Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Unfortunate

The government’s decision to deny the post of Delhi Police Commissioner to Kiran Bedi and promote Y.S. Dadwal, two years her junior, to the post is unfortunate. Of course, there are many honest officers who meet with the same fate. Many of them are even fighting for justice. But one wonders for how long such practices will continue. At a time when we are harping on a corruption-free society, transparent system and so on, is this the way to reward people who try to make a positive difference?

Mohit Shanker,

New Delhi

It is unfortunate that Ms. Bedi, a Magsaysay award winner and the seniormost police officer, has been denied the post of CoP. On the one hand, leaders talk about the importance of recognising and rewarding values such as integrity. On the other, they sideline those who practise such values. The denial of the top post to Ms. Bedi is blatantly unjust and exposes the fact that all talk of women’s empowerment is hollow.

D. Samuel Lawrence,

Madurai

In the appointment of both Lt. Gen. Deepak Kapoor and Air Marshal Fali Homi Major, the government kept the principle of seniority in mind. Why then has Ms. Bedi been overlooked in favour of Mr. Dadwal who is two years her junior? Is this what our politicians mean by women’s empowerment?

Nitendra Singh Kushwah,

Gwalior

Strange are the ways of the government’s functioning. It has followed the seniority principle, just and correct, in appointing Lt. Gen. Kapoor as the next army chief. But in the case of Delhi’s Police Commissioner, it has given the rule the go-by. What message does it seek to send? That it does not want to meddle with the professional armed forces but thinks nothing of politicising the police force? No wonder the morale of the police is low and the law and order situation poor.

Col. C.V. Venugopalan (retd.),

Palakkad

That a woman of proven ability has not been elevated to the high post that she richly deserves shows that we do not care much for professional excellence, especially in women. Ms. Bedi became a national icon purely on merit. Mohini Giri is right in wondering how long our women will remain silent spectators to the continued social apathy towards them.

T.S. Pattabhi Raman,

Coimbatore

The sidelining of Ms. Bedi has nothing to do with gender bias. It is just that the bureaucracy found it convenient to keep her out. The plight of straightforward officers working in sensitive posts has always been fraught with risk and uncertainty.

V. Hari Haran,

Chennai

It is surprising that the government that generally sticks to seniority as the norm for any top appointments has overlooked Ms. Bedi for the top post. The Magsaysay award winner’s integrity is beyond doubt and she is a role model for many not only in Delhi but in the entire nation. I wonder how long it will take for the nation to get out of the clutches of male chauvinism.

I am reminded of what Pratibha Patil said soon after she was sworn in President — empowerment of women leads to empowerment of the nation.

Thaarcis Albin,

Palayamkottai

Ms. Bedi is no doubt an efficient police officer. But her outburst against the government is not sustainable. It is not for her to decide who should be posted where. She is a responsible police officer and is bound to obey orders and work to her fullest efficiency wherever she is posted. If she feels aggrieved by the order promoting Mr. Dadwal, she should take the matter to court or tribunal. She should not have protested publicly.

V. Anand Rao,

Chennai

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