Mailbag

Beautifying temple city

Sir,

This has reference to the news item ''Beautification of city walls project evokes positive response'' published in the Daily Excelsior on Mar 7, 2005. The initiative taken by the Jammu Development Authority, with the assistance of students of Institute of Fine Arts, Jammu to beautify Jammu city is highly appreciable.

Besides beautifying the city, it will provide employment opportunities to these students. It may be mentioned here that sometime back the Daily Excelsior has published an article 'Apathy towards Artists' in which the plight of artists had been highlighted. The project taken in hand will help in solving some of their problems. Moreover, it will create a love for art among the people. Once this love is created, it will help in selling the art work of the students. Last but not the least, it will help in preserving the rich cultural heritage of Jammu. The tourists who usually come here will get familiar with the traditions and culture prevalent in this part of the country.

Yours etc...
Vishal Salgotra
Kachhi Chawni Jammu

Women empowerment

Sir,

This has reference to the article 'Agenda for women empowerment' published in the Daily Excelsior on Mar 8.

The author has highlighted some of the problem which need to be addressed by the Government.

Despite having so many laws on protecting the rights of women, women continue to suffer emotionally, physically and economically. It has been observed that at some working places women continue to receive low wages despite putting hard labour in the work.

Sexual harassment at working places is another ordeal which they face despite laws framed in this regard.

Every year on occasion of Women's Day, seminars and workshops are organised to highlight the problems faced by the fair-sex. But once the day is finished, everybody goes into deep slumber.

There is need to follow the issues confronted by women till their resolution. Mouthing platitudes won't work. Action has to be taken, and rules/laws enforced. Only then one can hope that women can be empowered. Otherwise the story may go on......

Yours etc...
Suneeta Khajuria
Shastri Nagar

Appointment of Governors

Sir,

The way Governors of Jharkhand and Goa acted is not good for Indian democracy which is hailed as vibrant throughout the world. People living in non-democratic countries swear by Indian democracy.

People from all sections of the society, including former Prime Ministers Chandershakher and Inder Kumar Gujral have condemned Governor's action in Jharkhand and Goa. It is high time that the Government and the opposition parties discuss the appointment of Governors. It is suggested that the appointment of Governors should be the prerogative of the President of India. He should select only those persons who are impartial, have no political learnings and are competent. This would ensure stability of the State Governments. This is turn would ensure development and peace. Otherwise people will keep on losing the faith in the system. And that would be the end of Indian democracy.

Yours etc...
Jagdeep Gandotra
Kachhi Chawni