Railway bridge factory in Jammu

Sir,
Refer your news item 'Railways to set up bridge factory in J&K' DE Feb 26.
It is appreciate that the Railway Ministry has proposed to set up a bridge factory in Jammu. The bridge factory will give a fillip to the industrialization process of the State. It will also create various job opportunities for unemployed youth of the State. Besides, the production of bridges in the State will give a boost to railway projects presently under construction. The bridges produced in the State would be cost effective as freight charges on transporting them from a far off place will be reduced drastically.
The railway network in the State is quite important strategically as well economically. Defence experts believe that it has become quite essential for the country to expand its railway network in the State to meet the growing Chinese challenge.
A robust railway network is also quite essential from tourism perspective. The economy of the State is mainly tourism based. Every year lakhs of people which mostly include tourists and pilgrims visit the State. To provide them effective means of transport, railways can play an important role. Passengers can be ferried from both sides in shortest possible time and without involving any sort of discomfort to them.

Yours etc...
Anita Aggrawal
Jammu

Fight against corruption

Sir,
How soothing it is to hear the highest authority Pratibha Devi Singh Patil , the President of India in her address to joint session of Parliament , declaring the resolve to fight corruption in every sphere. May it turn into reality! Corruption is like a virus to which human mind is vulnerable. Let us consider how it trickles down. Every political party craves for power - Ideally for shaping the Nation according to its Ideology but as observed in some cases , for securing governance enabling its party men to hold positions of financial and authoritative gain. While in power they place persons of their choice on crucial positions of judiciary , vigilance , election commission, heads of states etc, who in turn favour them when needed, for perpetuating their rule . They can argue " There is no law to make such an authority to dispense justice within any limit of time ." They forget that Natural Justice comes into action where human justice fails. They strive for having majority of their party in the Parliament. Any one , who can toe their line irrespective of his / her qualifications ability and character, is accepted, if he has chances of election even by muscle power. Some genuinely capable candidates do succeed on conscience votes . Canvassing is O.K, but man.euvering a curse , is more effective : luring with money , liquor promises of shelter and so on .

Yours etc...
Hridya Nath
Jammu

Opening of new polytechnics

Sir,
This has reference to the news item 'New polytechnics, ITIs to be opened across State'' DE Feb 25. There is an urgent need to set up more polytechnics and ITIs in the State to meet the growing need of skilled workers in the country. Despite being second big populous country in the world, India faces acute shortage of skilled workers.
Our state which can be termed as industrially backward state has to make big strides to compete with other states of the country. Once industrial sector gains momentum in the State, it will require the services of these skilled workforce.
These proposed polytechnics and ITIs should be opened only if it is ensured that these are equipped with state of the art technology, required infrastructure and adequate faculty. Mere raising massive structures without facilities is not going to serve any purpose. We have before us the example of Degree colleges that were opened in the State. Even today, most of these colleges have not raised their educational standard. The proposed polytechnics should not go the same way, it should be kept in mind.
The state need to have institutions that meet not the national, but international standards.

Yours etc...
Rajinder Sharma
Domana, Jammu