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

DC’s role in administration is most crucial

Dharam Vir’s article, “Towards a people-centric administration” (Oct 4), on the role of the Deputy Commissioner (DC) was informative. As head of the district administration, the position of the DC is very crucial. He is the person under whose supervision the policies and programmes of the government are taken to the people. He can do wonders if he is able to promote efficiency, honesty, accountability, transparency and humanism among the staff of the departments under his control and supervision.

In an era of liberalisation, globalisation and privatisation people need the state’s help and support to cope with the challenges. The DC can help the people by guiding them properly. The people can be helped to draw maximum benefits from the government’s schemes.

For efficiency, keep the staff duly trained, skilled and inspired. All measures should be taken to protect the human rights of the people, especially of children, women, minorities, the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

A humane police system can facilitate the delivery system. Empower the youth through quality education, training, skills, jobs and guidance for self-employment. Self-help groups can play a constructive role. The DC must visit different areas to know the reality. He must learn how to act as an effective “public servant” and never as a “public master”.

SUDESH KUMAR SHARMA, Kapurthala

Goodwill gestures

The denizens of Dhuswa Kalan and Katra village in UP not only deserve praise from people of secular temperament, but also an award from the government for amicably settling the potentially sensitive religious matters (news report, “Villagers troubleshoot communal tension in UP”, Sept 20). The equal division of land between the tomb and the temple in Dhuswa Kalan village reminds one of the Persian verse: Dar hairatam ke dushmani-e- kufr-a-deen chiraas. /Az yak chiraagh Ka’aba-o-buthkhanna raushan ast (I wonder, why there is enmity between religion and heathenism, when both Ka’abah and idol temple are illuminated by one lamp – God).

In Katra village two goats of an old Muslim woman damaged idols in a temple. The Muslims collected Rs 6,000 as donations for installing a new idol. Such gestures of goodwill promote communal unity and social harmony, which strengthen secular democracy. Allama Iqbal rightly said: Shakti bhee shaanti bhee bhagaton key geet mein hai/ Dharti key baasion kee mukti preet mein hai.

BHAGWAN SINGH, Qadian

Welcome verdict

The Ayodhya verdict is a welcome respite for secular Indians. In a sense, it is a victory for all the three parties to the dispute. 

Hindus should feel happy that the court has accepted their emotional and mythical claim whereas they have no legal and foolproof title over the disputed site. I appeal to all the concerned parties to accept the judgement, shun strife and follow the path of reconciliation.

LT. (I.N.) SUKHDEV SINGH GILL (retd), Jagraon

Kashmir problem

I agree with the views expressed in Kuldip Nayar’s article “Time for roadmap on Kashmir” (Oct 2). Indeed, the Centre has no roadmap. The government wants to solve the problem of Kashmir but it lacks concrete proposals. There is an urgent need to restore normalcy in Kashmir but the Chief Minister of J&K has failed to do so. The government of India must devise a concrete plan to solve the Kashmir problem.

PARVEEN MIDHA, Malout

Unique bond

The middle “Who will call the PM “Mohna again?” (Sept 30) by Rashmi Talwar was touching and depicted the strong bond of friendship that doesn’t know any barriers. Unique friendship based on mutual respect and understanding is inspiring.

Babaji, the childhood classmate of Dr Manmohan Singh, craved to meet him. While visiting India, he brought the most priceless present, soil and water from the Prime Minister’s school and ancestral house, which is now in Pakistan.In today’s world, the spirit of selfless friendship can bring people and even nations together.  

S S ARORA, SAS Nagar

Be proud of Games The editorial “Let’s celebrate the Games” (Oct 4) has rightly lambasted those who indulged in negative publicity and found faults with the infrastructure of the Commonwealth Games. Such irresponsible persons ought to feel ashamed of their conduct. They tried their level best to malign India before the entire world. They failed to realise what colossal damage they caused to the image of the country. The opening ceremony of the Games was not only spectacular but held everyone in awe. It was difficult to believe that such a colourful ceremony showcasing different cultures and traditions of the country was being held in India. The praise being showered on the ceremony proves that we are capable of hosting such a mega event. All is well that ends well. Nature also played its role in testing our ability to organise the event. The lesson taught by such a mega event is that we have proved to the entire world that the Indians cannot be taken lightly. The Indians have the spirit to excel in every field. I request the Delhiites to bear with minor inconveniences and accommodate the visitors to show them that we not only believe in but also practise “Atithi Devo Bhava”. AJAY K JINDAL, Ludhiana