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

Be vigilant against improper waste disposal

This refers to the editorial, “Playing with lives: Biomedical waste can kill” (July 5). It is indeed appalling to know the careless manner in which biomedical waste is thrown along with municipal solid waste. Hospitals, both government and private, seem least bothered about the risks involved. This is an issue that needs to be taken up seriously not only by health officials but also by individuals.

While we talk so much about cleanliness and take special care of our homes, when it comes to public places we are least bothered. People often forget that if they don’t keep their surroundings clean, everyone will be affected. We find it difficult to control contagious diseases because none follows the instructions given by health specialists. Even during the spread of swine flu in the region, most of the people cared little for their own safety.

There are some good examples also. For instance, residents of Surat took up the challenge of plague seriously when it had hit the city a few years back. Their campaign against the disease worked. Health officials must be warned against improper disposal of biomedical waste. Regular inspections should be conducted in this regard. People should also be vigilant against improper disposal of biomedical waste and report the matter to the authorities concerned.

RITESH SINGH, Panchkula

SHARDA BHARGAV, Jalandhar

Punish the offender

This refers to the editorial, “Compensation for rape? : The move compromises women’s dignity” (June 30). Different methods have been developed from time to time for delivering justice such as punitive, retributive, reformative etc. A new method that has been evolved is that of restorative justice. However, no method is perfect and therefore, each method has its own advantages and disadvantages.

The government-sponsored scheme to give compensation to rape victims is a right step as it will help the victims to start their lives afresh in which money does play a vital role. The editorial has rightly questioned, “What justice will the government offer to a victim of rape whose financial needs are nil?” But it is optional for the victims to accept or reject the compensation. There are two things required here. First, along with compensation, the offender should be punished severely. Secondly, restorative justice should not be allowed to become an instrument to negotiate monetary payments.

SUNAINA, Chandigarh

Bending rules

I read the editorial, “It’s not cricket: Rules remain far too flexible” (June 30), with interest. The recent decision of the ICC to scrap the use of runners from all forms of the game has been welcomed by some and criticized by others. While Sunil Gavaskar feels it is unfair on batsmen, others, especially bowlers, welcome the decision. The question is, why bring so many changes now. If runners could really change the fortune of a cricket match, what took the ICC so many years to change the rule?

Is it the fact that cricket is no longer played by gentlemen? It is a pity that rules in cricket remain far too flexible with the result that a strong lobby against or in favour of a particular rule, can bend it at will. Cricket is a game of skill, patience, endurance, and at times power. It is also a game that is more psychological than physical. Let the game retain its glory by not resorting to so many frequent changes.

ASHISH KUMAR, Mohali

Stressful life

The editorial, “Women under duress: Must be enabled to cope with stress” (July 2), has stated that 87 per cent of Indian women feel stressed most of the time, and 82 per cent have no time to relax. Well it is a heartening development that women today are independent. They are not only experiencing freedom and financial stability but also paying the price for it.

These days, women feel the need to manage themselves at workplace without ignoring their family responsibilities. But they often find it tough to do the balancing act due to tight schedule and family norms. If a woman succeeds in getting the support of her family members, colleagues in the office and the society, she will be able to cope with stress.

ANJUDEEPAK ANAND, Solan

Ex-servicemen’s woes

Apropos of the editorial, “Give them opportunities: Ex-servicemen should be re-employed” (June 29), I fully agree with your views that ex-servicemen still have much to give to the nation. The Defence Minister deserves to be praised for the statement issued by him in this connection. He has rightly focused on the need to re-employ these jawans and officers. There is no doubt that ex-servicemen have a long and proud tradition of serving the nation, and they are still better equipped to make productive contribution to the society.

Let us hope that the Defence Minister goes beyond his statement and seeks the cooperation of his Cabinet colleagues in securing re-employment avenues for ex-servicemen.

SATISH SHARMA, Kaithal

A yearning for perfection The middle, “Poor ‘workmanship’ ” (July 2) by Harish Dhillon, tells the story of the times when people no longer take pride in their work. This is because people no longer have the burning desire to improve. This is unfortunate. It is happening everywhere, and the disease is contagious. Gone are the days when one would strive for perfection. Our teacher used to scold us if we committed a mistake. Punishments invariably followed if mistakes were repeated. Even at home, the environment would be that of strict discipline. But times, it seems, have changed. Any insistence on improvement, let alone perfection, is sure to be scoffed at. SATISH SHARMA, Chandigarh