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

Encourage women to embrace independence

The article, “Successful, yet scared” (June 27) by Rajshree Sarda, on the plight of working women in our country deserves appreciation for a very objective depiction of the situation. It is absolutely correct that most working women spend their life under considerable stress. The situation becomes even more demanding if a working woman is staying in a joint family. The situation is really tough for those employed in the private sector, where the job can be more demanding. These days professionals look for life partners who work full time to supplement household earnings, especially to fulfil their dreams of owning a house, a luxurious car, and other high-tech household appliances of comfort available in the markets. The in-laws also wish for such brides.

While it is good for Indian women to be independent in life, like their counterparts in America, Europe and other developed countries, our society and the government need to implement support systems to encourage women to be independent. In developed countries, both husband and wife share all responsibilities of household. We have a lot to accomplish in this regard. 

Women in teaching profession do have some relief, for they have fixed working hours. But women in other professions do not have such luxuries. The government needs to make it compulsory for the corporate sector to implement flexible working hours for women with option to work from home, besides creating support systems to look after their kids. With a sincere approach it will not be difficult to bring about favourable changes in the working environment for women. We need to ensure this, for times have shown that women are proving better employees than men in almost every field of activity.

TEJINDER SINGH BEDI, Faridabad

US troops

The editorial, “Obama keeps his word: US troops to pull out from Afghanistan” (June 24), rightly cautions against the dangers of extremists taking advantage of the situation. The extent of the withdrawal should leave sufficient troops to control any emergent contingency. The deal with ‘good’ Taliban may ensure that Pakistan is kept out of Afghanistan’s affairs. An effective arrangement should be made to keep the environment peaceful after the withdrawal of troops begins. In this regard, the Government of Afghanistan should also be taken into confidence. If this happens, Obama will have enormous gains to take home for his second term.

S C VAID, Greater Noida

Transparency in contracts

The article, “Lokpal and defence procurements: Need for reforms at different levels” (June 25) by N S Sisodia, has aptly cautioned us against the danger of falling prey to corrupt practices of vested interests in procuring defence goods. He asserts that corruption in defence not only hurts nation’s vitals but also impacts its operational effectiveness, and in turn, the credibility of the defence forces.

He is of the view that the Lokpal cannot be a panacea for all our ills. Moreover, offsets should be subjected to vigorous standards and supervision, and fully disclosed to enhance transparency and facilitate monitoring as huge sums are involved. In order to set things right, we need detailed scrutiny, transparency in defence contracts, vigorous check up and reforms at different levels of governance and in different sectors prone to corruption, especially technical specification or qualitative requirements.

CAPT SK DATTA, Abohar

Status of women

The article, “Casting women in stereotypical moulds” (June 27) by Rajesh Gill, scratches only the surface of a deep-rooted problem. Of course, the media do foment an idealistic synthetic image of women. However, the real fault lies in our parochial beliefs. The denial of reality that women are equal to men is one of them.

Most men, and a large number of women themselves, unfortunately believe that they are the weaker gender. This archaic way of thinking has to change. The distorted thought process regarding the status of women isn’t restricted to India or Asia. If Hillary Clinton had been a man, she would have been the President of the United States of America. Fortunately, we are way ahead. A woman, Indira Gandhi, became the Prime Minister of India in 1966.

SANDEEP VIRK, Gurgaon

Shun blackmail

This refers to the article, “Politics of blackmail: All talk of fasts must end” (June15) by B G Verghese. Indefinite fast is, undoubtedly, a coercive tactic, and a potent instrument of blackmail. Power-hungry individuals, with the support of some cunning politicians, try to serve their narrow ends.

Such persons seem to have appeared on the country’s horizon, virtually with a vengeance. If allowed to go unnoticed, they will play havoc with our democratic framework. People like Anna Hazare and Ramdev should pause and think, and shun the path of blackmail in the larger interest of the democratic polity of India.

TARA CHAND, Ambota (Una)