Poll predictions

Sir,

The Assembly results of five states have once again proved predictions of psephologists false. This has again put a question mark on Exit polls which have become a favourite item with media men. While watching polls verdicts on TV, one could see how the psephologist had to eat a humble pie. They came under severe attack for the functioning and misleading the nation.

In many of the pollster discussions that were telecast on various channels they looked like ''discussions out of nothing" as many psephologists explained the issues that mattered in the particular constituency and which of the parties enjoyed an advantage there.

It also has a psychological effect on the morale of a candidate contesting elections. Without fighting elections, without waiting for people's verdict, one should not be declared winner or loser. Writes Lt. Col M.S.Jamwal in "The great Indian Psephology show".

Viewed in its entirety, the whole thing seems like a big show and in terms of content and knowledge it is nothing but just that big show. It does not educate the viewers on actual situation as TV channels are rather too impatient to wait for the actual situation to emerge, nor does it reflect any voting Pattern which can only be discussed after the counting of votes has made some progress and the pattern has started crystalising itself. On the contrary, it has the potential of affecting the voters who are fence sitters and who have given the plethora of political parties constitute quite a number." One should not conclude from this that the exercise in itself is a bad thing or a hoax, rather the Pattern adopted by pollsters should be restructured and re-examined.

Perhaps this psephology show is modelled on Gallop polls of the US. If it is so, it should not be adopted in toto in Indian conditions. We have our way of thinking, living behaving, and decision making.

Yours etc...
Vijay Kumar
Gandhi Nagar,
Jammu

Doingaway with disability

Sir,

Refer news item "Disabled Day". In this context, it may be said that disabled people are a part of our society. They should not be in any way ignored, neglected and harassed. They need not sympathy. They need their rights and a dignified life. Not only the State Government, NGO's but also the common man should come forward for their cause.

They should be provided training in various disciplines so as to make them self confident, self assertive and self dependent. Recently it was reported in one of the newspapers that a company has employed most of the employees with physical disability. He found them hard working, zealous and committed to a cause. He reasoned out that they do not usually get distracted or disturbed as the normal persons.

Moreover, a physically handicapped was recently awarded by the State Government for his excellent performance in Arts. A good step indeed.

However, there are several others who have not received any attention so far. They are languishing at their places with no body to look after them. We need not to take pity on them. As stated earlier, we should only give them their due, by way of employment in Government or private sector. Concessions, loans should be extended to those who can set up small enterprises.

Disability is no doubt a problem. It can be solved. It is not a sin, a stigma which has no panacea.

Every man in this world is a disabled. He is one way or other lacking something. No one is perfect, and no body should claim the title of Mr. Perfect or Miss Perfect.

Yours etc...
Rajinder Kumar
Mishriwalla Jammu.