Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Letters-77: "Law against Hunger"

1. When it comes to tackling hunger, India should learn a lesson or two from Bhutan. Instead of hankering after technological advancement, our tiny neighbour has focussed on health and education. It measures its prosperity with the unique index of "Gross National Happiness." Our leaders have wasted time and resources on Pokhran, mission to the moon and Ram temple - Kajal Chatterjee, Kolkata.

2. A large section of the population still suffers from hunger. Skyrocketing prices of essential commodities and changing lifestyles have added fuel to the fire. Unless concrete steps are taken, the government cannot achieve the projected growth in the near future - Ippili Santhosh Kumar, Srikakulam.

3. Looking at the effectiveness of government's policies in the 62 years since independence, one wonders if hunger and poverty will ever be eradicated. Our representatives spend most of their time persuading coalition partners and signing overseas contracts. Do they ever go to the field to check if the local authorities are implementing welfare schemes properly - R.Preethi, Tirunelveli.

4. We have many laws without teeth because our politicians do not care about their implementation. If our leaders do not change their ways, cartoonists will forever portray villagers with figures of a hut and coir-bed near them. Shame on us. - Unnikrishnan Manjeri, Malappuram.

From 'Letters to the Editor, The Hindu, August 29, 2009.
Grateful thanks to M/s. Kajal Chatterjee, Ippili Santhosh Kumar, R.Preethi, Unnikrishnan Manjeri and The Hindu.

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