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Rahat’s crime: Artistes must follow rules

I fully agree with the editorial, “Relief for Rahat” (Feb 16) that “Pakistani artistes must abide by law”. The issue of Rahat Fateh Ali Khan carrying undeclared cash amounting to Rs 64 lakh has hit the headlines.

What is wrong in questioning him about the source of such a huge

amount being carried in cash when the limit was $5000? It is absurd to think

that Rahat did not know this rule, as he had been visiting India for quite some time for performing shows here.

The Pakistani government is taking all steps to get Rahat out of the crises. India has every right to question the source of such money. If payments to artistes are made in black, then all those involved in such illegal practices need to be booked and punished. This episode calls for unearthing all such dealings done in the past in respect of all artistes to punish them and also taking further steps to stop this illegal practice.

The nation’s wealth must not be allowed to go waste like this. It should remain in the country itself.

R.K. KAPOOR, Chandigarh

The recovery of huge foreign currency from Pakistan’s famous singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi the other day when he was about to fly out of India to Lahore is only the tip of the corruption iceberg. It has many lessons for the Government of India in general and the DRI in particular.

The people of India have, of course, known for long that India is being financially bled by some of the unscrupulous organisers of television concerts and other shows by foreign artists. These artists are paid huge sums of money from unaccounted wealth that some of the concert organisers have accumulated. It is an open secret that huge payments are made through hawala transactions and many operators are engaged in this trade.

Hopefully, the trail revealed by this recovery will not be allowed to go cold and the DRI will try its best to unravel the massive racket that has been flourishing with direct or indirect participation of influential people both in and outside the government.

R.J. KHURANA, Bhopal

Limits of power

I read Justice Rajinder Sachar’s article, “Avoidable misunderstanding” (Feb 15). The judiciary and the legislature are the two wings of a flying bird, or, like two peas in a pod, live and grow together. Their areas and role are well-defined for the smooth functioning of the political system and governance.

No institution should overstep its limits. In the event of unavoidable or inadvertent confrontation, every effort must be made to end it. The media should be kept it bay.

B.M.SINGH, Amritsar

It’s incomplete

D.R. Goyal’s question no. 1 in “Investor guidance” (Feb 13) is incomplete.

What about ownership part of the property? Can a person who has made payment sell joint ownership property single-handedly?

The answer is an emphatic No. The joint holder will have to be present before the Registrar at the time of sale. He may give general power of attorney to the person who has made full payment.

HARISH AERY, Advocate, Hoshiarpur

Smooth seventies

Justice J.L. Gupta’s middle, “Smooth seventies” (Jan 22) was a piece of perfect clarity and simplicity. Short sentences always whet the appetite for reading more and more. The way he compares the past with the present was eloquent.

Though I am at the threshold of 72, I firmly believe that positive thinking and to remain happy are imperative to lead a purposeful life. “Everyone is gifted, but some people never open their package. If you want to be loved, be loveable.”

D.V. JOSHI, Bartana (Zirakpur)

Keeping India clean
I read Manuj Malhotra’s letter, “Clean India” (Feb 15). To keep India clean, though individuals and authorities should jointly make efforts, the government’s role is more important than the public. For instance, the garbage disposal system in many cities is either non-existent or not functioning properly.
I have been impressed by the garbage disposal system and civic sense among the people in Sacramento (California). The local bodies have provided three bins of different colours to each household to throw recyclable waste material, kitchen waste and garden waste. Every Monday morning, cranes empty the bins which are pushed to the roadside outside the houses by the residents on Sunday night. It is a foolproof system and the garbage is not taken away if instructions regarding segregation of waste are not followed.
Every public place has toilets, running water and toilet paper. There are separate parks for dogs and pet owners carry polythene bags with them to clear immediately if the dogs defecate in the open.
Nearer home, Amritsar has also improved lately in matter of cleanliness because of the authorities’ efforts in providing a proper garbage collection system from the houses.
To create awareness among the Indian masses, the use of internet is not feasible as it is only a fraction of the total population which has access to it.
And this small section is highly educated and understands the value of cleanliness. However, schools, Nukkad Nataks and fines or punishment for the ‘litterers’ can play an important role in creating awareness among the masses to make India clean.
ASWANT KAUR GILL, Jalandhar Cantonment