Date:13/11/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/11/13/stories/2006111304970300.htm

Paid peanuts

Despite several measures to improve their lot the agricultural labour force remains exploited. In villages, a casual wage worker get Rs. 70 for his day-long work, as against Rs. 126 fixed by the Government for any unskilled worker.

Similarly, in construction work, especially in urban areas, women workers get Rs. 65 for a day's labour. The contractors, either in farms or factories, often exploit pay their workers pittance. Who is to check this exploitation?

The National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA), has become a non-starter, thanks to the laxity of authorities.

Many of the "ambitious" projects launched have been throttled by red tape. Lack of coordination between agencies has led to the untimely death of many populist measures. A hue and cry is being raised against child labour in the country. Will someone stand up for the grossly underpaid women labourers and farm labourers?

G. Azeemoddin

Anantapur

Too smooth

Trekking the 3,550 steps from Alipiri to the abode of Lord Venkateswara Hills boosts sagging spirits, refreshes minds.

But should the customers undergo a similar ordeal to step into a bank in Tirumala? Pilgrims have to climb 25 steps to enter the SBI branch here.

Most people visit this branch to donate money to various schemes of TTD.

The bank has plush interiors and smooth flooring. The long staircase at the entrance too has a smooth finish and with the rain gods showering their blessings twice or thrice a day, the customer is in grave danger of a trip-and-fall.

To avoid falling, some of the employees are seen walking barefoot inside the bank. To mitigate the distress of customers, the SBI management should (a) arrange supporting of steel rods which can help elderly people and (b) Put a coir mattress or carpet on the floor so that the customers can put a firm foot forward.

B.V.Kumar

Nellore

One law for all?

The International Cricket Council adopts a soft stance towards English, Australian and South African players and treats Asian players unfairly.

Some South African players were involved in match fixing and they even confessed before the authorities that they accepted money to under-perform.

The players in question, Gibbs and Boje, are still playing international cricket. The Board of Cricket Control in India imposed ban for life on ex-captain Mohammed Azharuddin.

What the former captain did is inexcusable.

But, when some wrong doers are being allowed to play international cricket and moving scot-free, is this life-ban justified?

Dr. M.Nazeeruddin

Kurnool

A tank-like road

The main road in Ramnagar in Anantapur town near the Super Bazar is in a bad shape. Even after a drizzle it resembles a mini tank and it takes several days for the water to dry up.

Pedestrians and vehicle drivers suffer alike.

This sometimes leads to minor accidents too.

It has been pending for two years now.

Some politicians reside in this area, but they too are overlooking the problem.

G.Jagannadh

Anantapur

Anantapur