Stop harassment of women motorists
Women on two-wheelers, whether driving or pillion riding, whether in the town or in the adjoining areas of Puducherry, are an easy target for young men on their mean machines. This motorbike-teasing manifests itself in several ways, overtaking and intercepting young ladies, hitting their bodies indirectly with rear view mirrors, or just putting them off balance. In case a male is accompanying, or decides to interrupt such overtures, he is punched and kicked in typical movie style.
Because of a sense of public shame and the apathy the young ladies receive at the hands of the police constables, a vast majority suffer in silence. This emboldens the young men even more. Several ladies who have migrated to Puducherry seriously think of giving up their dream careers and returning to their native places.
Through your esteemed publication,
I wish to appeal to the concerned authorities to take immediate steps to contain the irreparable damage being done to Puducherry’s image and ambience. Confidence building measures could include a higher presence of police women on the roads as also in the police stations, gender sensitisation of the policemen who front-end the handling of such complaints, and a crackdown on such elements could possibly help.
A special drive needs to be launched without delay. Once a tough message is delivered by the law and order machinery, the menace may be controlled, if not eliminated.
Ashok Bhatia
Kottakuppam
Commemorative coins
The 125th birth anniversary of poet, writer, teacher, public leader and a multifaceted personality from Puducherry, Bharathidasan, is being celebrated this year by the Government of Puducherry. The quasquicentennial needs to be recognised by way of releasing commemorative coin sets of various denominations to honour his service. It is requested that the Government of Puducherry approach the Centre regarding this and popularising his writings.
V. Ramalingam
Thattanchavady Post
Modify scheme
The Direct Cash Transfer mode was first initiated by the Puducherry Government for all card holders under the Free Rice Scheme and then withdrawn. Instead of reverting to the system of distribution through the Fair Price Shops (FPS), the government can contemplate implementing the distribution of free rice and other commodities through the FPS for the card holders below poverty line, i.e. the Red card holders and implement the Cash Transfer scheme (through bank accounts) for all the Yellow card holders.
S. Sankar
Puducherry
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