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

Love transgenders

With reference to the news item “SC rejects PIL for inheritance right for transgender kids” (July 1), I don’t think that the advice of any court of law, government administrative authority, social agency or NGO is required for us to take care of our children, irrespective of their physical status. We should be more humane in our dealings and approach towards children born with deformities.

Col Madan Lal (retd), Ambala Cantt

Medical facilities

The increase in charges in government hospitals for issuing slips, for operations, X-rays, ECG, ultrasound etc is justified due to the hike in the prices of chemicals and raw materials used for various tests. But the Health Minister and other authorities must ensure that these tests and operations are carried out in all government hospitals. One should not get such excuses as that the ultrasound machine is out of order since an ordinary man cannot afford the very high costs prevailing in private hospitals, nursing homes and other medical centres. Unfortunately, the government has failed to control this loot.

Dr Naresh Raj, Patiala

Illegal diagnostic labs

The editorial “Partners in corruption” (July 5) reveals the stunning fact that in India only .45% medical diagnostic laboratories are accredited. It is means that a large number of such laboratories are being run by unqualified people. This could pose a threat to the health of the people. These illegal laboratories might not be adopting all norms, such as those for disposing of hazardous waste, causing danger to the entire neighbourhood.

The quota system and corruption in the medical line have compromised the quality and standard of this noble profession. Medical professionals are charging very high fees for consultation and making patients undergo unnecessary tests. The Health Ministry must take action against the mushrooming of such unaccredited diagnostic laboratories to secure the health of the people and frame a policy to restrain and punish them.

Sanjay Srivastava, Chandigarh

Heritage train

The Kalka-Shimla heritage train attracts a large number of tourists every year. Yet, the system on this track has remained neglected and faces frequent breakdowns, causing inconvenience to the tourists (“Glitches in travel by toy train”, July 2). Undoubtedly, the train odyssey to Shimla is pleasurable. It is a leisurely and idyllic journey, passing through beautiful natural surroundings and lush green Shivalik hills. As the hissing engine struggles uphill, meandering through loops and curves to gain height, you find yourself in the lap of the same hill and the inner and outer Himalayas persistently beckon you.

To make the journey more enjoyable, the Railways should remove the such irritants as frequent beakdowns and the managerial lapses. Being a heritage asset, the government should ensure that the system runs in good working order, especially during the tourist season.

RM Ramaul, Paonta Sahib

Onion tears

This refers to the news report “Now, onion tears for Modi sarkar” (July 1). In order to win the favour of employees and secure their vote bank round the corner of the General Election in 2008, the Congress government enhanced their salary in excess through the Sixth Pay Commission. Since then, the price of every essential commodity has risen uninterruptedly, be it property, machinery, foodgrains or vegetables. The poor people have had to suffer on account of this dearness as their income, despite going up, has remained stagnant due to inflation and spiralling price rises.

The illegal activities of hoarders and vendors need to be checked.

Hari Chand Shanker, Ambala Cantt

Credibility at stake

Apropos the editorial “Credibility at stake”, I agree that politics must not decide judicial appointments. The method of selection of higher judiciary through the collegium system is also not satisfactory. An independent national judicial commission must be set up for appointments and transfers of judges. This commission should be an autonomous constitutional body with powers to take action against tainted judges. The attitude of the Modi government in this matter seems to be authoritarian. In such circumstances, the judiciary cannot function independently and the rule of law cannot prevail. It is not a symbol of good governance.

CR Pattar, Tohana (Fatehabad)

Emulate China

Though China won independence a year after us, it has managed to challenge the mighty USA in all fields. The main reason for its success is the clever use of foreign investment. The Chinese have re-invested that amount in parent countries. No doubt, the labour laws there are not so good, but the bigger picture is bright. India has rejected all proposals that could bring foreign technology.

If Israel can manage three harvests a year, why can’t we? We keep blaming the below-normal rainfall for poor productivity, but can’t manage rainwater harvesting projects. We have done nothing remarkable in the field of interlinking of rivers. Chief Ministers consider natural resources as their personal property and refuse to share them with the neighbouring states. Despite the shortage of onion and excess of potato crop, the government has neither educated the farmers about adopting new cropping patterns nor plugged the longstanding problem of hoarding.

Despite 12 milion students graduating from colleges every year, we have a shortage of manpower in defence, science and technology and software.

Deepjot S Thukral, Ambala Cantt

Be proud of culture

Indians are following the western culture and forgetting their own. In the last few years, there has been a sea change in our dressing sense. While it is not wrong, the youth should not shun Indian attire completely. They are ashamed to be seen in suits, saris etc. It is our duty to preserve and promote the Indian culture.

Amisha Sharma, via email