Check wheat loss

Apropos the report “6,000 quintals of wheat damaged in Karnal” (January 30), this is another example of gross negligence by Food and Supply Department officials in Karnal. Six thousand quintals is a huge quantity. Hardly any official is taken to task for such lapses. Had the wheat been issued on a FIFO (first in, first out) basis, this loss would have been avoided. An inquiry should be conducted and action taken to recover this colossal loss to the exchequer from the employees concerned. This will set an example to the others handling such jobs. If the department cannot safely store foodgrains, it should sell them or distribute them among poor people immediately after procurement, as suggested by the Supreme Court, to minimise such losses.

K C Rana, Chandigarh

HP youth wants jobs

The mudslinging between the BJP and Congress in Himachal Pradesh seems to be never ending. The Congress government has completed a year in power, but there has been hardly any progress in the state. The Congress should pay attention to the development of the state and the youth. Himachal is lagging in terms of industrialisation and providing employment oppprtunities.

With the industrial package approved, the youth is expecting better employment opportunities.

Madhuri Gaur, Nahan

Open media signals, too

It is heartening to note that India and Pakistan have finally agreed to to keep the Wagah border open round the clock for trade. At the cultural level, transborder delegations and artistes have been mingling with the masses and regaling audiences of the host country for some time. In this context, the denial of cross-border cable TV programmes to viewers in India needs to be reviewed. People on both sides speak the same language and have the same heritage and long for lasting peace. But when access to information is denied, rumour mills gain speed.

Prof MOHAN SINGH, Amritsar

Stray animals

There is no limit to the inconvenience caused by stray animals. Many lives have been lost in accidents caused by them. Cows and oxen are commonly seen in bazaars and on highways, frequently causing traffic jams. Stray dogs bite people routinely. The government should take steps to solve the problem. It should organise a meeting of different religious sects for a solution to the problem. NGOs should be encouraged to open more gaushalas. Dogs should be castrated to reduce their population.

Major Singh Manghera, Moga