Date:14/10/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/10/14/stories/2004101403601002.htm

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

It was a violation

Sir, — This refers to the editorial, "Minorities and backwardness" (Oct. 12). While the Government may justify a commission for the backward sections among the minorities on some ground or the other, it was nothing but a clear violation of the election code to announce it when canvassing for the elections was on. There was no reason why the announcement should have waited for the onset of the election process, when the proposal was there in the UPA manifesto and the NCMP.

Seshagiri Row Karry,
Hyderabad

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Sir, — If the Government really wants to help the backward sections, it should speed up land reforms, give them access to land ownership, and equip them to be competitive and productive. So while a commission is welcome, it should dare to think beyond reservation.

Tarak Shah,
Ahmedabad