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

Creating new states not a solution

It has been rightly propounded in the editorial “Demand for new states” (Dec 12) that the Centre should appoint a commission at the earliest to examine various demands emanating from different regions for reorganisation of states. But strange are the ways of wily politicians who earlier vociferously vouched for the creation of Telangana state but have now risen in unison to oppose its creation. It has led to political turmoil in Andhra Pradesh that does not augur well for the unity and integrity of our country.

That the smaller states are more viable and could contribute rapidly to greater socio-economic development does not hold water. The creation of new states is not a solution but the balanced development of already existing states is of paramount importance. The need of the hour is to govern them with sincerity.

Let every paisa meant for development reach the grassroots level and not be pocketed by bureaucrats and politicians. A conducive atmosphere has to be created by politicians as well as all sections of society to ensure growth. India has an excellent manpower that ought to be utilised.

Whether new states should be carved out or not is a highly debatable issue and the Pandora’s box should not be opened without thorough consideration.

TARSEM S BUMRAH, Batala

The Telangana issue has jolted the whole nation. The hasty manner in which the UPA government acted has triggered a chain reaction and now there is demand for the creation of more states.

In fact, we are trying to undo Sardar Patel’s achievement. Dividing a state results in division of assets, infrastructure and increase in expenditure on the new administrative set-up.

Therefore, strategic governance is of vital importance. The neglected areas should be equally developed to fulfil the aspirations of the local people. Moreover, democracy demands a consensus of the state legislatures.

Dr GULSHAN SINGH BAHL, Ludhiana

Unfair US

Indeed, Washington has a self-centred style of functioning (editorial, ”Unfair US attitude”, Dec 17) and New Delhi was kept in the dark on Headley. Rather, the US has been irresponsible as well as autocratic in its behaviour and needs to be condemned.

BALVINDER, Chandigarh

The concern about the US not co-operating is justified, but their attitude does not come as a surprise. This is the way they use their “friends” and do their business. One has to understand modern economics and politics. If they can get a Nobel Peace Prize for their President for doing nothing at all, they can do anything they want in the world.

JASWINDER SANDHU, Brampton, Canada

Nobel Peace Prize discredited
Our fraternity of ex-soldiers of the Indian Army is taking this opportunity to express our deep regret and anguish at the discrediting of the Nobel Prize by the Nobel Committee in adopting the criteria which qualified the US President for the Peace Prize. More so if we look at this in the light of his being an incumbent in the office of US President who is responsible for war.

The choice thus smacked of subservience of the Nobel Committee to the US interests. This demolishes the very intent of Alfred Nobel. The value and neutrality of the Prize in recognition of human endeavour and achievement have thus been seriously blunted by this award which has stained the integrity of all Nobel awards. We are surprised that the Nobel Committee failed to be warned that by this decision it is sending a wrong signal to the people of the world that wars can be recognised as peace, depending upon who are fighting. Mr Obama has hardly been in office long enough to become a star in diplomacy for peace and if that was the basis of citation, the results of this are yet to be seen. This award is incongruous when compared with other Nobel awards.
Major-General APS CHAUHAN (retd), General Secretary, Sainiksangh