Date:13/11/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/11/13/stories/2006111313700300.htm

Check trend

The Government is taking pride in introducing VAT (Value Added Tax) system and for the increase in its tax receipt targets. However, after the introduction of VAT in the State, no medical shop is issuing cash bills, etc. Without the issue of bills there is no proof for their receipts and sales.

Thus, they choose to evade payment of tax on their income/sales. After the introduction of a new tax system in society the Government should be vigilant to check this type of corruption.

Everybody knows that this is daylight robbery but no one bothers to bring it to the notice of the authorities concerned.

It is also well-known that Godavarikhani town (coal belt area) is noted for spurious medicines and quacks. Why is the Government not forthcoming to check this trend in this area. Frequent raids on medical shops and imposition of penalties by booking cases can check this trend to some extent.

M.Gopal Kishan,

Fertilizer City

Ban on child labour

Utter poverty, lack of interest to send children to school, or inadequate motivation may be some of the reasons for the ban on child labour.

However, without trying to understand the situation at the ground level the ban may not be effective.

Driving away the child labourers from domestic work and labour in dhabas and other establishments could result in driving them to begging or other undesirable activities or turn them into streetchildren.

Therefore caution is needed.

K.Babu Reddy,

Siddipet

Need for values

The first case under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005 has already been reported from Warangal. This is an example of how human values are given a go by. People at large have conveniently forgotten about ethics and values. The present-day educational curriculum needs revamping and refurbishing. The basic inputs for becoming a complete human being are very essential. This, however, is lacking in the current days of intense competition. Speed is the order of the day. A competitive spirit is needed but not at the cost of values and standards. Elders and especially people at the helm of affairs must be pilots for showing the correct path. The learning community must also play its role more effectively for building an orderly society.

G.L.Panchashrit Reddy,

Nizamabad

Fertilizer City