UPA record

Published : Jul 01, 2005 00:00 IST

The Cover Story highlighting the achievements of the United Progressive Alliance government on its first anniversary was good ("Mixed record", June 17). Despite various hurdles, the government accomplished a lot and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has proved to be an exceptional administrator.

Sipra Sagarika Cuttak* * *

Parliament was in total chaos in the past year, with numerous walkouts. The Opposition put a lot of pressure on the ruling coalition by disturbing the proceedings. But slowly, the government is facing the music, not from the Opposition but from within. The first year has not been the best.

C. K. Subramaniam Vashi, Maharashtra* * *

We can only say that the UPA government has been successful when the man in the street feels confident about the government in place. In foreign policy, the Indian government cooperated considerably with Pakistan. But General Musharraf has not assured us that he will help control the terrorists operating from Pakistan, and no assurance has been given regarding Kashmir. We could not influence the U.S. not to sell F-16 aircraft to Pakistan.

On the economic front, too, nothing has been gained. Inflation is up and unemployment is growing. The number of crimes has gone up and so, too, have atrocities against women.

S.P. Sharma Mumbai* * *

The UPA government has made a bad decision to sell off 10 per cent stake in Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited. It appears that the Centre will continue to violate the Common Minimum Programme for the sake of economic reforms. The reasoning given by the government - to invest the revenues received from disinvestment in health and education schemes - is ridiculous. The funds can surely be generated from elsewhere.

Chandni Tyagi New DelhiA lenient verdict

The Malimath Committee on Reforms of the Criminal Justice System rightly recommended the incorporation of features of the `inquisitorial' system of trial into the `adversarial' system ("A lenient verdict", June 17). This will empower the judges further with the duty of leading evidence with the object of seeking the truth and focussing on justice to victims.

C. Ramesh Keeramangalam, Tamil NaduKingdom of Kandy

I disagree with Professor K.N.O. Dharmadasa's view that the kingdom of Kandy was handed over to the British by some Ministers ("Of language, religion and nationalism", June 17). Historical records indicate that the British forces tried to invade Kandy several times but they failed because they could not reach Kandy through the Kadukannawa pass owing to the difficult terrain. It is true that some chieftens, particularly Captipola Tissava, plotted against the Nayakka king and it was through his efforts that one battalion of British forces advanced towards Kandy through Unnaskiriya, but it was defeated by the Kandyan forces.

V. Nadesan Gudalur, Tamil NaduQuota trouble

I read with interest the article "Quota trouble" regarding the reservation of 50 per cent of seats in the Aligarh Muslim University for Muslims (June 17). Proponents of reservation on the basis of religion advocate it by saying that the Muslim community is backward compared to other communities. It would serve a better purpose if reservations were based on the basis of economic criteria or rural residence status or something similar.

Sudhir Kumar Hyderabad* * *

The Aligarh Muslim University has always stood for secular traditions in its students and faculty since its inception, and nobody can deny its credentials. Its doors are open to all.

Azimuddin Aligarh* * *

Since the government has decided to reserve more seats for Muslims in the Aligarh Muslim University, will it then introduce reservations for Hindus in Banaras Hindu University?

A. Megha HyderabadRay's cinema

Kudos for an excellent and very readable story ("Exploring Apu's World" June 17). Satyajit Ray was indeed a genius whose lyrical cinematography, evocative music, poetic writing and enormous empathy infused every frame of his 28 feature films made in 34 years, be it the heart-breaking "Apur Sansar", the enigmatic "Charulata", the searing "Jalsaghar"' or the lush "Shatranj ke Khiladi".

Krishna Hatote-Pachegonkar AurangabadInformation Bill

The relationship between the citizen and the government will change its hue once the Right to Information Act is implemented ("Affirming the right to know", June 17). But it has to be borne in mind that it is at the implementation stage that any legislation fails us.

Vikas Kumar Singh Arakkonam, Tamil Nadu* * *Adoption

I believe that adoption is in the best interests of the child. It provides the child an atmosphere of love and security and this family environment equips the child to deal with life as no institution can ("Adoption market", June 3).

Sadly, your article has highlighted the negative side of adoption. You yourself have said that only a few agencies are dealing in corrupt practices and I assure you that CARA will address all such issues. A responsible journal like yours with an article of this kind can cause irreparable damage to the legitimate work of adoption. You could have given a truer picture with information on the greater number of agencies who ethically practise the work of adoption.

As an adoptive parent myself, my children and I feel sad that many will look upon adoption as a "dirty business" rather than as a beautiful and joyful way to build families, as our experience has been.

Aloma Lobo Received on e-mail
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