The RTI Act

This refers to the editorial, “Need to revisit RTI: But don’t weaken the law” (October 17). No doubt, the RTI Act has multiplied the workload that government departments are called upon to handle. Frivolous queries under the Act have helped aggravate the problem. Some curbs on the growing misuse of the Act are thus urgently called for.

However, any attempt to dilute the popular Act is bound to meet with stiff resistance tempting the opposition parties to exploit the situation for their selfish ends. Any step which may “fuel” public distrust must be scrupulously avoided. Putting maximum information of public interest on government website to reduce the rush of RTI queries seems a workable way to resolve the tangled issue, as the editorial rightly points out.

Anyway, the pertinent law that exposes government’s inefficiencies and shortcomings can be weakened only at our peril.

TARA CHAND, Ambota (Una)

Team Anna’s goal

Team Anna’s decision to formulate a Constitution for its anti-corruption movement seems to be a right one (Team Anna to frame its Constitution, October 31). After allegations of financial misconduct, Team Anna faces the challenge of retaining its credibility. Anna is right when he says, “If we flee the ground due to some allegations, it will erode the credibility of the movement and it is not good for the movement.” Whatever happens in future, members of Team Anna can always refer to the Constitution for guidance. In fact, this step should have been taken earlier. In a democratic country, nothing should be done arbitrarily.

It will be interesting to see what other steps Team Anna is going to initiate so that the momentum of the movement is not lost. Members of the Core Committee should ensure that they do not indulge in politics. It should not be forgotten that the fight is not against the government or any of its agencies. The fight is also not against the Congress or any other political party. The fight is against the disease of corruption that prevails in the country.

RAHUL BAJAJ, Faridabad

Psychological health

There is hardly any surprise that the turmoil in Kashmir has led to an increase in psychological problems among the populace (Turmoil in Kashmir takes toll on psychological health: Study, October 31).

When life becomes uncertain due to violence and there is a threat to peace, people suffer the most. In such a scenario, one has to live for days and months without hope. Our psychological health depends a lot on how much control we have over our destiny. When we find we have virtually no control, we begin to suffer from anxiety and depression.

Besides, there can be other problems also. If traditional mechanisms of care crumble and there are no recognised mental healthcare facilities, one can imagine the plight of the people who suffer from psychological problems.

In fact, this is what happens. We talk about violence and disputes, but forget to highlight other important issues. The government should find ways of solving these problems. NGOs and other organisations should also assist the government in establishing mental care units in Kashmir.

MOHAMMAD ALAM, New Delhi

Pregnant women

I wish to draw your attention to the plight of pregnant women who are many times mistreated by their in-laws. Many times, they are deprived of regular care when they need it the most. These women suffer from anaemia and other pregnancy-related complications. The in-laws deliberately delay their treatment. Such in-laws should be punished.

The girl’s parents are mostly unaware of the miseries of their daughter. It is only the healthcare professionals, caring for the patient, who are sometimes able to suspect lack of care as the reason for the patient’s ill health. The government should enact a law so that pregnant women are not deprived of medical and other facilities.