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Voiceless hills

This is with reference to the problem of migration from the hills of Uttarakhand, specially after last year’s deluge .This is a serious issue, but unfortunately, it finds no mention in the manifesto of any political outfit.

For its convenience, the political clan has got together to shift six Assembly seats from the hills to the plains by the Delimitation Commission. This is against the fundamentals on which the state was formed. It will further slow down the pace of development in the hills. It means that there will be lesser number of elected members from the hills in the state Assembly to raise issues and fight for their cause. Also, the area will get fewer funds from the Central and state governments for development projects.

Migration has social repurcussions because the elderly people who cannot migrate and whose young family members migrate will be left to fend for themselves.

This situation could have been avoided had the successive governments followed a long-term plan to not only improve infrastructure such as roads, bridges, electricity, schools and colleges but also opened avenues like tourism, horticulture, floriculture, handicrafts, and local medicine to generate sufficient employment.

The government must address this issue so that the locals stay closer home and can carry out their domestic responsibilities and more number of tourists visit the area to enjoy the natural habitat.

Ashok Thakur, via email

Bhagat Singh or Devi Lal?

Since visiting Shaheed Bhagat Singh’s museum and village at Khatkar Kalan last week, I have been feeling ashamed because it seems as if no one owns the place. The gardens adjoining the museum and near his samadhi are in a shabby state. Wild grass greets you and there are no flowers even in this season of bloom. The rare pictures inside the museum are faded and in need of preservation. There is no proper historic account of Bhagat Singh’s life. The few books on display are being sold by disinterested people. After reading the news item “Badal’s friendly gesture costs state Rs 25 lakh a year” (April 10), I was fuming with anger, frustration and helplessness over the government’s prioritisation of heroes. Is Bhagat Singh more important for Punjab or Chaudhary Devi Lal?

Trishanjit Kaur, Patiala

Here, Modi would be fired

I endorse the views expressed by Surinder Bedi in the letter “Success vs morals” (April 16). Why should there be two sets of rules -- one for government servants and another for politicians? Modi, the BJP nominee for the PM’s post, has committed a serious mistake by hiding the truth of his marital status in his earlier declarations to the Election Commission not once, but thrice. Had he been in government service, he would have faced termination from service.

The law of equality must prevail.

Roop Singh Negi, Tranda (Kinnaur)

Ban double contest

The Election Commission needs to be appreciated as it has improved the electoral process with a lot of reforms made over the past few years.

But how is a candidate allowed to contest from two seats? It is a black spot on the electoral process and should be removed at once. The government is spending about Rs 2 crore per constituency. This means that this huge amount is allowed to go waste because a candidate has to give up one seat if he is elected from both seats. Moreover, it is a betrayal of faith and promises made by the candidate to the voters. How is he allowed to do so?

This wastage of money, manpower and other resources should be stopped.

Dr Naresh Raj, Patiala

Vote out ‘dal badlus’

It was nice to read the article “Forget loyalty, palti politicians the most sought-after creed” (April 16). Politicians were earlier known for their party (or ideology) loyalty, but the present-day politicians are changing parties, particularly at the time of elections, just for personal gains. They want to have power by hook or crook. In some cases, their family members are a part of another political party at the same time.

They switch parties not for the development of masses, but for personal benefits. They ignore public issues and only think for their own interests. People should vote out such ‘dal badlu’ politicians.

Dr SS Verma, Longowal

Bhakra project share

Himachal Pradesh had lost about 27,869 acres to the Bhakra-Beas management hydro-electric project and thousands of families were uprooted from their homes. Sadly, however, the state has yet to get its 7-19 per cent share in the project, the apex court’s favourable judgment on the subject notwithstanding. The worst part of the story is that the language of love and reason seems to have failed to click with the “aggressor” states as also the Centre. Shocking indeed!

Tara Chand, Ambota (Una)

Pay DA hike

The DA increase of 8 per cent which is due to the Punjab government employees and pensioners w.e.f. January 1, 2013, has been allowed only from July 1, 2014 vide government notification No 3/2/97-FP 12039, dated October 25, 2013. Further, the DA hike of 10 per cent due from July 1, 2013, has not been released. These increases may be released immediately.

Tara Chand Sharma, Chandigarh

Restore Nabha’s glory

Nabha was once a princely state, but today, there is no development in the town. Its main bus stand is not up to the mark. There are perpetual jams in the main bazaar. Due to encroachments, most of the roads are potholed. The government should restore the old glory of the town.

DS Modgil, Kullu

Tailpiece

Q. What kind of role would AAP play in the 2014 Lok Sabha poll?

Ans. That of ‘Silent Killer’!

Q. What product would Arvind Kejriwal be best the brand ambassador of?

Ans. Cough syrup

KJS Ahluwalia, Amritsar