The sudden and unexpected decision of the Centre to support statehood for Telangana has created a climate of uncertainty and turbulence (editorials, “Demand for new states” and “UP is unwieldy”, Dec 12 and 14). There is a tug of war over the creation of new, smaller states.

In India, the sad fact is that today one searches in vain for a land that is at peace with itself. Violence has spread everywhere. Perhaps, the formation of linguistic states has belied the aspirations of the people, who feel deprived of development.

Under the present circumstances, India should be divided into geo-economic zones, with suitable sub-zones. Smaller states are neither viable nor possible. There will be lack of coordination and tension between the federal and state governments. The stability and security of the nation is very important because India derives its strength from its vastness. If it is divided into smaller parts, it may even cease to exist.

Rising prices

Inder Malhotra’s article, “A trilogy of national shame”(Dec 11) has traced the sequence of events leading to a situation where the government appears to be a helpless spectator. The ever-increasing prices of essential commodities might be partly due to the vagaries of weather but the greedy hoarders are also to be blamed. It is time political leaders met this challenge collectively. Please do not try the patience of the common man any further.

SHANTI SWAROOP SHARMA,Dharamshala

II

The article was thought provoking. Indeed, no one had ever expected that daal, the poor man’s protein, would cost Rs 100 a kilo. What to talk of poor even a middle class family cannot afford it. Indeed, it is painful to observe that no action has been taken in the country against hoarders and profiteers. They need to be dealt with severely.

SUBHASH C TANEJA, Rohtak

Judicial Commission

The dispensation of justice is by far the most important act of a civilised society (article, “The Dinakaran embarrassment” by K N Bhat, Dec 7). Obviously, the person entrusted with this onerous responsibility must possess highest integrity as also sound knowledge of the law of the land.

I agree with the writer’s suggestion of setting up an independent National Judicial Commission. It will be in the fitness of things if the members of the Bar are also consulted or given representation in the commission in matters of appointment and transfer of judges.

NEERAJ KISHORE SHARMA,Sundernagar

Timely services

Every citizen has a right to get documents like the ration card, driving licence and voter identity cards within a reasonable time frame (editorial, “Services as a right”, Dec 15). Yet often the common man has to face inordinate delay in procuring these documents. This sorry state of affairs can change if a new scheme being launched by the PMO next year fructifies in the right spirit. Under it, penalties will be deducted from the salaries of dealing officials if there are delays in providing citizens services like ration cards, voter identity cards and driving licences. The employees are of the view that over the years the official work has increased and the staff has been reduced by 40 per cent. The government should also consider this aspect and look into the grievances of employees as well.

M L GARG, Chandigarh

Legislate, don’t agitate

The editorial “Punjab Assembly free-for-all”(Dec 10) has drawn a vivid picture of pathetic affairs in the Punjab Assembly. Recently, we have witnessed chaos in Parliament, J&K, Maharashtra and UP Assemblies. Legislators indulging in such rowdy behaviour seem to draw inspiration from each other.

Such incidents lead to mere wastage of precious time and taxpayer’s money. But our representatives don’t understand this. They love popularity and are happy to see their photographs on the front page of the newspapers, even if for wrong reasons. The Opposition fails to see the trap that the editorial has aptly pointed out, “When the governments of the day should be answering for their follies, they are let off the hook by walks outs, disruptions and unruly scenes.” The bottom line is– legislators must legislate and not agitate.

HARBANS SINGH, Ambala Cantt