet, especially since genetic engineering is based on precise calculations aimed at desired results, not random tinkering with genes. However, the government should continue its surveillance of the quality of GM crops.

J S ACHARYA, Hyderabad

Save daughters

The launch of nation’s first public health helpline can go a long way in fighting the menace of female foeticide (editorial, “Welcome initiative: Helpline a step against female foeticide”, Oct 12). But it is a small step. To eliminate this evil, a comprehensive strategy is required.

Strict implementation of the PNDT law is the need of the hour. Besides, there is need to change the patriarchal mindset. Stringent implementation of the Dowry Prohibition Act and women-oriented welfare schemes can also help curb female foeticide.

VISHAVJOT, Kurukshetra

Nuclear power

The decision of the Punjab government (news report, “Punjab bats for nuclear power plant” by Naveen S Garewal, Oct 22) is laudable. Indeed, nuclear power is safe and has numerous benefits. Nangal is best suited for nuclear power plant. Far from borders, it has vast acres of vacant land and plenty of water

Dr SANJEEV GAUTAM, Nangal

Education hub

Certainly, India has (article, “India can be education hub” by Vijay Sanghvi, Oct 24) the potential to become an education hub. This calls for autonomy. Universities and other institutions of higher education must be freed from political and bureaucratic stranglehold.

There is also a case against frequent experiments in higher education by the decision makers without taking academicians in confidence. Besides, only academicians should be made vice-chancellors.

Dr M M GOEL, Kurukshetra