Editor,
Apropos Barnes Mawrie` s article, “Fighting corruption-a corrective approach”, {ST January 7, 2012) I would like to add a few points on the said subject. Apart from what has already been stated in the said article, including the passing of the Lok Pal bill, which according to me should be treated as one of the many {and not the only} means of tackling corruption, we should also seriously think in terms of passing laws such as the, “Guaranteed Delivery of Public Services Act” in line with the one passed by the Rajasthan Government in recent times. Such an act would ensure that ” By Law” the delivery of basic services to the people within a stipulated time frame happens. For instance if a citizen applies for a driving licence, a ration card, birth/death certificate etc, the department concerned will have to, by law provide the required service within the maximum time frame for that particular service { say a maximum of 15 days for a driving licence, 20 days for a ration card and so}and if not, penalties such as fines borne from the concerned official’s salary would be imposed upon him/her.
Such an law in my opinion would go a long way in reducing ‘red tapism’ and corruption in government offices to a large extent, as citizens would no longer feel the need to pay under the table to get their work done. I am a great admirer of the present Chief Minister of the state who unlike his predecessors, seems to have genuine concern for the upliftment of the state and as such to borrow Mr Mawrie`s words, I sincerely hope he and others like him, draw some inspiration from such humble suggestions and takes the lead in looking at ways to combat and eventually root out the evil of corruption from our state.
Yours etc.,
Jason Mairom,
Via email
SSA teachers- underdogs?
Editor,
While all government employees and teachers have enjoyed their Christmas and New year we teachers of the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) have to only watch their fun. We have received our salaries after three months and that too a daily wage labourer’s pay, when the same teachers in Chandigarh and other states are getting paid according to their qualifications. How do I ask my students to choose teaching as a career when the State Government is so apathetic towards us? In B.Ed we learn of motivation as an important instructional tool for students but what about us teachers? Only the staff of the Education Department have enjoyed a ” MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A WONDERFUL NEW YEAR 2012!” What and irony indeed!
Your etc,
Marcus Lyngkhoi,
Via email
Minority quota in jobs and education
Editor,
The BJP must stop dividing people based on religion and the evil caste system in India! When the Sikhs and Hindus are given reservations for higher education and government jobs why exclude Dalit Christians and Muslims? Are Christians and Muslims not Indians? All people are created equal in dignity and rights but not in caste India! Freedom of religion is one’s birth right. What is wrong with the BJP? If the caste Hindus want to impede the progress of the nation and maintain gross inequality and injustice then they should continue to fight against affirmative action. However, Indian Dalits will stand tall for civil rights and social justice. Preaching hatred and violence will not help the BJP’s march to Delhi. Stop discrimination and stand for justice for all! When India treats all of its citizens like Indians irrespective of religion and caste, only then can India take a seat in the UNSC!
Those who oppress the poor insult their maker but those who help the poor honour God. Instead of opposing minority civil rights, Hindus must show the courage and tolerance of Shivaji, Aahoka and late Prime Minister V. P. Singh.
I hope and pray the Atal Behari Vajpayee will come out and take a stand for equal opportunity for all Indians. He can do it because he is the most honest leader and India will listen to Atalji!
Yours etc.,
Raju Charles,
Via email