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

Exercise tact

Reference to Raj Chengappa's "India and the Maldives — trouble in paradise" (Ground Zero, Feb 17), former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed is seeking India's help to avoid trial by his government, bringing into picture the cancellation of the joint venture of GMR Infrastructure India (signed when he was President). Was the deal cancelled because of internal politics or under pressure from another country wanting to harm India's interests? India needs to handle the situation tactfully.

Hema, Hoshiarpur

Budget relief

Reference to "All eyes on Chidambaram" by Sanjeev Sharma (Sunday Tribune, Feb 17), there are a lot of expectations of the salaried class from the Budget. The exemption limit of Rs 2 lakh is inadequate taking into account the inflation and rising fuel prices. It should be enhanced to Rs 2.5 lakh if not more. The limit of deductions U/S 80 C of the IT Act should also be increased to Rs 1.5 lakh. With the UPA-II facing scam after scam, its last Budget will mould public opinion.

Ramanjeet, Ludhiana

Tall order

Apropos "Must continue with reforms agenda" (Sunday Tribune, Feb 17), to sow the seeds of revival and regain the confidence of people, the Finance Minister needs to do justice with the Budget. Data limitations of the economy on the fundamentals, including inflation, require a concrete plan of action. The gap between hard-line inflation rate based on wholesale price index and core inflation rate based on retail prices last month is shocking. This should be cut with the removal of bottlenecks in its measurement.

Dr MM Goel, Kurukshetra

Kudos to NGO

Apropos "Timely Madad for victims of road accidents" by Sushil Manav (Sunday Tribune, Feb 17), the first few minutes and hours are crucial for saving the life of a victim. Sanjeev Bhojraj does not accept donations, but he must reconsider. People are always keen to donate and it can help him with medicines and food for those who are not in a position to bear medical expenses. The NGO can also educate people on immediate relief means, first-aid techniques, psychology of passersby, etc. so they can also contribute.

Harinder Mittal, Bathinda

Punish traitors

"A deal hits the choppers" by Ajay Banerjee (Sunday Tribune, Feb 17) was revealing. It's a pity some people take advantage of their position and pocket huge amounts of money through shady deals. All defence purchases should be done in a foolproof manner. Meetings between officers and dealers should be in-camera so there is no room for corruption. The guilty must be punished with harsh sentences whatever be their status. Those who compromise with the nation's security are traitors and should be treated like one.

RK Kapoor, Chandigarh