II

This refers to the editorial, “Playing with lives: How do inspectors overlook violations” (August 26). The failure of factory inspectors to perform their legal duty resulting in an explosion in the firecracker factory near Karnal is an act of negligence.

We all know that the inspectors do not conduct regular inspections to assess the safety and security mechanism of the factories producing dangerous articles, and instead indulge in acts of corruption misusing their authority. It is surprising that usually the guilty inspectors go unpunished.

The explosion killing five persons and injuring 15 others is a heinous crime and the guilty should be severely punished. The government should also be more vigilant in this regard.

RM RAMAUL, Paonta Sahib

Battling corruption

The editorial, “End of a limited battle: But the war on corruption must rage on” (August 29) has rightly observed that after the end of Anna’s fast, “it is time for introspection among all actors in the drama — the government, the Opposition and Team Anna.” Anna has aptly termed the outcome of the battle as “half victory”.

Nobody can dispute the further course of action announced by Anna to fight for electoral reforms. Still it will be a folly if the campaign against corruption gets diluted while focusing on a few issues. So, it is imperative for Team Anna “to keep a close watch on the Standing Committee’s recommendations on the Lokpal issue, on the ultimate bill that is adopted by Parliament and on the way the enacted reforms are implemented”. 

LAJPAT RAI GARG, Panchkula

II

In your editorial, “End of a limited battle” (August 29), you have very rightly opined that it is time for introspection among all actors in the drama — the government, the Opposition and Team Anna. Though there is no doubt that Team Anna has won the first round, the battle is far from over. It is pertinent to note that all the parties, which enacted this drama, have their share of blemishes. First, the government mishandled Anna’s movement from day one. He should never have been arrested.

The Opposition also flip-flopped. Team Anna almost blackmailed the government to pass the resolution supporting civil society’s Jan Lokpal Bill.

ARUN HASTIR,

Babehali (Gurdaspur)                                        

Enlightened students

The article, “Make students good citizens” (August 23), has rightly stressed the need for students to become good citizens. In this regard, parents and teachers can play an important role. But instead of inducing the basic qualities of good citizenship, all are in the race for better facilities and status of schools. Thus, they lose themselves in a world of materialism and false ego.

The cultural aspect is more important than a mere literary one, which shows the real status of any institution. How do students behave in school? What is their reaction when they see a manhole uncovered? These aspects, and a host of others, will reflect good or bad citizenship. For the nourishment of these moral values, our institutions and the education system serve as nurseries.

AS ANAND, Ludhiana

II

This refers to the article, “Make students good citizens” (August 23). Corruption is now rampant in India. Social activists like Anna Hazare have started a movement to cleanse the system. We have to remove the evil of corruption from this country. We have to cure the disease of corruption. But prevention is better than cure. Mahatma Gandhi also says, “Kill the sin, not the sinner.” So, our mind should be made pious so that it did not get tempted by the lust of power and money.

Education can contribute a lot in changing our mindset. Students should be taught ethics. They should be encouraged to imbibe moral values.

Citizenship is not merely a political term. It also has social, economic and religious connotations. A good citizen is honest, responsible, tolerant and compassionate. To root out corruption, we need individuals who have a strong character. Teachers are in a position to build the character of their students. Their personality leaves an imprint on the young minds. So, effective teaching can go a long way in paving the way for good citizens.

SHIRPA NAGRATH, teacher, Ambala