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

Inauguration ‘tamasha’ is pointless

The editorial, “Politics of inauguration: Public projects fall victims” (March 6) exposes politicians’ ludicrous penchant for laying of foundation stones and inaugurating projects irrespective of the fact that they had been remotely connected with them.

It has rightly been observed that the conduct of the BSP government in UP in preventing Ms Sonia Gandhi from inaugurating the bridge, built at her behest and with central funding in Rae Bareli, is bound to strain Centre-state relations.

The politicians’ ridiculous games are taking a toll on decency in public life. They need to be taught that stone tablets and plaques are neither guarantee for their immortalisation nor going to fetch votes for them.

Need of the hour is that the inauguration of the projects that fulfil a public need and are built with public funds must be attended by representatives of all political parties as well as the Union and the state governments.

LAJPAT RAI GARG, Panchkula

Punjab’s finances

There was a time when Punjab used to be a prosperous state (editorial, “Punjab’s fiscal mess”, March 6). People of Punjab are hard working. The rural society occupies an important place in Punjab’s economy. About two-third of the state’s population is dependent on agriculture and allied activities, which provide about 40 per cent of Punjab’s gross domestic product.

No development programme can succeed if it is not built on the foundation of the rural sector. There is a strong need to develop rural agro-based industries. Self-employment schemes for the economically backward population of the state should be implemented in earnestness.

SHIVANI ARORA MONGA, Ferozepur City

The editorial has rightly depicted the picture of state finances. The state is heading towards a financial crunch due to committed expenditure and indiscriminate subsidies. The revenue and fiscal deficit of the state has risen. The state government should not look towards the Centre. Instead it should cut down subsidies. The Punjab government should shun extravagance and set its house in order.

KARAN, Chandigarh

III

The editorial was apt. The present ruling alliance in Punjab must understand that the prosperity of the state, the integrity of its politics, the stability of society and the development of economy, all hinge upon good planning.

Why should the state hold Centre responsible for its lopsided policies? It is time to stop sangat darshans and making false promises. The Punjab Government should work for the economic development of the state and keep narrow political interests aside.

HARPREET SANDHU, Ludhiana

CPM’s dilemma

The editorial “CPM at sea: It’s time to rethink its line”(March 5) was interesting. The Communists have been extremely uncomfortable in democratic set ups, since the very genesis of their ideology is anti-establishment born out of turmoil and class conflict.

If Mr Prakash Karat is introspecting, it is perhaps in part due to the osmosis of democratic values into hitherto impervious ideology. We should see a chastened, wiser and more liberal Left, emerging sooner than later.

R NARAYANAN, Ghazibad

Bharat Ratna

Bharat Ratna should be awarded to the people who dedicate their life for the upliftment of people. Those excelling in the fields of sports, arts, films, music, engineering, medicine and law, do not qualify for the Bharat Ratna. Fame and success in their respective field should not be considered a criteria. In fact, martyrs like Shaheed Bhagat Singh and Sardar Udham Singh , who sacrificed their lives for their country should be awarded the Bharat Ratna.

RS ANAND, SAS Nagar

Ethics in clinical trials
To the editorial “Safer clinical trials” (Feb 22) I want to add that animals have remained an essential part of man’s environment since ages. If on the one hand many animals are domesticated to meet primary life-supporting needs, they are also used for labour, transport and as guards and companions. Besides, animals have aroused intellectual pursuits in man.
It is also a fact that animals were always used in physiological and pathological experiments in medical research. This scientific activity was carried out to benefit the health of mankind and also to decrease human suffering. But if the so-called benefits are based upon utter disregard of ethics we may soon lose faith in the contention that the ends justify the means.
To check unsafe and illegal drug testing, the editorial has rightly emphasised that guidelines on clinical research need to be followed with greater vigil and stringent laws to punish violators are an imperative. But to my mind, legislation can never make anyone more human.
Dr I M JOSHI, Chandigarh

Sachin’s feat

Sachin Tendulkar deserves accolades for his performance in the second ODI at Gwalior. At an age when many cricketers bid adieu to the game, he is still going strong. By hitting an unbeaten double century, the first instance in the history of the ODI, he has proved that he is still a veritable run-scoring machine and a batsman par excellence.

Today, he is holding many batting records. However, he is yet to score the highest runs in a test match. God willing and with his innate grit and determination he is likely to achieve that also.

D K AGGARWALA, Hoshairpur