Politicians mostly bear a veil of hypocrisy. One day, they talk and debate about the deteriorating law and order situation, economic policies and shout hoarse about how bad governance is, and suddenly everything seems alright when they are in power.

It is now an open secret that our esteemed politicians are way short of knowledge and skills as far as management and administration are concerned. They may be very good at garnering votes, but they are totally out of sorts as administrators.

There is a lack of cohesion between the Centre and states or UTs. Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dixit has openly expressed her discontent against the Police Department. Sheila Dixit has been the Chief Minister of Delhi for almost a decade, now suddenly she feels that the command of the Police Department should be in state’s hands instead of the Centre’s.

SUMEET SETH, Karnal

II

It is astonishing and inconceivable that such a vast and powerful, well-equipped, modern police force deployed in the national capital can be such an utter failure in providing safety and security to women and young girls. Surely, something is amiss and ghastly wrong with not only the law and order machinery but it seems things are more wrong with the state government and the powers-that-be that administer and rule Delhi.

The rapidly increasing incidents of heinous acts against women are a sign of deplorable state of affairs in the governance and administration of Delhi. Not just the latest brutal act of gang-rape, but an astonishing 635 cases of rape have been registered in the last one year alone in Delhi are a proof that not only the Delhi police but the state government in power is not doing its job well.

YOGESHWAR DAVAR, Hisar

III

In today's busy world, parents have no time to speak to their children, leave alone moral tutoring. Education of children is therefore left to schools, which unfortunately are concerned only with academic results. In such a scenario, such incidents are only waiting to happen. We must look within our system, both inside and outside our homes, and revamp it so that today's children grow up into better human beings rather than as beasts.

Dr GAURAV SHARMA, Palampur

IV

While the recommendations of the new commission set up under the chairmanship of former Chief Justice J S Verma are expected within 30 days, the pending reports on police reforms submitted by the N N Vohra Commission and the Supreme Court in the Prakash Singh case must be deliberated for early implementation. A special Parliament session must be held to bring out the laxity in the Delhi rape case thread-bare and chart a future course of action to make the country safe for our women. Intellectuals from the social and academic fields, women groups, NGOs, jurists, legal professionals must participate in forwarding their suggestions to the Justice Verma Commission.

TEJINDER SINGH BEDI, Gurgaon

V

The upsurge by the common people on the issue of sexual assault will be successful only if the general public including men, police, judiciary and even families join in to ensure gender sensitisation and respect for women. Commercial portrayal of women as objects must be stopped as this encourages those with a criminal mind. Preventive steps like awareness among the general public need to be followed up for appropriate and early action. Fast tracking of these cases with severe punishment is need of the hour.

Brig HS SANDHU (retd), Panchkula

Demoralising

Reservations in promotions will demoralise the government functionaries because many people will face supercession. The services will lose their charm. Further, why should there be multiple reservations for a scheduled caste candidate – one in recruitment, the other at each and every step on the ladder of promotions.

The Opposition parties, mainly the BJP, have been lying low and taking delight in observing scenes in Parliament but why are they mum on the reservation issue?