III

Why do we make so much of a fuss about Mayawati’s style of lavish living and cheap thinking? As per a layman’s astrology, names of persons do have an impact on their living styles. Since “Maya” in Indian language means cash, Mayawati also plays in cash. It is not her fault, her destiny is “maya”, her name is Maya, her aim is “maya” thus her fame is “maya”.

R K KAPOOR, Chandigarh

Doctoral aspirants

In July 2009, the University Grant Commission introduced the “UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Awards of M.Phil/PhD Degree) Regulation 2009” to curb growing complaints against substandard doctoral degrees and research programmes.

The universities were supposed to implement the new guidelines for fresh admissions in Ph.D. Most of the universities of the Punjab have stopped enrolment for admission to Ph.D because of the pending implementation of the new guidelines. Applications of Ph.D aspirants already submitted to universities since July 2009 are awaiting the decision on admission. Most of them are UGC qualified /CSIR(JRF)/SLET/teacher fellowship/GATE qualified applications and the universities are holding those applications with original degrees and documents. Vice-chancellors of Universities should pay immediate attention to it.

SHIVANI ARORA MONGA, Ferozepur

Make CBI autonomous

It is a matter of great satisfaction that the Constitution Bench of the Apex Court has ruled that the courts must use the extraordinary power of ordering a CBI probe without the state governments’ consent in exceptional circumstances (“Power to order CBI probe: Supreme Court settles the law” by V. Eshwar Anand, March 16).

It is an open secret that the CBI acts more as the handmaiden of the Centre than an impartial body inspiring confidence. The working of the CBI to probe allegations of corruption and other charges against the political heavy-weights has quite often been questioned publicly in the media and by the political parties in the opposition. The writer’s suggestion to render complete autonomy to the CBI on the lines of the Election Commission of India is timely; the sooner it is implemented, the better it would be for all concerned.

CHHAVI SINGLA, Panchkula

Nuclear risks

India has many nuclear plants and there are obvious risks of accidents taking place there (editorial “Tactical retreat: Why N-liability Bill becomes a casualty”, March 17). The cost of clearing up a nuclear disaster could be enormous, far more than being experienced during the Bhopal Gas tragedy in 1984. The Bill lets US corporations off the hook for any nuclear accidents caused on the Indian soil. If there is a design fault which causes a failure which cannot be prevented, compensation for this by the builder ought to be covered by the purchase contract. India must hold a public consultation before changing the liability rules for any nuclear accidents caused by American corporations.

RAJIV ARORA, Ferozepur

PDS corruption

Corruption can only be controlled in all the departments if there is political will (“SC: Corruption eating into PDS system”, March 17). The bureaucrats cannot dare to connive with the corrupt elements without the patronage of the political bosses. The fact-finding reports on corrupt practices by the vigilance experts and the steps suggested to curb corruption will help only when political bosses want to curb corruption honestly.

NARINDAR SINGH, Jalandhar

‘My Name is Khan’

The media should act in responsible manner and understand its impact on public sentiments. A case in point is that the political ban on the movie “My Name is Khan” was given undue importance by the media. This resulted in the public becoming curious and therefore flocking to movie stations in record numbers. Such news should be underplayed.

Dr VIJAY MALHOTRA, Chandigarh

Punjab Budget

The Punjab Budget disappointed employees and pensioners. The long-awaited revision in pay and pension arrears will have to wait at least for one year. Moreover hiked power duty shocked the industry.

KAMALJIT MALWA, Mansa