Govt insensitivity

Govt insensitivity
I thank DNA for focusing on the injustice done to an innocent farmer couple by the government machinery ('How a helipad brought hunger home', September 18). This is one more incident of bureaucratic insensitivity. Who will compensate the couple for razing their standing crop and flattening the farm for prime minister's visit that never took place? The MP or the MLA from the concerned constituency should take the cognisance of the report and take action to ensure that the Rathods are compensated.
—Anil R Torne, Talegaon Dabhade

Stop the gimmicks
Narendra Modi seems to have taken to heart the US Congressional report which said that he would be the prime ministerial candidate for 2014 general election. But his record stands against him. Danseuse Mallika Sarabhai was harassed for having taken a stand which was contrary to that of government in 2002 ('Modi used govt funds to bribe my lawyers: Mallika', September 19). It may be recalled that the Supreme Court had remarked" 'Nero was fiddling when Rome was burning' referring to his indifference to 2002 riot incidents. As though it is not enough, a court case was transferred to Maharashtra fearing the victims might not get justice in Gujarat. All these do not reflect a good impression of Modi. Therefore, his acceptance as a prime ministerial candidate may not be possible. He is not known outside Gujarat. Even the US had denied him visa. Therefore, Modi should stop all these gimmicks.
—MH Nayak, Mumbai

II
Narendra Modi's fast was a calculated political move to divert the attention from the misdeeds of his government during the 2002 riots and atrocities soon after. There is no doubt that Modi has been an efficient chief minister who definitely brought all round growth to Gujarat. This looks like a gigantic achievement because of the lacklustre performances of other states and the Central government. But there is serious doubt in the minds of people regarding his fast for harmony. His attempt to eliminate his enemies and suppress upright officials by harassing them do not indicate that he is a person who can be at the helm of a
diverse country like India. His strong and unilateral style of administrative talents may be useful for the economical development of Gujarat but his ruthless
political methods will be a disaster to the nation's polity and social dynamics.
—Ravindranthan PV, Bangalore

Bill that divides
This is with reference to 'Even allies cock a snook at Sonia's pet Bill', (September 19). The National Advisory Council is an extra-constitutional authority formed to give the Congress president Sonia Gandhi powers to ride roughshod over the Union cabinet. The sole purpose of the prevention of communal and violence protection bill proposed by the NAC seems to be to divide the majority and minority communities. This bill will irrevocably polarise various communities to the detriment of national integration and so should be opposed by every right thinking Indian. It is heartening to see that several minority groups have seen through the Congress' game of 'divide and rule' and are wary of the bill. It is earnestly hoped that better sense will prevail on the UPA not to present this bill in Parliament.
—Vijay Mohan, Chennai

Price wars
Maharashtra chief minister Prithviraj Chavan is reported to have pleaded with the Union government for the reconsideration of its ban on onion export ('Centre likely to lift ban on onion exports: Prithviraj Chavan', September 15). The finance minister also appears to have assured him about doing the needful in this regard. It is evident that the rich and powerful state farmers' lobby is behind this initiative. Because of the present ban on export, onions are now available at an affordable price to the common man, even when the prices of all other vegetables have skyrocketed. By lifting the ban to enrich the farmers, the government will only add to the woes of the common man already groaning under the spiralling prices of all essential commodities due to the hike in the prices of petroleum products.
—V Rajalakshmi, Mumbai

No transport
In the next three years, the Navi Mumbai International Airport will be inaugurated. However, there is no public transport in the form of buses by MSRTC/NMMT from Khandeshwar Station to Khanda Colony/New Panvel East. People have to rely on auto rickshaws, who charge exorbitant rates and do not ply at odd hours. There is an urgent need for a bus to ply from New Panvel East/Khanda Colony to Khandeshwar Station so that people have some means of affordable transport. The frequency should preferably match with the train arrival timings so that there is no waiting time involved. It will also help save fuel as private vehicles will then go off the road.
—Vidya Nathan, via email

Give the cops a break
We all wonder why our policemen are not at the scene of the crime or why sometimes they take so long to react to a law and order problem. However, in reality, the policemen are overworked and stressed out, with a lot of demands made on the policemen than ever before with bandobast duty, cricket matches security, dignitary visits and security requirements. On an average, each year, about 200 policemen succumb to illnesses, stress and hypertension. In order to address this serious issue, they need to stick to eight-hour shifts in some areas. If that model works, it should be replicated in other zones. This plan was very much on the anvil but continuous demands on their time has hampered the process. There has been a dramatic surge in urgent duty demands of late and this has affected their efficiency a lot. Almost 30,000 policemen who are in the lower class are subjected to a heavy dose of tension and anxiety while on duty. If they operate by shift rotation, everything will work out well. Prior to this initiative, some of the policemen were actually doing two shifts, continuously. Let's hope some new measures like these help them.
—Deepak Agharkar, Mumbai