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

Shun politics over food Bill ordinance

This refers to the news report ‘Govt defers food Bill ordinance’ (14 June). It is a sensible step on the part of the UPA government to defer food Bill ordinance. Ordinances are like dictates which must not be forced on people without being discussed with the public.

In a democratic set-up, the political party in power must not slap any Bill on the nation without a proper debate. Also, the government must not play politics over or use this Bill to muster vote-banks. It would be foolish if the UPA government nurtures a feeling that by bringing this Bill it will earn the support of the poor and win the 2014 general elections. On the other hand, the UPA’s major allies are opposing this Bill.

The Bill proposes to give 67 per cent of the population foodgrains at subsidised rates through ration shops. We know very well that these ration shops are dens of corruption and black marketing. The UPA government must not put the cart before the horse. It must make a new foolproof system to reach foodgrains to the poor. The Bill will be of no use as the poor are sure to get rotten grains. Moreover, there is no guarantee that the UPA government will get the opposition parties’ support. Why does not the government think of giving money to the poor to buy themselves foodgrains as is being done under the direct benefit transfer scheme? Besides, can the government arrange quality foodgrains at cheaper rates for a whooping 67 per cent of the population? Keeping in view the corrupt public distribution system, the poor will get little benefit.

CAPT AMAR JEET KUMAR (RETD), Mohali

Power woes

The mismanagement of officials of the PSPCL, Zirakpur, is causing a great inconvenience to residents these days. Though there are no scheduled power cuts, a major part of the town faces frequent long-duration power cuts daily.

And there is no one to listen to residents’ grievances. When a telephone call is made to the SDO, he fails to point out the reason and asks to talk to the JE. It infuriates one when repeated calls made to the officials concerned remains unattended. Why do the authorities fail to understand that the power failure not only affects normal life, but also the drinking water supply.

SC DHALL, Zirakpur

Waterlogging problem

The Simble mohalla is one such area in Batala district where there is no provision of the rainwater drainage system. Even the sewer lines are not big enough to drain away the rainwater and hence waterlogging in the streets. As a result, the water enters houses on either side of the streets.

The waterlogging problem arose a few years ago when the administration had unnecessarily raised the level of the Kahnuwan road. Earlier, the rainwater would flow out by crossing the road which is not possible now. A number of representations to the authorities concerned have failed to elicit any response.

KULBIR, SAGGU, Batala

Don’t sideline Advani

The BJP has taken a good decision to make Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi as the party poll panel chairman. It seems that BJP party workers have forgotten the services and good works done by Advani for the party. Maybe the BJP will come at the Centre next year by choosing Modi, but to sideline a senior leader like him is disgusting. Advani has spent his whole life nurturing the party. Also, these differences in the BJP at this stage may give ample benefits to other parties. So, the party should work collectively to form a government at the Centre.

KAMALJIT MALWA, Mansa

Writing on the wall

The news item ‘Miffed over Modi, Advani quits BJP posts’ (June 11) portrays the frustration of the BJP senior most leader LK Advani. It is no sin to nurse an ambition. But the fulfilment of such an ambition can only be achieved by creating a conducive environment in which a person has to perform throughout his life. Sadly, Advani has failed to create such an atmosphere in the BJP. In a nutshell, he is neither with the hawks nor with the doves. He should have read the writing on the wall in the case of Modi's appointment as the head of the election campaign panel. Advani wants to sail through the storm merely on the strength of his age and seniority.

LR SHARMA, Sundernagar

Mineral water, too, is not safe This refers to the news item ‘Amidst complaints, ministry orders testing of bottled water’ (May 13). I fully endorse the views expressed in the report that if we think bottled or mineral water is safe (or pure) to consume, think again. The Union Health Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad, has also raised doubts on the quality of bottled water being sold in the market and asked the apex food regulator (the FSSAI) to determine the chemical contents in bottled water. According to a report, the bottled water also endangers the health of people. A number of diseases like heart problem, high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus sudden brain stroke, etc can affect us if we do not use boiled water. What can one expect from the government that is unable to provide even safe drinking water? So, one should take boiled water and be safe. PARTAP SINGH KAINTHAN, Dasuya