The Hindu : Reader's Mail

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Feb 02, 2004

New Delhi

New Delhi

Reader's Mail

Bullying in school

Sir, -- The unfortunate incident of bullying and stabbing of a classmate in a Delhi school recently has once again highlighted the fast changing adolescent and parental life styles.

Bullying is not a new phenomenon but that it easily culminates in violence and killing today is a major issue of concern. According to the parent, "This speaks a lot about school. If a child is hesitant to speak out, it means he is not confident of getting a patient hearing. Such a reaction is possible only when a school is unable to fulfil its responsibility of protecting a student's interests."

Even if this is true and they were reticent to express it in school, one wonders why the brother or younger sister did not confide in the parents, especially if, as indicated, it was a recurring practice. Schools are generally a soft target and sitting ducks for any wrongdoing or misdemeanour. It is important to remember that the parents and teachers are the first role models.

It is time we go beyond the blame game culture and recognise that there is a problem and that is in fact rather serious. The other recent case of a 19-year-old driving a Rs.10-lakh car with drinks installed can hardly be a law-abiding citizen.

Even before a child turns 18, school and societal rules are violated with a 14-year-old being `taught' to drive and cell phones presented to keep `contact'. Hence parents `might' has become a child's `right' and consequently bullies are being groomed.

It's time that all sensitive and right thinking adults, teachers and parents get together as a collective force to raise their voice against all culprits - policemen (who don't check underage driving); pub owners (who allow entry to minors) and shopkeepers (who sell pornographic material in the open). It is further a pity that the media sensationalises and this is made worse by comments like "apathetic school authorities" which damage the credibility of reputed institutions and faculty.

Our collective conscience must act now and save children from being corrupted, wasted and misled in the most beautiful, prime years of their life.

Suman Kumar

Principal

Bluebells Schools

Kailash

New Delhi

* * *

Railway ordeal

Sir, -- I am a senior citizen, aged 70 years. While travelling in Thirukkural Express on January 17 (S1/17, Coach No.93257) from Hazrat Nizamuddin to Tirunelveli, I suffered great difficulty and hardship from the time I landed on the platform to board the train. The Coach S1 was wrongly displayed as Coach S-6 prominently leading to much confusion and mental torture to me. I had to run here and there to find the coach. Finally I located my coach with the help of other passengers.

Moreover, the metal shutters and the windowpanes adjacent to my seat were dysfunctional and could not be shut throughout my entire journey with the result that I was subjected to onslaught of icy winds deteriorating my health. Coupled with this is the poor maintenance of toilet of the coach that it could not be used. The nightmare I underwent is unforgettable.

Further I had given advance intimation to my friend at Chennai to meet me at Egmore Station in coach S-1 Because of wrong indication of the coach as S-6, I could not meet my friend as expected. This also caused me tension.

I am writing this with the avowed intention of drawing the attention of Railway authorities to prevent such lapses and irregularities and to ensure comfortable journey to fellow citizens like me.

P.P. Meyyan

53A, Balaji Avenue

Thachanallur

Tirunelveli - 627 358

Tamil Nadu

* * *

Electoral flaws

Sir, -- The prevailing political scenario leaves us in no doubt about the fate of India after the ensuing general elections. Needless to say the plurality system of elections has historically always led to two-party system without much difference between them. Unless India changes its electoral system, the BJP and Congress appear to be destined as the only two survivors, guaranteeing periodic BJP-led governments and their constant provocation against the minorities either to get into power or to maintain power.

The salvation of India lies in proportional representational (PR) system of elections prevalent in Europe and in many other parts of the world. Under PR system parties are allocated seats in proportion to the votes that they get. In that set-up no party in India would hope to get absolute majority. Most castes may be likely to vote for the best in their own caste or caste category or religion or linguistic minority, as exigencies present themselves, and as they see it fit. The BJP would be reduced to being just one of the several Hindu chauvinist parties, totalling not much more than their share of population (of about 15 per cent).

After coming to Parliament in proportion to their population, the post-election alliances of various parties is going to be much more stable and more rooted in the needs of their constituents. As a result of severe disadvantage faced by the minority parties, India (because of the plurality system) hardly has any minority parties in power. On account of such disadvantage, parties that might have risen to redress the voice of some segments' distress get wiped off in spite of their continued woes. This does not happen under the PR system.

In a mixed system of election the results are essentially proportional. In Germany, for instance, the Green Party consistently polls 6-7 per cent of votes and they are allocated seats nearly in proportion to their votes. For their share of seats they don't have to run round making unethical and uncouth alliances. Yes, for getting into the government, they need an alliance. But to get their fair share of seats in the legislative bodies they do not need to make pre-election affiliations or associations.

In India, under the plurality system, proportionality is more of an exception than rule. No wonder Dr. Ambedkar was compelled to remark: "Democracy in India is only a top dressing on an Indian soil which is essentially undemocratic."

Omar Luther King

B-60, Parijat Apartments

West Enclave

Pitampura

Delhi - 110 034

* * *

Checking corruption

Sir, -- The President, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, while expressing anguish about corruption has admitted that it had peculated so deep in society that no law can circumvent or eliminate it. He has, therefore, called upon mothers, fathers and teachers to help in containing this virus.

The President is of the opinion that if these three inculcate in a child virtues of honesty and warn him of the evils of corruption, an honest and altruistic generation will come up in course of time. His Excellency is, perhaps, unaware that a good number of parents and teachers are themselves drowned deep into corruption. Amongst teachers it is not so obvious but it is there in one form or the other. The only remedy to deal with corruption and check criminal behaviour is to instil the fear of Bhagwan, Allah, God in the hearts of the people. Make them believe that this material world is temporary, we must aspire for higher status in the life hereafter. This is possible only if we lead a pure, honest and pious life. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Tablighi Jamat of Muslims and the Church can play a constructive role in this direction.

Shariq Alavi

C-8, Vigyanpuri

Mahanagar

Lucknow - 226 006

* * *

Senior citizens' plea

Sir, -- Senior citizens are happy to note that the Government has considered their hardships and introduced Section 88-B in the Income Tax Act 1961. By virtue of this section presently a senior citizen who is of the age of 65 years or more is entitled for deduction of 100 per cent of tax liability or Rs.20,000 whichever is lower. In this context, on behalf of the community, we would like to make some suggestions.

The income of senior citizens is shrinking due to fall in interest rates day by day and the main source of retired persons is interest.

In all organisations of Central Government the age of retirement is 60 years. In some State Governments it is 60 while in some others and Government undertakings it is still 58 years. The Railways consider a person as senior citizen at 60 years, to allow concession in fare. Banks too offer extra interest to such persons, accepting them as senior citizens. In LIC also a person is regarded as senior citizen even at the age of 55 years to avail of the facility of the senior citizen's pension plan.

A substantial percentage of senior citizens do not survive after the age of 65 years, so any such concession is practically of no use for them at that age.

In the light of these facts, we request that the Income Tax Act 1961 be amended to bring down age for senior citizens from 65 years to at least 60 years, if not less, to bring them at parity with others.

The amount of deduction u/s 88-B may also be increased from its present level of Rs.20,000 to at least Rs.40,000 as a measure for support and maintenance of senior citizens.

Col. Dharam Chand,

Hony. Secretary,

Society for Welfare of Senior Citizens,

64, Civil Lines,

Bareilly

* * *

Illegal construction

Sir, -- The news report "MCD de-sealing illegal properties worth crore" ( The Hindu dated January 21) is extremely disturbing. Surely, the large number of high-value properties earlier sealed by the MCD, as referred in the article, must have grossly violated the building bylaws to attract its attention, though selectively it turns a Nelson's eye to such transgressions for reasons that are an open secret. Then, why were those de-sealed or even spared demolition?

Your correspondent has rightly pointed to the official-politician-builder mafia as the central reason. One remembers the ugly fight between two politicians while authorising a hotel to start operations. Such unholy nexus grows manifold before an election because the politicians depend on the builder mafia to fill their election chests.

While the politicians pay lip service to improve and beautify Delhi, most steps, like relaxing many norms they suggested in the name of augmenting the built area and accommodation or preserving industrial employment, were in reality intended to benefit the building lobby or the industrialists, not the common public. If those suggestions were adopted as a policy, Delhi would before long become an urban nightmare.

Unfortunately, taking a cue from those misguided recommendations, the time-tested building norms and zoning laws are being flouted with impunity. For example, deep inside many purely residential areas commercial uses are rampant; houses are being constructed with 100 per cent coverage. 100 per cent basements, and leaving not a single inch of setback in front or rear, and no car parking space inside. Some basements are said to extend clandestinely underneath side-service roads. The building bylaws are meant for honest people only!

You have pointed out that the MCD has been taking action only on court directives and even then it has often not carried out those directives. Has MCD forfeited its role of enforcing the master plan and building bylaws? Earlier, the Resident Welfare Associations used their power of persuasion and, in extreme cases, moved courts to stop blatant violations of the laws, but with little results as the court directives were seldom enforced.

They, not to speak of the individuals directly affected by illegal construction, were frustrated or scared and perforce had to give up their unequal fight against the money, muscle and political power of the building mafia. If the MCD fails in its primary function to enforce such laws who will? You have highlighted the anarchic state of building activities and urban planning in Delhi.

Ramesh C. Chandra

1-1722, Chittaranjan Park

New Delhi - 110 019

* * *

Ties with Pakistan

Sir, -- This has reference to the news item "Indo-Pak ties to help Punjab farmers: Amarinder" ( The Hindu dated January 28) wherein the Punjab Chief Minister, Captain Amarinder Singh, has expressed the hope that revival of socio-economic ties with Pakistan would benefit the border areas of Punjab. I, as soldier-turned-farmer (a progressive farmer) who has got agriculture land in the border district Ferozepur (cotton and wheat growing area), fully appreciate and endorse the Chief Minister's observation that the border districts of Amritsar, Ferozepur and Gurdaspur would benefit enormously and prosper as and when the trade activity with Pakistan actually materialises. While I am on a visit to this area organising sale of cotton produce (from my agriculture land) in Abohar Mandi, during my informal interaction with fellow farmers I discovered a wave of cheer which the news of the thaw in Indo-Pak relations brought as it offered major hope in the farm sector. My fellow farmers over here were hoping to sell their produce of cotton at a higher price as they expect its export to Pakistan where cotton crop has failed this season according to reports from across the border.

The news item also highlights this - quoting the Chief Minister that the prices of cotton and other farm products were quite remunerative in Pakistan. He has rightly pointed out that efforts to promote bilateral trade between the two countries would mutually benefit the Stats of Punjab both in India and Pakistan. We, the farmers, welcome Capt. Singh's initiative in visiting Lahore and wish his visit and interaction with his counter-parts in Pakistan Punjab, Parvez Ilahi - a great success. We hope that this visit lays the foundation for ushering in an era of development and growth in this region. As Capt Singh will be attending the World Punjabi Conference, during his visit to Lahore, such participation at his level will bring about improvement in the cultural ties as well.

We look forward to the visit of Parvez Ilahi (Chief Minister of Pakistan Punjab). We are sure he will reciprocate the friendly gesture of our Chief Minister and give us an opportunity to play host to him.

Lt. Col. Onkar Chopra

Village Chanankhera Abohar

Distt. Ferozepur

Punjab

* * *

Direct attack

Sir, -- The Union Human Resources Development Minister has justified the move of the University Grants Commission (which is interfering in the day-to-day affairs of universities not from any academic point of view but under the threat of monetary assistance to them) of imposing a common test for admission to professional courses. This is quite in consonance with the fascist designs of his party, the BJP. This move amounts to the total annihilation of the minority and special character of the Aligarh Muslim University. Jamia Milia and Hamdard University, the three universities of Muslims of India.

This is nothing but a direct attack on the fundamental rights of the minorities to establish and administer their educational institutions. The Aligarh Muslim University Amendment Act of 1981 has also guaranteed this right to the University to admit students to any course of study. This move clearly shows the real face and attitude of the BJP towards minorities, especially Muslims.

Dr. M. Hashim Kidwai

501, Rosewoods

Mayur Vihar

New Delhi - 110 091

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