The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : Breach of faith

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Feb 02, 2005

Opinion

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Breach of faith

Sir, — This refers to the editorial, "Anti-federal and breach of faith" (Feb. 1). By deciding to route the Rajiv Gandhi rehabilitation package for the tsunami victims through the nationalised and commercial banks, the Union Finance Ministry has thrown to the winds federal norms, procedures and conventions. Hope good sense prevails on the Centre in the interest of the victims.

J. Devaraj,
Chennai

Sir, — As the editorial rightly points out, the Centre's decision cuts "at the root of federal constitutional structure." The common people only wish that the proposed help to the affected fishermen is not delayed due to the political differences between the State Governments and the Centre.

S. Narayana Rao,
Visakhapatnam, A.P.

Sir, — The Union Finance Ministry's move militates against the federal spirit of the Constitution. The Centre should not, through assistance packages to the States in the face of natural calamities, encroach upon State subjects. Politics should be strictly kept out because when political considerations dictate the agenda, the interests of the beneficiaries become the casualty.

K. Parthasarathi,
Chennai

Sir, — The State Governments concerned should be given prominence in such situations with the Centre participating in a subsidiary role. The Centre should be more accommodative because the governments in a number of States are politically in opposition to the government at the Centre.
V.S. Venkatavaradan,
Salem, T.N.

Sir, — The move is a brazen act of fishing in troubled waters.

G. Jagannathan,
Dharmapuri, T.N.

Sir, — The decision of the Finance Ministry is surprising. Attempts to make political capital out of a natural calamity are regrettable.

P.K. Pushpavalli,
Chennai

Sir, — The Centre's assistance will have the intended effect only if it is routed through the State Governments. There will be better coordination and duplication will be minimised. Effective local initiatives can be taken only if all the funds are routed through a single channel.

C. Ramesh,
Keeramangalam, T.N.

Sir, — When will our politicians realise that relief packages are meant to improve the lot of the affected people and not to further the electoral prospects of any party?

Satish Mujumdar,
Chennai

Sir, — There is nothing wrong in the Centre routing the subsidy-cum-loan package for fishermen through the nationalised banks. Bank officials always play an effective and neutral role in meeting the aspirations of the local people.

R. Chakrapani,
Hyderabad

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