Bonanza for legislators

Sir, - While on one side there is an opportune news of ``Bonanza for legislators'' in Andhra Pradesh, on the other there is the disturbing news of ``Farmers commit suicide, another dies of burns'' (The Hindu, Sept. 20). The allowance of the members of the Legislative Assembly was increased by Rs. 7,000 a month that the total emoluments of one member amount to Rs. 26,000 a month. So many other gifts were also given. Representatives of the people are all happy.

At the same time, people suffer reeling under poverty, farmers commit suicide due to failure of crops, and agitations over non- payment of proper compensation for failure of crops go on.

While on one hand India has advanced in science and technology, achieved ``breathtaking strides'' in information technology and so on, on the other millions are suffering for want of proper food, clothing, shelter, etc., which is alarming. And the gap between the two worlds is widening.

In the recent meeting with the Microsoft chief, Mr. Bill Gates, the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, Mr. Chandrababu Naidu, said the State laid special emphasis on the use of IT for economic development and was keen on taking it to villages especially in areas of education and women and health care. But for whose economic development? Could the poor hope for a better future in the near future?

A. Jacob Sahayam,

Karigiri (TN)

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Opinion
Previous : A damp squib