Opinion Balancing act
The Indian governments reluctance to vote against Sri Lanka on the UNHRC resolution is understandable
Balancing act
* The Indian governments reluctance to vote against Sri Lanka on the UNHRC resolution is understandable (We do not meddle in other peoples affairs: Khurshid on Lanka,IE,March 8). It is felt that this step would irrevocably push our southern neighbour into the China camp. China is likely to vote against the resolution in return for more influence in the island nation.
As of now,Sri Lanka seems to prefer to be in the Indian sphere of influence,but it could switch loyalties if pushed hard. If that happens,the China-Pakistan-Sri Lanka axis will certainly be detrimental to Indias strategic interests. Nevertheless,we cannot ignore the fact that thousands of Sri Lankan Tamils,hounded out by the countrys army,are pouring into this country. The Congress-led Union government has an obligation to protect the interests of ethnic minorities in Sri Lanka.
V.M.Swaraj
Games up
* Virender Sehwag has been dropped from the last two Tests against Australia after poor scores over the last couple of years (Sehwag,once more,IE,March 8). Sehwag had been facing the threat of being dropped for some time. The failures in England and Australia warranted drastic changes in the Indian batting line up. Dravid quit the scene afterwards,as did Laxman. For Sehwag now,it will be difficult to make a comeback and perform at the highest level,especially as an opener.
Maniam Ramani
Navi Mumbai
Better late
* THIS refers to the report Citizens Bill for delivery of services cleared by Cabinet (IE,March 8). Though late,it is heartening that the Centre has moved to pass a bill aimed at the time-bound delivery of passports,pensions,birth and death certificates as well as ration cards to the citizens of India. It would be nice if the railways and the postal departments were also included. One hopes to see prompt service in future.
Janaki Mahadevan
Mumbai
* THE Right of Citizens for Time Bound Delivery of Goods and Services and Redressal of Grievances Bill,2011,is the next major step towards the empowerment of citizens after the Right to Information Act. Bribery and delay in services for those who dont pay is a common phenomenon in government offices.
The bill provides for a citizens charter for various services and cumulative penalty for the officials failing to comply with the timeframes delineated in the charter. Citizens can now have legal recourse in case of undue delay.
M.C.Joshi
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