Appointment of CIC

Sir,
Refer news item ‘Sofi first CIC of J&K' DE Jan 28.
With the appointment of Chief Information Commissioner, the RTI movement in the State would again gain momentum which to some extent had come to a halt after the State enacted Right to Information (RTI) Act in 2004.
As they say, information is necessary to 'form, perform, conform and reform'. It is so basic to any aspect of human existence, be it learning or acquisition of knowledge, performance of one's duties or any activity, compliance to any rules or laws and reform in any system subsequent to revelations of deficiencies discovered and changes required.
It is subsequent to this realization that Right to Information Act was enacted way back in our country. Since its enactment, RTI has become a potent tool in the hands of hoi polloi, and it has used this Act to further the cause of democracy and democratic rights in this state.
Further, at a time, when corruption is ruling the roost, and every organ of the Government machinery is infected with this disease the importance of RTI been more felt. Even Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had to say, ‘‘Today, we are number two (in the list of most corrupt states of the country)... In this battle to stop corruption, we are equally responsible''. Keeping the gravity of the situation in view, it has become necessary that there is a mechanism to check corruption, and in this direction RTI Act can be quite helpful.
The RTI activists, now can pursue their cases effectively with the appointment of Chief Information Commissioner.

Yours etc...
Sunil Sharma
Jammu

Democracy in peril

Sir,
India is the largest democracy in the world. Danger seems to be looming on the whole democratic system of the country. Indian constitution has provided the best possible system of governance.
The constitution has set certain duties and the rights for the citizens of the country which ought to have been sincerely followed and respected by the citizens.
For the last some years people of the country observe some unwanted elements have begun showing their presence in the governing system of the country which, if not checked will pose danger to the whole system. Scams after scams in different ministries have come to the light. We have observed that some parties try to defend the defaulters while some parties expose them and demand severe punishment for those found guilty. We have seen that the Parliament of India could not function normally. The entire opposition in the Parliament demanded the JPC probe which the ruling party rejected. The result everybody knows.
We are experiencing the unprecedented price rise of essential commodities. Common man is badly affected. The probem of Naxilites is spreading in many parts of the country. This problem threatens the whole political system. During the recent days, we have observed some high level officials of the Government making divergient views pertaining to the same topic. We also observe that some constituents of the Government act differently on the same subject.
However, on the whole the situation in country does not seem to be satisfactory. Much more is required to be done by the persons in the authority so that the present wrong elements in the system are eliminated for ever-otherwise the democracy seems to be in peril in the country.

Yours etc...
Soom Nath Tickoo
Ram Vihar, Jammu-7

Subsidized pollution
control devices

Sir,
This has reference to the news item ‘Subsidize pollution control devices for brick kilns’ DE Jan 28.
To grant one time subsidy to brick-kiln owners for purchase of pollution control devices for installation in brick kilns is a good move towards pollution control in the State.
The brick kilns have come in for sharp criticism from pollution watchers, and people for producing pollution in large quantities. Since some of these kilns exist in populated areas, they are becoming a source of health hazard. It has been rightly assessed by the Environment Committee that closure of these kilns would affect construction activities, in the State. Not only that, it would create unemployment opportunities which would add further to unemployment in the State.
The owners on their own too should take steps to reduce pollution. Presently, pollution is a great problem and it has to be dealth with right now. This can be possible only when we all come together, and contribute our bit in this endeavour.

Yours etc...
Vikas Khajuria
Channi Jammu