Letters To The Editor

The front page news report, 8216;AIIMS chief threatens to quit as minister meddles8217;, and the editorial, 8216;AIIMS for glory8217;...

Health, minister

8226; The front page news report, 8216;AIIMS chief threatens to quit as minister meddles8217;, and the editorial, 8216;AIIMS for glory8217; IE, June 16, make dismal reading. It seems Health Minister A. Ramadoss, like his predecessors, is trying to interfere in the administrative matters of the institute without even consulting its director. If the minister does not make immediate amends, the prestigious status accorded to AIIMS as an apex medical institute is in jeopardy. There are many other tangible and honourable ways available to the minister if he wishes to remain in the news. For instance, he could concern himself with addressing the high incidence of HIV/AIDS in India. As mentioned by Anand Grover IE, June 16, India should adopt the Brazilian motto that 8220;no Indian shall die only because he/she cannot afford or access ART anti-retroviral therapy8221;.

8212; F.S.K. Barar, Jodhpur

The right choice

8226; It is indeed a matter of great pride that Shashi Tharoor has been fielded as India8217;s first ever contender for the post of UN secretary general IE, June 16. This move showcases India as a major world player. In fact, it will only boost India8217;s chances of getting a permanent seat in the Security Council. Tharoor8217;s credentials as a writer, his knowledge of international politics and his appealing persona, make him a major contender for the job.

8212; Abhishek Law, Kolkata

Summer holiday

8226; Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav wants to visit five European nations. Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee wants to 8220;enjoy8221; FIFA World Cup Soccer in Germany. How much will the visits of these two VVIPs cost the nation? Finance Minister P. Chidambaram, along with the prime minister, must take strict action to reduce such fruitless expenses. Why must the citizens of India subsidise the summer vacations of their leaders?

8212; Hansraj Bhat, Mumbai

Acting pricey

8226; Under UPA rule 8212; UPA meaning 8216;Upward Price Acceleration8217; 8212; there have only been increases in taxes, fuel prices, the prices of essential commodities; decreases in deposit rates and increases in lending rates. Any sops doled out by the FM are fraught with dangerous consequences. For example, he had announced benefits on deposits made by senior citizens. He has now given them a jolt. The recent steps taken by the FM have only resulted in the squeezing and strangling of existing taxpayers, especially the salaried and middle class. The FM must instead think of ways and means of increasing tax revenue by targeting those with unaccounted money.

8212; Harischandra Parasuram, Mumbai

Bravo, Lara

8226; Brian Lara has proved, yet again, that he is one of the best batsmen in the world. As a captain he disciplined himself and played a masterly innings just when the team needed it. His century was an altogether different one. The usual aggression that marks Lara8217;s cricket was missing. He displayed character and patience in order to score that special century under trying circumstances. As predicted by Ian Chappel, both Lara and Shivnaraine Chandrapaul were able to handle Anil Kumble8217;s bowling. It is surprising that our team has yet again failed to curtail the West Indies. Instead they are allowing the lesser known batsmen to shape up as dependable players!

8212; Vasudevan, Navi Mumbai