letterstoeditor

TALK LESS, ACT MORE

This refers to ‘Candid Talk’ with Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh (July 14, HT). The Punjab government woke up from its slumber only when the drug situation became explosive in the state. It is known that the drug mafia has been active in the state for years, plunging the Punjab youth into dark sea of drugs. There should strict implementation of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The law enforcement agencies should be fully equipped to tackle the drug menace. Politicians who back the mafia should be punished sternly. And the people should help the authorities any way they can to curb this menace.

SK Khosla, Chandigarh

II

The drug menace has completely engulfed Punjab. It has crippled families, emotionally and monetarily. Unemployment, illiteracy and easy availability of drugs have led to the spread of the evil. Government must educate children against the use of drugs at initial level and encourage sports in schools/institutions. Employment should be generated in the state. Moreover, the problem should be dealt with sincerely instead of merely publicizing the efforts on news.

Devinder Singh, Patiala

A POTENTIAL TOURISM BOOSTER

The Archeological Survey of India (ASI)’s new touristfriendly photography rules will be a big boost for promotion of tourism in Amritsar. Out of 30 monuments and archaeological sites of national importance in Punjab, three are located in Amritsar. The Gateway of Old Sarai, Amanat Khan, Ram Bagh Gate and Gateway of Old Sarai, Fatehabad, reflect the grandeur of Indian history. The tourism department should actively promote these sites. Naresh Johar, Amritsar

II

This refers to the editorial, “ASI’s new photography rule is tourist-friendly” (July 16, HT), Photography restricted areas dampen the enthusiasm of tourists visiting a place. Thus, the Archaeological Survey of India’s (ASI) rule is a welcome one. India’s rich and diverse culture attracts a lot of tourists and the new photography rule will help in attracting more. In addition to this, a unique trust card guaranteeing free public transport and hassle-free discounted entry to the tourist places could be established. Cleanliness of the heritage sites must be a priority. The introduction of audio guides will also help.

Afraaz Sidhu, Jalandhar

CONG’S POLITICS OF POLARISATION

Apropos the news article ‘Modi, Cong spar over ‘Muslim men’s party’ (July 15, HT), it seems like the days of Rahul Gandhi being a janeu-dhari Hindu have come to end. His visits to various temples and declarations of going on a pilgrimage to Manasar over have proved to be fake, a farce for the sake of winning votes during the Karnataka elections. Now, he is back to appeasing the minority community as they are a major vote bank for the Congress. By doing this, he is only exposing the polarising strategy of his party. The Congress often accuses the BJP of indulging in the politics of polarisation, when its own agenda seems to be similar. The common man can see through the tactics of the politicians.

BN Anand, Mohali

REDUCE POLL CAMPAIGN PERIOD

The food wastage witnessed at the ‘Kisaan Kalyan Rally’ of the Prime minister at Punjab’s Malout is a prelude to the extravagant spending that will be done in the coming months in the run-up to the Lok Sabha polls. Many such rallies will be conducted throughout the country now onwards. The Election Commission of India (ECI) should restrict the time for election campaign, to just 2-3 months. The parties can make use of the media to highlight their achievements.

Jaswant Singh, Chandigarh

MAINTAIN RTI’S AUTHORITY

The Right to Information (RTI) Act makes government offices accountable to the general public. Whatever amendments the government intends to make in the Act during Parliament’s monsoon session must not dilute its authority. India’s development agenda cannot be fulfilled without a transparent governance system. Aadil Bhat, Chandigarh

DRACONIAN CAMPUS RULE

Apropos the news ‘A shot at blending modernity with tradition’ (July 16, HT), denying basic requirements like cell phone and Wi-Fi to students in the name of upholding traditional values reflects the draconian attitude of the Ferozepur college authorities. Students should be taught not to misuse the technology, but a complete ban is unacceptable. The college authorities should do away with such repressive idealogy towards women.

MM Goel, Kurukshetra

RELIEF TO THE TAXPAYERS

The decision to increase the monetary threshold for filing appeals in tax disputes in courts will provide relief to the taxpayers as well as facilitate their business. Undoubtedly, there will be some loss of revenue due to the government but not by much. It suffered much heavier loses in the litigation cases with minor tax defaulters. The government can give the same leeway to minor criminals by dropping charges against them. Shakti Singh, Karnal

ISSUES SIDELINED

Apropos the editorial ‘Don’t Rain on the Next Session’ (July 16, HT), the parties are gearing up for the 2019 polls and are in a combative mode. As such, the advice to debate only on critical points in Parliament is moot. Important issues are sidelined as the politicians constantly engage in verbal battles to prove themselves to be the better choice. Such is the democratic set-up of our nation where the issues pertaining to the welfare of the people take a backseat during parliamentary sessions.

RM Ramaul, Paonta Sahib

LOOPHOLES IN TRANSFERS

It is a welcome step by Punjab education minister OP Soni to reward those sharing information about corruption in transfers. Since the government so far has not framed any rules with regards to teachers’ transfers, the pick-and-choose policy continue to remain in place. It is a good step to plug loopholes in the system. Ranbir Singh Pannu, Amrisar