Be helpful

Sir — On the occasion of Independence Day, one hopes that the prime minister’s speech will include a statement on the country’s differently-abled citizens. Voluntary organizations have worked hard to help them, but a lot more needs to be done. Society’s prejudices against people with disabilities must be dispelled. Employers should not discriminate against them. They have the talent and skill to do well in life, as shown by Ira Singhal, the first differently-abled female candidate to top the civil services examination. 

Yours faithfully,
T.S. Karthik, Chennai

Dishonest practice

Sir — The report, “Parties unite to shield public servant” (July 28), was eye-opening. It is evident that the move to keep spouses and children out of the ambit of asset declaration is geared towards helping bureaucrats park their ill-gotten wealth with their closest family members. In this way, they can continue with their corrupt practices without the fear of detection. It would be prudent for the income tax department to keep a close watch on the spouses, children and grandchildren of bureaucrats.

Yours faithfully,
A.S. Mehta, Calcutta

Sir — The rare unanimity with which members of parliament agreed that public servants need not disclose the assets of their spouses and children while filing income tax returns proves that they all have something to hide. Parliament is the highest legislative authority in the country. The fact that such dishonest practices are being condoned in Parliament bodes ill for public life in India. Public servants should realize that such actions alienate them from the people of the country. It is their job to set an example of honesty and integrity for ordinary citizens to follow. India is already grappling with so many problems. Do we really need the leadership of dishonest people?  

Yours faithfully,
S.A.K. Sinha, Gaya

Trouble ahead

Sir — The terrorist activities of the Islamic State in Afghanistan should serve as a warning for India (“Terror scores”, July 25). India is already fighting an internal battle against aggressive religious ideologies; soon it will have to face new threats on its borders. The Islamic State has been spreading its influence around India, first in Bangladesh and now in Afghanistan. Pakistan is already believed to be harbouring terror outfits that wish to harm India. 

The growth of the Islamic State in Afghanistan will also have economic and diplomatic repercussions on India. Pakistan does not allow India passage to export products to Afghanistan. The Chabahar port in Iran is India’s only diplomatic doorway to the Afghan market. The increasing conflict between the Taliban and the Islamic State on one hand, and the Islamic State and the Afghan government on the other, will cause further turmoil in Afghanistan. This might hamper India’s diplomatic goals there. 

Yours faithfully,
Tejesh Vyas, Howrah

Parting shot

Sir — The Budge Budge Trunk Road is a major arterial road linking Calcutta with South 24 Parganas. Now, this road is in a bad shape owing to the construction of the Batanagar flyover. Traffic is a nightmare, and most modes of public transport have been stopped. Some shuttle services between Budge Budge and Majerhat and New Alipore should be introduced during rush hours. 

Yours faithfully,
Tapan Pal, Batanagar