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

Bias in relief

Apropos the news item “Land acquisition for projects comes to a standstill” (August 26), the land acquisition process for power projects and cement plants has hit a roadblock as the HP Government has failed to frame rules under the new Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Rehabilitation and Resettlement (RFCTRR) Act, 2013. The case regarding the land being acquired for the four-laning of National Highway-21 from Kiratpur to Kullu is similar. However, two different parameters for the acquisition of land for public purpose are being followed in Himachal Pradesh. In acquiring land for roads and cement plants, the Land Acquisition Act, 1894, is applicable but in the case of land for the construction of national highways, the National Highway Act, 1956, applies. The provision of granting compensation to the people for the land is different in both Acts. This is highly discriminatory. In the Land Acquisition Act, 1894, there is a provision of compensation equal to four times the market value to the landowners, but this is not so in the National Highway Act, 1956. This discrimination requires judicial scrutiny and correction.

BR Kaundal, Mandi

Gaushaala land

Apropos the news “Encroachers get shamlat land ownership; Forest officials cried foul” (August 23), the district administration has awarded rights of ownership of forest land to people in violation of Supreme Court guidelines as disclosed by the District Forest Officer, Ropar. People have constructed houses on this land. Residents of the area lodged complaints with the then DC against these constructions. While on one hand, the district administration has awarded the rights to the people, on the other hand, the demand of the Gaushaala in Ropar for getting the rights has been ignored.

The Gaushaala houses about 550 cows. Land on which the Gaushaala building has been constructed belongs to the Irrigation Department and is controlled by the Forest Department.

The Gaushaala committee is making all efforts to make it the best by arranging cowsheds and fodder, ensuring cleanlinesss and providing veterinary help. Since it is a noble cause, the government should extend it all help.

Raj Kumar Kapoor, Ropar

Col R D Singh (retd), Ambala Cantt

Unsung veterans

Old age has proved a curse for the veteran stalwarts of the BJP. They have been shown the exit door by the BJP, unsung and unwept. No tear has been shed even by their followers. I wonder why? This is a new experiment in the history of Indian politics.

Dr Ram Krishan Narad, Gurdaspur

Retiring politicians

In politics, there is no condition of age, education or retirement. The Modi-led dispensation deserves a pat on the back for at least venturing into the tough and unbeaten track. By dropping stalwarts like Atal Bihari Vajpai, LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi from the apex decision-making Parliamentary Board of the BJP, it has given a sense that politicians, too, shall have a fixed retirement age: below 70 years, perhaps. The landmark decision marks the end of the Atal-Advani era and the advent of gen-next, something that Modi had promised during electioneering early this year.

RAMESH K.DHIMAN, Chandigarh

Gender inequality

Apropos the news “Words are not enough” (August 19), the British abolished sati when it was an old custom in India. It showed gender equality in their rule of law. We also have laws but we feel no hesitation in putting a gun to the female foetus or trade her happiness for dowry. Rape cases are on the rise. Action is need for social change. The emotive words of the PM from the Red Fort ramparts are not enough to bring about gender equality.

Manu Sharma, Nahan

Arrears denied

We the retired teachers of GT National College, Dakue (Ludhiana), have not been paid the arrears of HRA due to us. Interestingly, one of our retired collegues has been paid the dues by the college management. The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the management to release the HRA due to us, the petitioners. The DPI (Colleges), Punjab, has also directed it to comply with the orders of the high court. In spite of this, the management has not released the arrears.

Kanwaljit Singh, Ludhiana

Digressing from core

We must appreciate our successive governments or their expertise in digressing debate from core issues. Instead of speaking on irregularities in AIIMS as pointed out by an officer in the institute, they have diverted the cannon towards Chaturvedi, the officer. The debate is restricted to his appointment. This case is not an exception. Instead of answering on graft charges, ministers raised questions on the entry of reporters in the high security zone during the Tehelka expose. Modi, who is quick to speak and tweet, is conveniently ignoring such issues.

Deepjot S Thukral, Ambala Cantt

Awaiting OROP

The one rank, one pension (OROP) is still awaited. The PM had promised to implement OROP in the run-up to the General Election. But it remains a dream for the veterans who are falling one by one. Modi spoke for one hour from the ramparts of the Red Fort on August 15, but not a word regarding OROP was spoken. Let’s hope he does something in teh matter soon.

Lt-Col PP Singh, Chandigarh

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