• The editorial ‘Self-indicted’ (IE, July 1) on the Liberhan Commission was forthright and impressive. The world has indeed changed around Justice Liberhan in these 17 years and his report will for practical purposes be just another addition to the archives. Perhaps we can presume that whatever Liberhan has documented in his long report is already in the public domain; what’s left to know? Besides, a commission of inquiry only recommends. The abnormal delay means you are right in your assessment that the Liberhan Commission has already failed at its job and failed miserably.

— Shariq Alavi

Lucknow

Too young

• No one will disagree with the observation that “plus two” or 18 years is probably too young for joining the prestigious Indian Administrative Service. A person of this age isn’t mature enough for to handle the demands of the civil services. However, there’s enough scope for an open debate about the examination system and overall recruitment policy. The evaluation of IAS officers also ought to be free from political intervention.

— S.K. Gupta

Chandigarh

Waterways

• While the global trend is to optimally utilise water transport, there’s little awareness of this in Maharashtra. Maharashtra is blessed with a coastline of about 720 km. There are half a dozen major, several medium and many minor ports along this coast. Till 1984, ships used to ferry passengers between Mumbai and Goa. Not only passengers but also cargo can be transported at a fraction of the cost incurred otherwise. It’s sad that neither the government nor the public is serious about sea transport. With many SEZ projects coming up in the Konkan region, it is advisable that ports like Rewas, Dighi and Bhagawati are developed to their maximum potential without delay. This will also generate employment and promote industrial activity.

... contd.