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

Need for trained technical personnel

The news report, “WB-funded road project runs into rough weather” (July 27) by Rakesh Lohumi rightly pointed out that most of the supervising agencies today lack legal expertise and the experience of handling international contracts which results in delayed completion of projects. In many cases, the contractual and supervising agencies entangle themselves in spiteful correspondence leading to a deadlock between the two while the project’s fate hangs in balance.

Almost all contractual agencies these days indulge in litigation and win hefty awards through arbitration by hiring best legal experts. It has therefore become extremely important to train the supervising personnel in legal matters, fix their accountability and induct technical persons in legal cells of the departments. In case of technical personnel acquiring valuable legal expertise through their experience in dealing contracts and arbitration cases, a degree in law shouldn’t be a binding requirement.

A well-framed National Litigation Policy has recently been introduced by India. It covers all aspects related to litigation. It should be read and understood by one and all working in the departments and supervising agencies. At the same time, workshops and seminars should be held to train technical personnel in handling national and international contracts.

JAGVIR GOYAL, Patiala

Utterances of an MP

The editorial “Aiyar-speak: Time he learnt to weigh his words” (July 29) refers to the utterances of a person who was a former minister for sports and presently is a Member of Parliament.

One certainly can have some reservations about holding of such events. But is this the time to debate the issue? We should all pray for the success of Commonwealth Games. Thereafter we can debate whether India should hold such events.

B S BHATIA, Chandigarh

Convenient populism

The Opposition’s role in Parliament on the issue of price rise is questionable (editorial, “Avoidable stalemate: Allow Parliament to function”, July 29). Provocative slogans and rushing to the well of the house, rather than orderly functioning have become the standard parliamentary practice. The parliamentary system of India cannot afford to fall from its grace.The Indian parliamentary system is often impaired by unprincipled allegiance to convenient and bullish populism by the political parties. This kind of populism must correct itself quickly if parliamentary democracy is to be of the people and for the people.

AJIT SINGH, Windsor, Canada

Growing pulses

Joginder Singh’s article “Pulses for Punjab” (July 29) revealed a major problem. Due to the ignorance of the government, the cultivation of pulses has become a losing proposition. The farmer can earn three times more profits by growing the paddy crop. That’s why the area under pulses is declining fast and India has to resort to heavy import of pulses. The writer has suggested some viable solutions. The government needs to initiate a new agricultural policy to solve the problem.

KHUSHWINDER SINGH SURYA, Barnala

Remembering Batalvi

On the 75th birth anniversary of Punjab’s popular poet Shiv Kumar Batalvi, the youngest recipient of Sahitya Academi Award, was remembered by one and all. But Shiv Batalvi Cultural Centre needs attention of the state and the Central government. To repair and renovate it at the earliest will be a great tribute to the legendary Punjabi poet loved by all. Moreover, it will help organise state-level functions in this cultural centre and promote the cause of Punjabi language.

KAMALJIT MALWA, Mansa

Get rid of VIP culture I have lived for almost 40 years in Mumbai and Kolkata and have now settled in Chandigarh, a great city. But when asked, “How do I like Chandigarh?” my response is: “The dominance of VIPs, bureaucrats, red and blue lights on cars.” This has of late become sickening¾be it theatre performances, railway station, parking in shopping areas. What hurts one the most is to see that often at theatre performances, even children are treated as privileged and given the so-called reserved seats. Are theatre performances meant for the government, by the government and of the government? I did not notice any shame or remorse among these privileged people when they drove or walked pass people protesting, barred at the outside gate of the Tagore Theatre. The fault is systemic. Has no bureaucrat, including the Governor any sense of empathy, concern and sensitivity for genuine art lovers? Why don’t they say “no” to this unwarranted privilege? Where is service with a smile? Sensitive bureaucrats, if there are any, please come forward and say no to these acts of discrimination. There is a need for a movement of “Chandigarh for people: Bureaucrats stand in the queue.” The so-called VIP’s would perhaps then get to know the pulse of the people. SWARN SINGH KAHLON, Chandigarh