Opinion Doubting Thomas
Its welcome that the Supreme Court has asked for the resumption of trial in the 19-year-old palmolein import case,in which the present Central Vigilance Commissioner is an accused
Its welcome that the Supreme Court has asked for the resumption of trial in the 19-year-old palmolein import case,in which the present Central Vigilance Commissioner is an accused (The CVCs choice,IE,January 13). Now,P.J. Thomas should quit the CVCs post without losing any more time. Because an accused cannot hold any constitutional post,and that too of the stature of the CVC. This is certainly an insult to the Constitution. The editorial rightly points out that the time has come for the UPA to cease defending that decision,and remove its protective shield from Thomas in the interest of the nation. Whether or not guilt is proved against Thomas,he is an accused in a corruption case. His image is tarnished. If Thomas has a sense of dignity,he should resign.
R.K. Kapoor
The editorial The CVCs choice rightly contends the CVCs independence and credibility has been hard-won,over years. Given the way the apex court has cleared the resumption of trial against P.J. Thomas,the oppositions vehement rejection of him stands vindicated. But its sad that the Supreme Courts ruling has failed to move Thomas in his obstinacy to continue as chief of the nations anti-corruption watchdog. He must go before his obstinacy shames the country.
Manoj Parashar
Ghaziabad
Agri-reforms
This refers to Ila Patnaiks The onions layers (IE,January 13). The writer has precisely analysed the problem of inflation,with causes and measures to control it. Food inflation triggered by onion prices may bring tears to the governments eyes,but it also indicates its failure to control it in time.
Either drought or excess rain,that spoils production and supply,along with a fraudulent mandi system,old agri-marketing systems and lack of storage. These are the basic causes of the current inflation.
Who should control it? As its rightly stated,the scope of monetary policy is limited. When government is not the producer of any food item,it cannot increase supply. Yet the government must accept its responsibility to manage supply through NAFED. If that fails,it should shut down these organs. Indian farmers will require some more time to learn the lessons of globalisation. During that period,if the government isnt pro-active,traders can exploit farmers and consumers. Acceleration of agri-reform is the need of the time.
Shishir Sindekar
Nashik
Decentred deeds
The overarching role of the Centre in programmes for Naxal-affected districts is not appropriate (Central and district,IE,January 13). The need is to strengthen local delivery systems. We have a very diverse society and problems vary accordingly. A uniform approach will not fetch the desired results.
Preeti Sharma
Share
