II

You have made candid and pertinent remarks in your editorial when you say that an industrial policy makes no sense on paper when political leadership is bent upon destroying the state power utilities by giving free power to farmers, adjusting its dues against loans and raising the cost of power for industry. You are also right in saying that the state government is heavily relying on private sector’s coal-run power plants disregarding the cost, which can become prohibitive if global oil prices keep on rising. Many of these coal based projects are coming via MOU route, in contravention to the postulates of National Tariff Policy which states that power purchase agreements can only be signed following competitive bidding routes. I fully endorse your views that lack of quality and competitively priced power will continue to ail industry in Punjab. The suggestion that like Gujarat, the Punjab leadership must aim at offering “minimum government, maximum governance” must be meticulously followed.

S C CHABBA, Chief-Engineer/Civil, PSPCL (retired), Panchkula

III

Thanks to you for raising concerns of industry in your editorial. A visit to Mandi Gobindgarh industrial area will show the actual conditions in which industry is working. There is no government support, except bribe-demanding officers. They need taxes and bribes on time, but do not take responsibility of approach roads, poor labour conditions, high pollution, old technology, costly power, etc. The industry here gives employment to approx 25,000 workers and generates considerable revenue, but the lack of government support is pushing it towards pre-mature death.

PANKAJ AGGARWAL, Mandi Gobindgarh

Gender bias

The editorial “All in honour’s name” (April 26) is a forceful attempt to stir up the collective conscience of Haryana, a state which has become notorious due to the inhuman attitude of certain dogmatic sections of the society towards their own womenfolk. In name of “honour” they go to the extent of killing their daughters and sons without any mercy. It is high time that political parties, media, intelligentsia, social organisations, activists and other right-thinking people come to the fore and take a strong stand against these socially regressive forces. The editorial narrates horrifying instances which explicitly tell the highly gender-biased mindset of some people. The statistics released by the Home Ministry’s NCRB are appalling. I think two-pronged strategy can be adopted to overcome this dangerous social evil.

The state government, without indulging into any “vote-politics” should never hesitate to take stern action against the culprits. The civil and police administrations should be properly sensitised and humanised. Both administrations must get feedback from the prone areas. Establish a “helpline” and advertise it. The teachers both male and female should do their best to inculcate scientific temper among the students. Religious leaders should cleanse religions of outdated rituals and superstitions. Empower the women through free quality education and proper job opportunities. Help them to become doctors, engineers, advocates, teachers, police officers, players and other professionals. How will a parent kill his doctor- daughter who provides life to others? PRIs can do wonders to foil the outdated designs of the Khaps. The task is not impossible. Only a sustained and planned programme with a strong political and popular will is needed to be followed.

SUDESH KUMAR SHARMA, Kapurthala

Anna’s crusade

S Nihal Singh’s article “The Hazare phenomenon” (Apr 20) should serve as a piece of advice to Anna Hazare if he wants to take his movement against corruption to a logical conclusion. The mammoth support which has come to Anna from the public, has unnerved corrupt politicians of different hues and shades. So, with a view to scuttling Anna’s efforts, all the corrupt forces of the country have got together. They are making fallacious statements and spreading false information to confuse the public and divert their attention from the real issue.

IQBAL SINGH, Jalandhar City