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Why pension for convicted MPs, MLAs?

The recent historic judgement of the Supreme Court to disqualify MPs and MLAs convicted for certain offences has been widely appreciated by countrymen. What is more needed in this connection is that the disqualified representatives of the people must be deprived of their pensionary entitlement.

An MP/MLA becomes eligible for a life-long pension even if he/she remains in the position only for one single day. After the apex court's judgement, such a provision of pension becomes an anomaly which needs to be removed at the earliest.

DR VANDANA BHARDWAJ, Faridabad

MP for Rs 100 cr

This refers to the news report 'RS seats for Rs 100 cr, says Haryana MP Birender; retracts' (July 30). I don't find anything strange or wrong in this statement. Birender Singh has only said what prevails in the country's politics today. In this materialistic world today, everything has a price. So, even an MP has a price tag pinned to his collar. If a person spends Rs 100 crore to "buy" a Rajya Sabha seat, he will naturally try to earn many times of the purchase amount once he becomes a member of any committee of the House. It will be no exaggeration if an MP is described in many ways like a money plant or muscle power or a powerful person. There is nothing wrong when Birender Singh quotes the price of an MP as Rs 100 crore.

R K KAPOOR, Chandigarh

Food for MPs

The news report 'In House canteen MPs have roti for Re 1, daal fry for Rs 3' (July 29) has not only stunned the nation, but also exposed the insensibility of parliamentarians towards people. It is clear that they think only of their own interests and pay little attention to the interests of the people they represent. Is dishing out Rs 3.27 lakh per day for subsidised food for MPs by the government justifiable? Undoubtedly, the Parliament canteen has given a wrong notion, which some Congress leaders recently voiced that a meal could be had for Re 1, Rs 5 or Rs 12. It is appalling to note that the government talks about pruning subsidy bills but does nothing in this regard. If they really want to set the house in order, they must observe austerity measures for themselves.

CAPT S K DATTA (RETD), Abohar

It's unjustified

The suspension of an IAS officer in Uttar Pradesh exposes the politicians-sand mafia nexus. Maybe the business was owned or operated by politicians and hence the unfortunate decision.

Suspending an IAS officer requires many valid reasons which were overlooked. Politicians are playing smart and painting this with communal colour but that's completely irrelevant. The Civil Servants Association met the state Chief Secretary, but, I am sure, he must have given due inputs in this suspension, so visiting him was a waste of time.

An RTI query must be filed to know the reasons and everyone involved in her suspension must be dragged to the court of law.

DEEPJOT SINGH THUKRAL, Ambala Cantt

Bus accident

The falling of a Punjab Roadways bus into a Bhakra canal in Sirhind is too painful and unfortunate. In our country such tragedies keep on happening and are easily forgotten. There is no review committee which could provide some solutions to avoid a repeat of such unfortunate incidents. Merely announcing Rs 1 lakh as compensation to next of kin of the dead, the government or politicians cannot absolve themselves of all responsibility for the accident.

RAJEEV SINGH SALARIA, Pathankot

Mind your words

This refers to a news item regarding the conviction of three persons in the UK for attacking Lt-Gen K S Brar (retd). The reporter used the word "hero" for the General, which is very inappropriate. Whatever the reasons behind its occurrence, the tragic incident of attack on Sri Darbar Sahib can never be a heroic act. Such utterances are painful and uncalled for. The Tribune should avoid such words while reporting sensitive issues.

AMRINDER SINGH, via email

Now teach

A teacher is privileged to enjoy a respectable place and status in society. The decision of a high court absolving teachers of the duties other than teaching is indeed welcome (refer to the editorial 'Mid-day meals: High Court restores teacher's dignity', July 29). It will help teachers to concentrate more on students' education and improvement. Teachers must justify the trust and faith reposed in them by the court. They must put in their best efforts in making subjects easier to understand and ensure all-round growth and development of students.

The menace of copying in exams, deteriorating standards of education and overall increase in the drop-out rate are the results of negligence on the part of teachers and apathetic attitude of policymakers. If teachers in schools have been absolved of the duties other than teaching, they must carry out teaching work with more dedication and interest.

DR SANJEEV TRIKHA, Fatehabad