Opinion Opportunist politics

The writer has rightly pointed out that Jats are not a socially, financially or educationally backward community.

March 13, 2014 01:14 AM IST First published on: Mar 13, 2014 at 01:14 AM IST

* This refers to ‘Caste in the same mould’ by Sudha Pai (IE, March 11). The writer has rightly pointed out that Jats are not a socially, financially or educationally backward community. The government’s decision, ignoring the advice of the National Commission for Backward Classes, seems designed as a political move to appease Jats in order to seek their votes in the upcoming elections. It is doubtful whether the measure would yield any benefits for the UPA in Uttar Pradesh, since Jats in western UP seem to have already drifted towards the BJP after the Muzaffarnagar riots. Granting OBC status to Jats may also sow discord among other backward communities. Political parties need to rise above divisive politics to garner support from the voters.
— Dharampal Singh
New Delhi

Aadhaar’s fate

* Apropos of ‘Identity politics’ (IE, March 12), the Aadhaar project was launched in January 2009 at an approximate cost of Rs 45,000 crore, for completion by March 2014. Now its first chairperson, Nandan Nilekani, has left the project for active politics. If this plan is abandoned half way, a lot of investment would go waste. Aadhaar is a well-conceived scheme to deliver the benefits offered by the government to targeted sections of the population. Its aim is ostensibly to check corruption in the delivery of services and that must be achieved by all means.
— Sharda Bhargav
Jalandhar

* Aadhaar, which was billed as a game changer and promoted across the country as an initiative that would herald a new era of governance through efficient subsidy management, has failed to live up to expectations. Since its conception, Aadhaar has been embroiled in one controversy after another and the government’s failure to stand by it, offer it statutory backing and implement it steadfastly has seriously weakened its credibility. One significant reason for Aadhaar’s perceived shortcomings is UPA 2’s ambiguity over the actual aim of the project. Hopefully, it will be re-energised by the next government.

— Gaurav Gupta
New Delhi

Well done, Mizoram

* Mizoram won the 68th National Football Championship and took home the Santosh Trophy on March 8. Unfortunately, the coverage of this tournament was poor in the national dailies and electronic media. The Santosh Trophy showcased great football talent, and was an opportunity for the country’s top players to get noticed. As the Indian football team’s popularity has dropped, so has public attention towards the Santosh Trophy. Mizoram’s victory also indicates the shift in footballing prowess from powerhouses like Kerala, Goa and West Bengal to the Northeast.
—Ranjith Kamath
Tetghar