This refers to the editorial Not PESA alone (IE,June 23). It has been rightly pointed out that the local bodies should have more say while decisions on matters of land acquisition,mining,forest produce are taken in tribal areas. The nexus between contractors and administrators must be broken to ensure maximum benefits actually reach the poor. Thereby financial support to Naxals can be appreciably reduced. Theres no point in having so many acts unless these are seriously applied for the welfare of forest dwellers. The powerless must be empowered in a real sense,which is not difficult but only requires strong will. To control the menace of Naxalism and to help tribals,this exercise must be undertaken immediately.
S.C. Vaid Greater Noida
Further divides
Listing of castes has had a long history,starting from our earliest period with Manu (Caste in the right mould,IE,June 23). Medieval chronicles describe communities located in various parts of the country. During the colonial period,listings were undertaken after 1806 on an extensive scale. The process gathered momentum in the course of the censuses from 1881 to 1931. Caste-based reservations have led to widespread protests,with many complaining of reverse discrimination against forward castes (which dont qualify for the reservation). It may be recalled that when the decision to reserve seats for OBCs was taken in 2006,medical students protested throughout the country except Tamil Nadu. Under the circumstances,the caste-based census is certain to split society and create more divisions.
Raju Vernekar Mumbai
Protective tools
The prime ministers well-meaning desire to transform the Planning Commission into a systems reforms commission seems a move in the right direction (Planning makeovers,IE,June 24). But theres the danger of such a commissions churnings accumulating into another stockpile. Its scope needs to be increased or other measures needed to cover several sections of people in public services,considering Indias reputation for corruption. Theres the risk of frittering away what such think-tanks generate.
Arvind Kumar Noida
Fuel decontrol
A fuel price rise looks imminent and the government would do well to bite two bullets and decontrol fuel prices and end all speculation. Fuel is a global commodity; controlling prices of such important resources gives rise to malpractices and corruption. Open up prices,give retailers space to compete by creating a level playing field,be rational on taxes imposed on them to match international prices. If international norms are followed and prices decontrolled,it may actually benefit consumers. Also,since fuel is a natural resource of limited supply,due diligence must be practised on its use.
S.N. Kabra
Mumbai
