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A letter to the Editor is generally written to express our opinions or feelings about a current happening or event, to make people aware of some important things that concern society, to bring to public knowledge and to the notice of the authorities concerned, a problem that needs to be solved.
The letter could be organised in this way:
Your address
The Editor
Name of the magazine or newspaper
Address
Date
Sir / Madam
Sub . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(The body of the letter could consist of the following):
- Introduction - your reason for writing
- Your views, feelings, or opinions about the matter
- Your suggestions, recommendations etc. to solve the problem or the reasons for the incident
- Action, you hope the concerned authorities should now take
- Conclusion
Thanking you
Yours faithfully
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(Name)
| Make sure you do not ask the editor to do anything. He is only the conduit through whom you address the authorities concerned.
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Example
You read a report in the newspaper about the escape of a psychopath named Umesh Reddy, who escaped by bribing a constable with rum, and chicken biriyani. You are greatly shocked. You write a letter to the Editor of the newspaper expressing your shock, fear and disgust, and suggest ways to overcome this problem.
135, 36th cross
4th Block
Jayanagar
Bangalore - 560 041
The Editor
The Times of India
M.G. Road
Bangalore - 560 001
May 13th 2002
Dear Sir
Sub: Corrupt police constables
A psychopath, named Umesh Reddy, was allowed to escape from police custody. The police constable unlocked his handcuffs in return for trivial temptations - rum and chicken biriyani. This is shocking news, and it sent jitters through me . What kind of security could we hope for, in a society where policemen can be so easily bribed? Maybe, soon we will have criminals and law-breakers murdering, stealing or causing traffic accidents and still roaming around scot-free.
What makes the lower rung of the police force succumb to bribes and endanger the very trust that the common man places in them? A certain study revealed that the constabulary lacks motivation. Is this because good leadership is lacking at the police station level? The Police Inspector should be strict, but at the same time, should also be sensitive to the sentiments of the constable. A long 14-hour workday, mainly out in the streets, takes a toll on his physical and mental health. Also, his pay package and facilities are hardly attractive.
How then can we ensure an efficient, motivated police force looking after the life and security of the people? A legitimate recruitment policy is required in which selection is on the basis of merit, physical fitness, right attitude, emotional stability - and not on the amount of bribe paid . A salary structure that attracts capable, dedicated people should be introduced. There needs to be good leadership from the top that gives the police, support, respect and freedom to take the initiative and make quick decisions when the situation calls for it. Also, as an immediate step, the corrupt will have to be severely punished, so as to be a deterrent to others.
I do hope the government will view this laxity and greed on the part of some members of the police force as a serious problem and take immediate actions to rectify the same. Let's look forward to having a friendly neighbourhood policeman who we can look up to for help rather than distrust.
Thanking you
Yours faithfully
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(Mohan Rao)
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