Fighting corruption

I

Sir,

The recent furore in the assembly over an MLA's statement that a minister in the Government had accepted a sum of forty thousand rupees as gratification, a soft word nonetheless for corruption has rocked the State. The particular Minister had to tender his resignation from the council of Minister and also from the senior post of the party to which he belonged.

The above incident perhaps first of its kind in the history of the State has proved beyond doubt that corruption in our society is acquiring menacing proportions. It has entered the veins and nevers of the State. Despite a wholescale war on the corruption launched by the Chief Minister nothing seems to be happening. No wonder that the Deputy Chief Minister has eloquently said that he was frustrated with the whole State of affairs and wished to resign.

It is not difficult to imagine that when for a genuine work a MLA is asked to pay a hefty sum of money what will be the plight of the common man who is neither having any connections nor is having any spare money with which he could grease the palms of the administration to get his work done. The reason is why such men are pushed to the wall. Ask any honest and down to earth person in the State whether he is an employee, a trader, a farmer etc. he will say without any qualms that he feels frustrated with the overall situation. Although the State Vigilance Commission has launched a full blooded campaign against the menace of corruption still a lot needs to be done. Government must adopt a tough policy against corrupt persons. Otherwise only God can save us from a complete breakdown.

Yours etc...
K L Dhar
Durga Nagar Enclave
Jammu

II

Sir,

The recent revelations of corruption charges against one of the prominent and senior leaders and a cabinet Minister in the present coalition Government has made a deep dent into the claim of the Government's and the Chief Minister' decleared war against corruption in the State. Even the claims made in the joint address to the State legislature by the Governor of the State regarding the war on corruption have not become convincing enough. It is more ironic and astounding to learn that such a filthy State of affairs of the Government has been exposed by one of the younger, a bold and personally aggrieved and affected legislative members of our polity. If this sort of atrocity can take place with a member of Legislative Assembly, Mr. Shoyeb Lone, what fate can a common man, an ordinary voter and an ordinary citizen of the State expect while pursuing his or her case in the corridors of power.

Every single person in the State is feeling the same sentiments. Work is not done without some big currency notes attached to the file. It is equally true that while those who receive the bribe are at fault but those who give bribes too have to understand that they too ae equally at fault. The statements made by the concerned MLA in this regard are interesting to note. He has said that he is ready to face the law if it decides that he should be tried for offering the bribe. Let all the citizens of this State make a resolve that they would not offer bribes in any circumstance. Let there be a public resolve in people so that there is an awareness in people about corruption. If we stop giving bribes then I think half the battle is won.

Yours etc...
A K K Komal
Sarwal Chowk
Jammu

Apartment culture

Sir,

A news report was published in this paper (J&K 19) about a premium apartment builder launching a housing project in the State.

In this context it is to be submitted that the State is witnessing a building boom. The twin capitals of the State have expanded beyond one's wildest imaginations. Jammu, in particular has benefited due to the migration of huge population from the valley and hilly areas of Kishtwar and Bhaderwah. The prices of the land in Jammu city have sky rocketed. A marla of land which cost say five thousand, two decades ago now costs one lakh. There is a twenty times increase in land cost. Colonies have come up at different areas.

In this situation it is important that apartment blocks and similar housing projects come up in the city which are equipped with modern facilities. In this way we will save precious land and side by side less money will be involved in it. Apartment blocks prove eco friendly in the long run because everything in such housing projects is planned and that they are neat and clean. Thus the quality of civic life in apartment blocks is better and much cleaner than it is in unplanned and irregular colonies.

It is important to note that builders of such type of projects will come up with apartments blocks which are meant for poorer sections or middle class people. It is not out of mark to say that if you are building a flat for twenty lakhs and thirty lakhs it is not meant for a large number of people. Efforts have to be made so that economy two bed room flats are build for poorer segments of the society.

Yours etc...
R R Sharma
Channi Himmat
Jammu