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Implement the ERC report
Apropos your thought-provoking and analytical editorial ‘Implement
ERC report’ (August 3), it cannot be gainsaid that the Expenditure
Reforms Commission’s recommendations must be implemented in
a phased manner through an announcement of a time-bound programme,
so that a cut of 10 per cent in staff strength by 2004-2005
is achieved, and surplus staff identified.
It is indeed surprising that in the suggestions of the various
ministers, there is no positive indication of an alternative
way to economise. Budget estimates continue to see an upward
trend in the matter of public spending. The government must
show urgency in implementing these recommendations so as to
be able to spend more on primary education, rural health care
and rural infrastructure development.
-- R N Lakhotia, New Delhi
Good ol’ India
In India scams take place quite often. There is a land grabbing
by slum dwellers and road-side hawkers. Rich builders develop
unauthorised colonies which are thereafter regularised by politicians
so as to garner useful votes. Regular electricity and water
supply, adequate transportation facilities, and basic educational
facilities sorely lack. The staff of public sector organisations
do not work with either sincerity or dedication. There is little
respect for fellow human beings, the crime rate is rising, so
is inflation and a parallel economy flourishes. We suffer from
poor economic and financial policies, pollution is uncontrollable
and there is too much poverty.
Strangely, in spite of the above we are going to be the next
super-power! Mera Bharat is truly mahaan.
-- M Kumar, on e-mail
Kashmir terrorism
The Centre and the Jammu and Kashmir government have been attacked
for the recent terrorist strikes in the state. It is not that
the governments lack the strength or the will to tackle the
problem. The success of their actions essentially depends upon
co-operation from the locals. The mounting terrorist activities
indicate that terrorist groups still command support from the
villagers.
There is also no point in blaming Pakistan. The state controlled
Jihad movements have grown so out of proportion that if any
punitive action is initiated, it may cause a full-fledged civil
war. This duty therefore rests with Indian forces, which do
fulfill the same, though at a very slow pace. A terrorist deserves
no pity — especially, the Pakistan sponsored ‘freedom fighter’
type.
-- C P Velayudhan Nair, on e-mail
Agra summit
The Agra summit can best be described as a short-term PR victory
for Pakistan and a long-term diplomatic success for India. Mr
Vajpayee was wise to make his public statement — that the General
came in ‘fauji’ mode, though without the ‘dress’ — after nearly
a week following the event.
-- O P Kharbanda, on e-mail
Gamble shows
A NEW show on TV is a ‘gamble’ show, not a game show. Going
by the experience of participants on other shows, it may well
be that the ‘lucky’ ones to receive mega prizes may be pre-selected!
Similarly, channels often have their own people seated in the
audience to `grill’ personalities. The Information and Broadcasting
Ministry must take steps to prevent TV channels from fooling
viewers.
-- Madhu Agrawal, Delhi |
