Safety concerns

The editorial “Compensating victims” (June 11) has rightly observed that there is a gap in the Indian law regarding industrial disasters and that provisions of the Indian Penal Code such as Section 304-A, which deal with death due to negligence, are too mild for disasters of the scale of the Bhopal gas tragedy. 

Little attention is paid to the environmental and safety norms in large industries and factories. Bhopal is a grim reminder of the heavy price ordinary people pay for such callousness. Industries should stress upon and communicate safety concerns to stakeholders.

Moreover, we need more stringent laws for environmental disasters and for industries using chemicals and hazardous substances and for providing adequate succour to the victims in case of disasters.

HARJEEV KUMAR KHANNA, Ferozepur City

Maoist challenge

Inder Malhotra’s article “Combating Maoist challenge” (June 11) suggests use of the Indian Air Force for logistical support to assist in tackling Maoists. Before knocking at others’ door, Ministry of Home Affairs should utilise the resources at its command.

There is a large fleet of aircrafts administered by the BSF, which can be conveniently put to use as recommended. If Home Ministry’s resources are not sufficient, help from other agencies can be sought. Deploying the Army and the Air Force to combat Maoists should be the last resort.

 SHARDA BHARGAV, Gwalior

Dependable PAs

The middle “PA power” by Robin Gupta (June 11) was interesting. Really, PA i.e. personal assistant who assists the officer in daily business and personal tasks is a key player in all corporations. He plays a vital role in making the image of an officer. Officers are often heavily dependent on PAs and feel handicapped in their absence. Many times PAs save the officers from awkward situations. 

HARISH K MONGA, Ferozepur City

Caste in census

If caste factor is indeed taken into the census data, the Congress would be doing a U turn on its earlier stance. The Indian National Congress had remarked 100 years ago that British sociologists knew nothing of India and were only out to promote the policy of divide and rule.

R KAPOOR & SURAJ KAPOOR, Solan

Lessons for Board

The editorial “Heads must roll” (June 4) was timely. The Punjab School Education Board awarded 86 marks out of 75 in a plus two subject and placed a Class XII student in compartment in a subject in which she actually got cent per cent marks. These are glaring mistakes and responsibility must be fixed to ensure that such mistakes are not repeated in future.

RIKHI DASS THAKUR, Hamirpur

Zest for life

Aditi Tandon’s middle “That zest called life” (June 5) was heartrending and also offered a ray of hope to many. The middle was a fine narration that told the tale of a brave survivor, who embraced “that zest called life” and was ready to explore new horizons, with exemplary courage.

Bharti, the victim of child labour and domestic violence, is one of the few fortunate, who found a mentor and was able to clear Class V examination against all odds. However, there are many ‘Bhartis’ out there who fail to find succour.

HARBANS SINGH, Ambala Cantt

Virus of corruption

I fully endorse the views expressed in the article “Politics of corruption” (June 4) by Brig Arun Bajpai (retd). No doubt India cannot progress in the real sense as long as the virus of corruption is not rooted out.

Corruption is rampant not only in politics but also in various departments of the government. Only selfless and efficient leaders can set the country on the right track.

GURMEL SINGH KHERA, Ludhiana

Biased view

Khap Panchayats are indeed social organisations (editorial, “Hooda’s flip-flops, June 7). Haryana Chief Minster Bhupinder Singh Hooda has not said anything new. The media is bent upon denigrating the Khap Panchayats.

I request the media to study the history of Khap Panchayats and tasks undertaken by them. Further the media is giving one-sided picture of the Mirchpur happenings without studying all the facts, which is against the ethics of journalism.

SHAMSHER SINGH SANDHU, Karnal