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Punish those behind 2G spectrum scam

The editorial “Curtains for Raja” (Nov 16) has rightly concluded that the action against former Telecom Minister A. Raja should not be confined to firing him from the Cabinet. The DMK’s request to allot this ministry again to its other nominee may have had something to do with its underhand plans to cover Raja’s dirty tracks. I would like to add that the DMK hankers after this ministry as the party sees it as a goldmine. Otherwise, why did it again ask for this portfolio when it proved to be a fatal attraction for Raja? 

Like Ashok Chavan, former Chief Minister of Maharashtra, who also had to resign for his alleged involvement in the Adarsh Housing Society scam, Mr Raja is now declaring that his resignation does not mean that he is guilty and that he will prove his innocence. These are the stock murmurings uttered in defence by any person involved in shady and dubious deals.

If Raja was so sure about his innocence, what prevented him from resigning immediately after the Comptroller and Auditor-General (CAG) passed strictures against him for issuing radio frequency licences fraudulently, causing a loss of crores of rupees to the government? If an inquiry had found him really innocent, his stock would have gone up.

S C CHABBA, Patiala

III

The editorial had rightly cautioned the Congress-led UPA government not to succumb to DMK pressure for replacing a nominee from their party as a new Telecom Minister. Certainly it would have sent a wrong signal to the nation. Surely the delay in removing Raja has tarnished the image of the government.

There is no doubt that political compulsion made government helpless, silent and inactive. Raja’s alleged involvement in the 2G spectrum scam causing a loss of Rs.1.76 lakh crore to the central exchequer has lowered the prestige of the government.

All involved in these scams must be given exemplary punishment after comprehensive and impartial investigation. Only removal of culprits from their key positions is not enough.

Capt SK DATTA, Abohar

No ragging

To the editorial “Anti-ragging measures” (Nov 18) I would like to add that despite stringent laws against ragging, it has become difficult to curb it. Often seniors are the victims of ragging and thus perpetuate it further. They should be counselled not to indulge in ragging. Zero tolerance against ragging alone can help us curb the menace.

ANUP KUMAR GAKKHAR, Haridwar

Right choice

The Congress has taken the right decision in nominating Mr Prithviraj Chavan as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra. He may have no experience of state politics, but his plus point is that he has a clean image. These days it is very difficult to find a clean politician. His directions to the staff not to use his pictures in publicity campaigns is an act of self-negation at a time when every single Chief Minister is vying with the other to be on the front pages of the newspapers. Mr Chavan must not disappoint people by lowering his guard on the issue of probity.

RJ KHURANA, Bhopal

Redress forces’ grievances The editorial “Redressing forces woes” (Nov 17) was apt and timely and justifiably called the government’s decision to establish the long due Armed Forces Grievances Redressal Commission as a step in the right direction. Earlier the government had formed the Armed Forces Tribunals (the  principal bench at New Delhi and eight regional branches) which are working well and proving to be very useful to the service personnel. Formation of the Armed Forces Grievances Redressal Commission will not only streamline the system for addressing the grievances of serving and retired soldiers, but also give a boost to their morale. It will reinforce their confidence in the justice system of the armed forces. So far, there was no clear-cut dedicated authority to take big decisions on the redressal of grievances. The Services Head Quarters are too busy to deal with each and every grievance case, and the courts took too long to decide or left it to the services. As a result, the aggrieved soldier or his family felt frustrated, as has been noticed by the Supreme Court in the case of a Major’s widow who was still drawing a paltry pension of Rs 80 per month despite her husband having fought all the wars from 1947 to 1965. There are hundreds of similar cases relating to pensions and promotions which are either summarily disposed of by the services or kept pending with the courts for years. Many give up and resign to their fate when no justice comes their way. The newly appointed Commission should not allow this negativity to happen and stand as a guardian of soldiers’ rights. The next positive step should be to upgrade the Armed Forces Grievances Redressal Commission from a recommendatory body to an adjudicatory body. This will not only ensure quick justice but also save the aggrieved parties from the corrupt officials of the government, to whom the cases will be referred to by the Commission for the final disposal. They will not only take their own sweet time to decide but may seek bribes for a favourable decision. Let the buck stop with the Armed Forces Grievances Redressal Commission. It will ensure accountability once entrusted with due authority. Col R.D. SINGH, Ambala Cantt