Mailbag

Human bond

Sir,

The recent train accident near Khanna in Punjab took a heavy toll of human lives. It was one of the major train disasters in India. Hundreds of people were killed while the injured might be still struggling for their lives in the hospitals. After this, we must not forget to extend our sincerest gratitude to the good samaritans of the villages in the vicinity of accident site who lent their helping hands in rescuing the victims and taking full care of them; But for the timely and massive help of these people, the casualties might have been more. Immediately after hearing the loud bang of the collision of the trains, the residents of all the neighbouring villages, unmindful of their sleep, reached the accident site and started rescuing the victims. They brought buckets of water, tea and milk for the injured and shivering passengers and made arrangements for firewood to keep them warm. They transported the injured to nearby hospitals in their vehicles. The women folk of these villages cooked food for them. The local NCC volunteers also reached there and assisted the authorities in supervising rescue and relief operations. A large number of NCC boys volunteered to donate blood. A number of hands were available for every work. This cemented the bond between those who suffered and those who served. All these good samaritans did not do this out of any selfish motive. They rendered selfless help because they are god-fearing and 'humans' in the true sense. In fact, the villagers still wish if they could have done more and pray that none should face such a tragic death.

After every such disaster, these selfless services makes our belief firm that this world is not yet void of helpful people. It is only due to these selfless people that our earth is still surviving. We once again salute all these people who rendered yeoman's. service during the hour of need.

Yours etc.......
Rajesh Bargotra,
Govt. College of Education,
Jammu.

Ascertain truth

Sir,

I am surprised to read the letter from Mr A N Chibber (DE 10.11.98) wherein he had unequivocally stated that the issue of Govt. Order No. 275-F of 1998 Dt: 14.10.98 relating to the revision of pensions of the pre-I.1.1987 retirees, was withheld by the Government probably because of financial crunch. I, at once, contacted the Finance department which too was amazed to hear it from me. On strength of their denial for having with-held the said order I advise Mr Chibber that he should be very miser, reserve and circumspect before running to the press with such statements because some time such statements create problems for the pensioners especially for those who are older and unable to face situations.

Now that orders have since been issued, it is for this category of pensioners to fill in the form prescribed by the Government and pass that on to the Accountant General, Jammu, enabling him get the pensions revised and fresh P.P.Os issued.

I request the Accountant General to get the job done in right earnest so that these hard pressed segment of the retirees do heave a sigh of relief in the matter of finances which are very very low as compared to the present retirees. It is a humanitarian task and we older pensioners shall feel beholden to him and the staff upon whom the brunt of the job shall fall.

Yours etc......
(R. K. Sher),
Upper Laxminagar,
Sarwal, Jammu.

Privatisation of Insurance Sector

Sir,

The P V Narasimha Rao's Government was in favour of opening up of India's Insurance sector to foreign players. Its move was then opposed tooth and nail by the BJP. But now the BJP led coalition Government has decided to open up the Insurance Sector to Foreign investment, which is indeed a step in the right direction. After all, it is always better to be late than never. As per the Union Cabinet's decision, foreign Insurance Companies will be allowed to hold upto 26 per cent of the equity of a private Indian Insurance Company, while other foreign institutional investors NRIs. etc. can hold another 14 percent. Now one can hope that the Indians will have access to a wider range of insurance products at lower cost.

At the same time, the left Front, the BJP friendly Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, the Swadeshi Jagaran Manchan ally of the ruling BJP, and other small parties opposed to the process of liberalisation and are planning massive protests against the opening up of the insurance sector. All of them opposing the opening up of the insurance sector say that they are acting in national interest. But who will decide

what is in national interest? The elected representatives of the people or those who have been rejected by the people at the hustings.

The Rakesh Mohan Committee report of 1996 estimated that the country's total requirements to finance infrastructure such as power, roads, ports, telecom, et al would aggregate to 115-130 billion US dollars over the next five years. There is practically no prospect of mobilising resources of this magnitude in the public sector. And over the next ten years, according to one estimation, India needs at least Rs. 325,000 crore for major infrastructural areas. One has to think where from money of such magnitude will come. Can the left Front and other parties opposing the privatisation of the Insurance Sector answer this query? The privatisation of the Insurance sector has therefore, become imperative for infrastructure development. After all, allowing more players in the field will channel more funds for infrastructure development.

India has the potential to achieve an annual growth rate of seven to eight percent. But without removing the infrastructural bottlenecks, a GDP growth of seven to eight percent is just a pipe dream. Reforms in the Insurance Sector by injecting competition are therefore, of crucial importance for financing infrastructure investments. Unlike the BJP and its allies, the Congress has long been in favour of opening up the insurance sector. Yet, there is no guarantee, the Congress will stick to its earlier position, afterall if the Swadeshi camp can have second thoughts so too can the liberalisers. But let's hope the Government will succeed in its endeavours to steer the necessary legislation through both Houses of parliament. After all, hope sustains life.

Vishal Salgotra
Poonch Road, Akhnoor

Save Bihar

Sir,

I want to focus the attention of Congress stalwarts towards the present political scenario of Bihar. As every common man is fully aware of the fact that there is 'Jungle Rule' in Bihar. The recent public out cry by Bihar Congress in Bihar against corruption, criminalisation and casteism is enough proof that people are fed up with this Jungle Rule. It is only narrow politics of Congress in Bihar which is giving rise to criminalisation and corruption. Congress party which has got overwhelming support of voters in Delhi, Rajasthan and MP shall shun its narrow politics in Bihar. Honest efforts of Congress President needs to be followed in Bihar. I hope Congress President will soon direct the Bihar Congress to withdraw its support to RJD. In this way it will be the only solution to save Bihar from Rabri Government. After withdrawing support let the Governor of Bihar decide the future course of action.

Yours etc.....
Chand Zutshi,
Jammu University