Swachh Bharat

The Swachh Bharat drive launching today is apparently a welcome initiative. But when it is thrust on schoolchildren and government employees to boost a leader’s image and create an illusion of a ‘resurgent’ India, it becomes an induced exercise. It’s most unlikely that many will turn up where there are no cameras to make a success of the campaign. It seems unfair to reduce Gandhiji to the status of a mere votary of cleanliness.

Keeping our homes, workplaces and surroundings clean is vital for good health and a feel-good atmosphere. But doing the cleaning symbolically for one day achieves little. For it to be more than just a passing fad, a culture of cleanliness must be developed.

Also, there is a limit to what schoolchildren and government staff can do with their bare hands or with the broom. For instance, the disposal of huge garbage heaps, open sewages and mounds of human excreta on agricultural fields, near ponds, river banks and beaches involves huge logistical problems.

In some parts of the country, students from humble social backgrounds are made to clean the school premises, including the toilets, to the exclusion of students from a privileged background. Swachh Bharat in itself will not usher in achche din for the masses.

G David Milton

Maruthancode, Tamil Nadu

It is sad to note that former Chief Justice Rajindar Sachar has said that observing a drive for cleanliness on Gandhi Jayanti only provides a photo opportunity. In Navajivan (November 2, 1919) Gandhiji says, “No one should spit or clean his nose on the streets. In some cases the sputum is so harmful that the germs are carried from it and they infect others with tuberculosis. In some places spitting on the road is a criminal offence. . .” He goes to to say that no ditch with water should be stagnant for it will breed mosquitoes.

In Navajivan dated May 5, 1925 he says, “I shall have to defend myself on one point, namely, sanitary conveniences. I learnt 35 years ago that a lavatory must be as clean as a drawing-room. . . . The cause of many of our diseases is the condition of our lavatories and our bad habit of disposing of excreta anywhere and everywhere. I, therefore, believe in the absolute necessity of a clean place for answering the call of nature and clean articles for use at the time, have accustomed myself to them and wish that all others should do the same.”

We can pay our belated respects to Gandhi by following his advice.

Padma Malini S

Email

The Clean India Campaign should come as a shot in the arm. One should display the same level of enthusiasm in keeping offices and public spaces clean as one would a home. However, government servants who have been asked to sacrifice their October 2 holiday will certainly not be amused.

NJ Ravi Chander

Bangalore

Better idea

It seems Jayalalitha may not get bail soon and as such can seek for transfer of her imprisonment from Karnataka to Tamil Nadu so that her remote control government can function effectively. This will save people’s money used to cover the visits of AIADMK ministers to Bangalore. It will also save time.

From a Tamil Nadu prison, she will better be able to rule, without any hindrance, and function almost as the actual chief minister through O Panneerselvam.

VS Ganeshan

Bangalore

Disturbing trend

Recent reports showing educated youngsters resorting to criminal acts to earn money are extremely disturbing. The trend reveals some flaws in the educational paradigms which lack in imparting essential values. It is time the authorities in charge of education looked into the matter.

TR Anandan

Coimbatore

Indians first

There should be total ban on political parties asking for votes in the name of religion, language, caste, creed and so on. We are Indians, not Hindus, Muslims, Marathis, Gujaratis and so on.

Hansraj Bhatt

Mumbai

Parking nightmare

There seems to be a proposal to increase parking rates 10 times in South Delhi to ease traffic. Already parking charges are very high. It is just one way of legally minting money, both by the local government and to fill the pockets of parking mafias.

The first half hour should be free of parking charges. Remember, we pay one-time parking charges at the time of buying a new car — for what? Cars are a necessity, not a luxury. Yes there are parking problems in most cities. Small cars takes less space. The authorities should give incentives to those using small cars in the form of lower parking fees and so on.

Local public transport can solve the problem but it is bad in most cities. It is the duty of the Government to provide parking space at a reasonable price or just restrict car use till the problem is solved.

Mahesh Kumar

New Delhi

Good news

The slash in prices of motor spirit — trade name for petrol — is music to the ears of consumers.. It is significant that it is the fourth cut since April 1. As long as the prices are going south people are happy.Pricing has been deregulated since January 2013; revision takes place every fortnight in tune with the crude prices ruling in the globe. It is ironical that each State has its own tax structure and there is no uniformity. Is it not time to bring about uniform tax structure to remove disparity?

HP Murali

Bangalore

Inspire others

I beg to differ with Rajinder Sachar’s views (“on the observance of Gandhiji’s birthday. There is nothing wrong in observing October 2 as a cleanliness day. Gandhiji had practised simplicity and cleanliness throughout his life. The Clean India Campaign can be made an effective tool to make people conscious of keeping their premises and surroundings clean. If any good work or act is worthy of being photographed or advertised, let it be so that it will influence others.

CG Kuriakose

Kothamangalam, Kerala

Banning Chinese crackers

That the Indian government bans Chinese fireworks for Deepavali celebrations in India is heartening as it would help boost the domestic production and sales of fireworks. But on’t the ban discourage Chinese businessmen from investing in the country?

S Ramakrishnasayee

Ranipet, Tamil Nadu

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