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

Limit rallies

Thousand of litres of petrol and diesel are wasted during rallies organised by different political parties during election campaigns and during protests. Some leaders organise big rallies just to show their strength. On the one hand, people are being asked to save oil. In this age of electronic media, there is no need of rallies. They can convey their views on TVs, mobile phones, newspapers and other sources. Election commission should allow each political party a fixed the number of rallies. If an MLA or MP resigns or his seat falls vacant due to some reason, the next highest vote getting candidate should be given the seat. This will save crores of rupees spent on byelections.

Bihari Lal Gohal, Nabha

ATM charges

The proposal regarding charges for withdrawal from ATMs beyond five transactions has created discontent. Rightly so. While banking in India is progressing, this move by the RBI is in the opposite direction. Also, the upper limit for withdrawing money from many ATMs is Rs 25,000. This needs to be increased.

SC DHALL, Zirakpur

Air links in HP

Apropos the news item "Deccan Airways to start flight from HP", two flights daily from Delhi to Shimla and two flights between Delhi-Kullu have been proposed. Definitely, this is a good start. HP tourism will surely rise by this effort. It will provide people more comforts. Companies like Toyota, Kurlon have showed interest in investing in HP which is appreciable news for the sake development of HP.

Vasundhra Mankotia, Kangra

Exempt from appearance

Pensioners should be exempt from personal appearance in the bank and instead allowed to send 'alive certificates' in November every year by post. This should be sufficient as the banks have the signatures of the pensioners in their records. Alternatively, the banks could take an undertaking from family members of the pensioners, duly witnessed that they shall refund it if withdrawn beyond the date of death of the pensioner.

RK Katoch, Kharar (Mohali)

Digital life certificate

The Jeevan Pramaan Scheme, an Aadhaar-based digital life certificate for pensioners, is a right step to provide benefits to the common man. At present, 50 lakh individuals draw pension from the Central Government alone. A similar number draws pension from states and union territories. Several PSUs also provide pensionary benefits. Over 25 lakh personnel draw pension from the armed forces. This would be also strengthened country's e-governance and digitalisation initiatives.

PK KALOTRA, Gurdaspur

Students’ pledge

In most of the schools in India, every morning a pledge is taken which says that "all Indians are my brothers and sisters". But if we all are actually brothers and sisters, why a girl or lady of our country still feels unsafe everywhere? This country is our home and every citizen has a right to go anywhere any time and wear anything. We want the country to develop, but we ourselves are not developing our minds. It is high time everybody started thinking it over.

Beerinder Singh, via email

Black & white money

Apropos Kuldip Nayar’s article “Going after black money” (November 5), all money stacked abroad isn't black. In the 1980s and early 90s, heavy taxes and duties were imposed on Indians taking money abroad. So, some businessmen came up with this solution of stacking money abroad for the ease of doing business transactions. Thus, making the list public can be ignominious to some innocent people and organisations. Second, being a signatory of the Double Tax Avoidance Agreement (DTAA), disclosing the names without any prior investigation will cause India to lose some goodwill in the international world.

Hardik Siroha, via email

Repatriate money

Is the black money stashed in foreign banks a political issue or a legitimate problem of the nation? It is surrounded by complexities like the double taxation treaty, UN convention against corruption, laws of banks etc. It is learnt that black money has been decreasing at an alarming rate since it became an issue. The Government of India must take steps to bring back the money so that it can be used for the development of our nation.

DILBAR ALI MEERAK, Tohana

Court order

The Supreme Court order of October 28 in the black money case is a slap in the face of the NDA government which has bluffed the voters by assuring payment of ~5-15 lakh per family out of the black money within 100 days of coming to power. Once in power, it started speaking the language of its predecessor in the name of DTAA and the confidentiality clause. The court rebuked it for creating a protective umbrella for black money hoarders in foreign banks to the tune of ~70,000 crore. Now the income tax department must issue a public notice giving one month to all citizens travelling abroad, and opening bank accounts in foreign countries, to give details about bank statements, with IT paid on this amount. If not done, it should be treated as black money and charged accordingly. With this one step, the middle class’ hope of getting a cut in the black money stands shattered.

Sher Singh, Patiala

Language tips

Dr Sharda Kaushik’s series of articles under the caption “Mind your language” has been quite interesting and illuminating. But her article on the use of the definite article ‘the’ has missed to explain its proper use as she has not elaborated the pitfalls where a person is likely to err. These two pairs of sentences put forth this point: 1. (a) He went to school (b) He went to the school 2. (a) He went to hospital (b) He went to the hospital.

The Tribune has run this series for over a year and it seems Dr Kaushik has run out of ideas. So, it would be better if the series is concluded with a last glittering piece.

Jasbir Singh Chawla, Patiala

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