|
|
|
|
|
People’s faith in system diminishing
The editorial “Lyngdoh’s lament” (Apr 16) rightly expresses its concern on the declining faith of the people in the Indian political system. According to Mr J M Lyngdoh, the government is encouraging the growth of capitalism by helping the private sector. He also says, “the corporate sector is dictating politics.” Mr Lyngdoh’s viewpoint calls for serious discussion and debate. Capitalism is an economic system, which believes in private ownership of property and means of production. Every economic activity is determined in terms of “profits”. The exploitation of workers and the general public becomes the order of the day. In India, we call our state a “welfare state” and we expect it to be the protector of the socio-economic interests of all sections of society. But appalling socio-economic inequalities tell the real story. The welfare state must wake up to the situation and initiate constitutional measures to evolve an egalitarian socio-economic order. The empowerment of the masses through quality education, health services and job opportunities is the need of the hour. Ensure people’s participation in the decision-making processes. The progressive elements in all political parties, administration and civil society must assert and force the governments in the states and at the Centre to take pro-people socio-economic measures. Money and muscle power in elections should be strictly checked. State funding of elections will help the right persons to contest elections. Political parties must adhere to inner-party democracy. Cinema must not be allowed to encourage sex, violence and crime in society. Indoctrination of people through religion, superstitions and casteism must be checked. Break “nexuses” of all hues. The media, NGOs, intelligentsia and other right-thinking people must do their best to keep the people awakened in all areas of life. All efforts should be made to make our parliamentary form of democracy a success. People must not lose faith in the “system”. The system should not serve only the rich. Socio-economic inequalities help the rich to hijack the system for their own interests. SUDESH KUMAR SHARMA,
Kapurthala
|
|
|
II The editorial deserves special attention both by the state and the civil society. If the country is still running well it is courtesy honest administrators like Mr J M Lyngdoh, former Chief Election Commissioner of India. It is in public knowledge that Indian state is one of the most corrupt states of the world; still worse, it does not feel ashamed of it. On the contrary it makes “honest” efforts to hide corruption and shield the corrupt. Corporate conglomerates are ruling India through their “partners” in the business of politics who are financed with black money. The bureaucracy has no choice but to fall in line with the political bosses. The system of governance is a mirage. After knowing fully well how thousands of crores of rupees have been openly distributed among the poor voters in the recent election of Tamil Nadu, it would be foolish to expect the election of enlightened individuals to our Assemblies and Parliament. The solution lies in the persistent pressure of alternative politics of the civil society as demonstrated by Anna Hazare. It is the politics of passive resistance, inclusion and mobilisation of the soul of India. It is time to make democracy broad-based through radical political reforms so that the unholy nexus between political elites and the crony capitalists is snapped. Dr M SINGH, Chandigarh Ruling alliance PPCC President Capt Amarinder Singh has rightly stated that the present ruling alliance has virtually lost its balance and they are bent upon victimising their political opponents (news report, “Overthrow corrupt regime: Amarinder”, Apr 15). They are much more involved in looking after their own selfish interests. The attitude of the present SAD-BJP government towards protesters in several of their own political rallies too is unappreciable. HARPREET SANDHU, Ludhiana Sen and justice The Supreme Court’s observation that sympathising with a view does not amount to sedition while granting bail to Binayak Sen is just. The apex court clarified “Is someone Gandhian if he has a copy of Mahatma’s autobiography?” speaks volumes and should serve as a lesson to all those political leaders in whose drawing room or offices are displayed portraits or statues of Swami Vivekananda, Mahatma Gandhi and others. Why do criminals and corrupt politicians go scot-free while activists like Binayak Sen harassed? It’s the right time for the Centre to take up this issue and initiate talks with Naxalite leaders. Besides, the outdated sedition law should be reviewed. BIDYUT KUMAR CHATTERJEE, Faridabad II The granting of bail for Binayak Sen by the apex court has again put a question mark on the prudence of lower courts. The apex court must take a serious view on the judgements of lower courts. The day is not far when people will take the law of land in their hands due to repeated miscarriage of justice by the courts R.M.MITTAL, Mohali Menace of corruption Corruption these days is a cause of concern for all citizens of India. Every Indian must decide to renounce corruption. In our education system we need to frame a compulsory academic course on the menace of corruption and its impact on our future generations. The young generation must be sensitised against corruption. The popular support to the Lokpal Bill shows determination of Indians to root out this menace of corruption for a better tomorrow. SUNIL SHARMA, Panchkula
|
|||
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
