Mailbag

Democracy and degeneration

Sir,

Though democracy is the best form of Government, it calls for a certain standard of responsibility on the part of the citizens. Western countries with a long history of democracy have prospered because the people observe some standard of self discipline and behavioural norms.

Also it can not be said that our democracy has been free of anarchic trends, moral lapses and above all irresponsible and self seeking political leadership

A developing country where half of the population lives below the poverty line can not afford to indulge in agitations, politically motivated riots and wilful destruction of national wealth. The tragedy is that in India all these ills exist and are encouraged by political leaders. Bad roads, beggers eking out a meagre existance, inadequate inhabitation and transportation facilities and increasing number of dirty slums in unhygienic conditions, unemployment etc are the features of our nation.

There is an urgent need to introduce reforms to enforce discipline and account-ability but laws alone can not bring about a change in peoples behaviour. The country is passing through an era of upbeat politics. Political dissension has plagued every party and they are bent upon acquiring power by any means politics has now been reduced to a mere number game.

An awareness has to be created among citizens with structural changes and shift in management techniques. An effort should be made to inculcate good work culture and discipline in the younger generations. We have to plan our strategies suited to our conditions.

It is true that no country can progress merely with freedom, discipline is indispensable.

The law and order situation in the nation is at a very low ebb because of politicians' unlawful activities. If they indulge in corruption, unlawful activities and dirty politics, what about the common man of this country?

The people feel quite helpless when they watch these leaders on the TV or reading about degeneration of their morals and principals in the print media.

The scamsters and culprits lose the moral right to govern and the state and the Nation.

There is hardly any political leader who could arouse patriotic fervour among countrymen as all are busy filling their coffers with scam money. The political leadership maintains double standards in their life style and general public is quite disgusted with them. Today, Most of the politicians are involved in one or the other scams. Cases are pending against them. This does not behove the politicians of a country boasting freedom and democracy.

Yours etc...
Mohd. Iqbal Mir,
Chanderkot, Ramban.

Make amendments

Sir,

By reading your newspaper I came to know about certain irregularities and mismanagement committed by the Competent Authority in conducting Common Entrance Test (1999-2000) for medical, engineering and other professions. It is very agonising and bitter for parents and students who year after year become victim of lackadaisical and biased attitude of the Competent Authority. This is just a mental torture. It is very surprising that inspite of Singhal Commission report conducted in the previous year 1998 which showed large scale bunglings and exposed the unlawful procedure followed by the Competent Authorities in conducting Entrance Examination, the Government neither paid any attention towards these facts of the report nor made any amendment in the constitution of the Competent Authority. This year too, certain questions have touched the consciousness of a number of aspiring students whether different series of papers given to them will result in miscalculation. What was the reason behind the opening of seal of question papers before the commencement of examination. These questions are not new, but the same old questions which remained unsolved for number of years, and creating a sense of frustration and confusion among all the students. I cannot say so much but at the end I would like to draw the kind attention of our government particularly of our Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah to personally look into the matter and take some bold steps to punish the culprits who are committing social crime year after years and make certain changes and alterations which are imperative to make the system face of loopholes and irregularities so that in the next millenium every deserving student will get his or her share.

Roopesh Sharma
Village Matta (Kishtwar)

To the right place

Sir,

As per the sources of Prime Minister's office, already over Rs 300 crore has been donated for National Defence Fund and donations continue to flow in day by day and at this rate, it could touch the five hundred crore mark. These donations are purely for the welfare of Kargil martyrs families, for the education of their wards and treatment of the disabled soldiers. People in general have donated to this fund. Businessmen, Film actors, actresses, sports persons etc. have donated crores of rupees. Govt and public sector employees have donated one day salary in the NDF. Even many children have donated from the money, they had collected for chocolates and toys.

Need of the hour is that people should be cautious and pay the money to only those persons/organisations who are reliable. It becomes moral responsibility of the government to ensure that the money collected in the streets, markets, orchestra shows and plays etc. goes in the right direction and not in the pockets of mischievous persons.

Yours etc...
Vinod 'Shad'
Boulvar Road, Srinagar.