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

Good pay and work go together

Our MPs have sanctioned to themselves such huge perks and made their posts so lucrative that in future none of them will tender a resignation or refuse to contest the next election (editorial, “MPs deserve more”, Aug 18).

The habit of comparing the post of an MP with that of a government employee is deplorable. The position of an MP is far superior. Only this superiority needs to be reflected in his or her behaviour and the quality of work, not in the salary. A secretary gets Rs 80,000 after putting in lifetime of service working under rules and regulations that no MP will like to be governed by.

The job of MPs is not limited to participation in the proceedings of the House but to ensure that they work for the welfare of the people.

Dr LR SHARMA, Jalandhar

Right to information

The Right to information Act was passed by Parliament in 2005 and this was a revolutionary step because it has made the administrative system transparent and accountable (article “Its bark & its bite” by Rajan Kashyap, Aug 17 and news report “State panel against ‘culling bits of info’ from files”, Aug 18).

Mr Kashyap has rightly stated that the click of a button should bring every item demanded to information seekers. But the country is far from achieving efficiency in record management. Information is knowledge, and knowledge itself is power. The media is also helping in the proper implementation of the RTI Act. However, the Act is not free from shortcomings. Many applicants send a number of queries and unwanted questions.

AMAR JIT SINGH GORAYA, Griffith, NSW

Disparaging remarks The editorial, “Not ‘chop’ or ‘body’ shops” (Aug 18) has aptly analysed the populist outbursts of the New York Senator Charles Schumer who first branded top Indian IT firms as “chop shops” and then as “ body shops”. It is an established fact that the top Indian IT companies like Infosys, Wipro, TCS and Mahindra Satyam have churned out a large number of technically qualified youth who are providing solutions to various types of clients in the US which in turn contribute to the US economy in a big way. Thus, by blocking the influx of technically qualified personnel from India by steeply increasing the application fee for H-1B and L-1 visas and insulting remarks against reputed Indian IT companies, the US is hurting its own interests.  LAJPAT RAI GARG, Panchkula

Mass movement?

The recent escalation of violence and incidents of stone pelting in Kashmir is a cause for concern. The meek response of the state and the Centre to the problem is quite shocking. The human rights organisations have played their part, by vociferously voicing concerns about human rights violations.

But, it is time to deconstruct the politics of this so-called ‘mass movement’ in Kashmir. A close analysis of the modus operandi of the stone pelting crowds  shows that it is money which is driving these protests. Stone throwers are being paid on a daily basis for what they do. It is strange how the voice of nationalist forces in J & K is being increasingly marginalised.

VINEET MEHTA, Jalandhar

Leh tragedy

The catastrophic tragedy in the form of a cloudburst that struck Leh wreaking unimaginable havoc on life  and property speaks volumes of human helplessness against nature’s fury (editorial, “Leh calamity”, Aug 13). Human predicament is summed up in the famous quote: “As flies to  wanton boys are we to the gods ; They  kill us for their sport.”

Man is powerless before nature when it unleashes its ferocious force. Indeed, the plight of those injured and left homeless is worse than those who perished.

Let us face this disaster by donating magnanimously to The Prime Minister’s Relief Fund to alleviate  the suffering of survivors rendered  homeless and destitute. 

Dr C.S.MANN, Una

Women in Army

The article “Bullet knows no gender” (Aug 11) highlighted several aspects of permanent commission for women. It also acquainted with some problems, which women can face in combat arms. We have many examples of women who created history in male dominated fields. Today we are living in the 21st Century. One day women may create history in combat fields and win gallantry awards. Then their critics will be silenced.

AMANDEEP SINGH SANDHU, Muktsar

Rising numbers

Rapid rise in population is the main reason for the continuous price rise. In fact, the price rise started from the year 1940, but for the past two years the rise in prices has been unexpectedly high and it would continue unless drastic measures are taken to control it. As it is, food-exporting countries are mostly dependent on the oil producing countries whereas it should have been just the opposite.

Measures should be taken to check the price rise. All the food-exporting countries should get together and force the oil producing countries to bring the oil prices to a reasonable level. Besides in India people below the poverty line are getting subsided rations. This should be given to them on the condition that they will follow population control norms. Hoarders should be punished stringently.

ARJUN SINGH CHHETRI, Solan