The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Letters to the Editor

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Bad governance creates rain mess

It is not the first time that the tall claims of the government stand exposed and washed with the first rain in the region (editorial, “Down the drain”, July 8). It is an old story repeated almost every year with some names of places and roads changed here and there. The ministers express their shock and concern; the Chief Ministers make aerial surveys and assure the marooned people of all possible help and compensation for the loss of crops and property.

But before it is time to start the actual work the rains stop and the administration goes back into its slumber to be woken up only by the next thundering of clouds the next year. That is our understanding of disaster management.

There is another aspect to these rains and floods. They are a blessing in disguise for the non-performer, the inefficient and the corrupt. The unaccounted donations, liberal grants and state funds meant to mitigate the misery of the millions of suffering humanity actually add to the bank balance of these worthies. If investigated seriously the annual scam would run into hundreds of crores of rupees going down the drains of corruption and mismanagement.

VED GULIANI, Hisar

The editorial has aptly described the situation relating to the functioning of various agencies of the government with regard to the flood situation in Punjab and Haryana. In fact the overall “mess” in which we find ourselves today is essentially due to the irresponsible, dishonest and incompetent approach and conduct of those who get the maximum pay, perks, privileges and power (to facilitate good governance) but never made accountable for their acts of omission and commission.

Lt-Col JIWAN SHAROTRI (retd),

Kasauli

Power of prayers

I disagree with the views expressed by Geetanjali Gayatri in her middle “Pray, and let God worry” (June 23). Even if she had not prayed, things would have remained the same. Her wondering aloud ¾ how the atheists survive is unfounded.

I quote Voltaire who aptly held “If God did not exist, it would be necessary to invent him.” Many Hindus remember God in moments of distress but that doesn’t relieve them of suffering or misery. It is best to recall the Karma philosophy as propagated in the Bhagwad Gita.

RIKHI DASS THAKUR, Palbhu, Hamirpur

More things are wrought by prayers than this world dreams of” said Tennyson. In the summer of 1817, Maharaja Ranjit Singh fell seriously ill. His life was in despair. No medicine healed him. A well-wisher, Sardar Nihal Singh Attariwala, who believed in the efficacy of “dooa” (prayer) walked round the patient’s bed praying for the transfer of his disease to him. He started sinking and died after a few days. The Lahore sovereign recovered.

God accepts the prayer that emanates from a pure heart for a good purpose. A bard his rightly said: Khuda manzoor karta hai doaa jo dil sey hoti hai/magar mushkil to ye hai ke badi mushkil sey hoti hai.

BHAGWAN SINGH, Qadian

III

It is true that God helps all those who ask for it. As a matter of fact God is omniscient and omnipotent and we cannot hide anything from him. Besides praying we should strive to help others and work for the welfare of mankind.

SUBHASH C TANEJA, Rohtak

Genuine grievances

Lt-Gen Vijay Oberoi (retd) in his article “Unfair to military personnel: They must get their due” (July 5) has brought out some glaring cases of denial of legitimate emoluments or even jobs to the veterans who have given their entire life to ensure the sovereignty, integrity and security of the motherland. Even former Army Chief Gen V P Malik (retd) has strongly advocated the redressal of genuine problems of the Army men. Is the government not concerned about the genuine grievances of the defence personnel?

Col R S GURUNG (retd), via e-mail

Lessen his burden

The editorial “Overweight Pawar” (July 7) is right in suggesting that Mr Sharad Pawar should devote his entire time to cricket, which seems to be his first love. That is why he has been under attack for his failure to rein in food prices. Though he is a senior leader and a politician, he showed immaturity in giving statements to the Press, which resulted in rise of sugar prices.

Agriculture is an important portfolio, rather a coveted ministry, and it is strange that the minister himself asked to lighten the load. His request should not be taken lightly.

HARISH K MONGA, Ferozepur City

Gen Rodrigues’ remark
The editorial “Act of impropriety: Rodrigues’ soft corner for his former aide” (July 7) was bold and unsparing. By calling his former Aide-de-Camp Major Nirvikar Singh, allegedly involved in the disproportionate assets case, a “competent boy” and a “committed” officer, former Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gen S F Rodrigues(retd) may be trying to pre-empt investigations in some more serious scandals which might have taken place under his watch.
Gen Rodrigues’s uncalled for remarks amount to casting aspersions on the fairness of the investigations initiated by the CBI against Mr Singh. If at all Gen Rodrigues has anything to say, he can do so in the court when legal proceedings are initiated against Mr Singh. But Gen Rodrigues has no business to speak out of turn and that too when his own former subordinate is in the picture. His gratuitous statement does not bring glory to the high constitutional office of Governor he was holding till recently.
The CBI must go hammer and tongs after the corrupt people irrespective of their present and past political and official background and restore the faith of the public in the efficacy and efficiency of the investigating agencies and the judiciary. People have now become cynical about the investigations started against higher-ups in society.
SATWANT KAUR, Mahilpur