OPEN HOUSE: What vision should one have for a prosperous Punjab while exercising franchise?

Voting sensibly need of hour

Elections have been traditionally fought in the name of caste, creed, nationalism and promises. Many of these remained promises to be redeemed next time. In the last few years major issues affecting masses such as education and employment remained sidelined. The parties give freebies to attract voters. Hence, elections have become a mockery of democracy. A time has come for the public to become aware and vote sensibly if one wants Punjab to be a prosperous state once again.

Satnam Kaur Bhutani

Better education, jobs should be kept in mind

We should exercise our franchise in favour of the persons who can provide jobs to the eligible candidates against vast vacancies existing in the government schools, colleges, and universities. This line of action if chosen by a government will solve problems of educated unemployment and ailing government education system. The government educational institutions are ailing with the shortage of staff. The quality of education has deteriorated to the extent that people have almost stopped sending their wards to these institutions. Educated and employed youth will not indulge in crimes and Punjab will start running on the path of prosperity.

Gurdeep Singh Bhutani

Vote responsibly for responsible govt

It is a fallacy to believe that voters have become wise and are not easily influenced. Theoretically, successful democracy depends on the honesty and intelligence of the electorate. Practically, it feeds on the ignorance of the masses and with the media as the ruling dispensation’s weapon, they are adept at using it to advantage. We are responsible for having repeatedly elected governments that failed us, that failed the state. Obviously, we were charmed by their promises, by their oath takings, by their paltry gifts or some similar consideration. Freebies or promises of free units of electricity do not make the candidate honest or credible. Moreover, a voter must consider if the person he/she is going to support, has a time bound vision for the state. Issues regarding public health, education, law and order, pollution, streamlined road traffic are immediacies but not on any manifesto. It is a NOW or NEVER moment. Hence, voters should rise above petty considerations and vote responsibly.

PROF. MOHAN SINGH

Choosing a capable candidate imperative

As Punjab election is around the corner, every political party is trying to be at helm of affairs by gaining maximum support of public. But this time, situation is different. The state has been going through political instability, financial crisis and drug menace. After every 5 years, people hope for the best CM who would change the entire structure of Punjab thereby making it the most developed one but it is far from reality. There are many issues which need to be resolved at the earliest. The most significant matter is cessation of drugs as this has been engulfing the majority of youth and thus put the future of state at risk. A picture of Punjab needs to be completely changed and this can be done only by choosing the most capable candidate.

Sukhmeet Kaur

Good governance, better economy must

The voters have freedom to exercise their voters in favour of candidates they think best without succumbing to any pressure. The voters should be cautious enough to vote for that party, which can provide excellent governance during the next five years. Punjab is currently facing problems of rising unemployment, poor health care and education facilities, poverty, rising drug menace, rising cases of theft, loot, dacoity, rising power cuts, rising dog menace, poor sanitation facilities and dwindling economy. While exercising franchise the voters should have clear vision of prosperous Punjab whereby all these current problems are got rid of. For the next five years, only that party should be voted to power which has made commitments in their manifestos to take urgent steps to recover economy of state besides providing clean environment and to address day-to-day problems of people at the earliest.

SANJAY CHAWLA

Honest candidates deserve a chance

Casting votes in a democracy is of enormous importance. Hence, the voters should exercise their right to vote without any fear. There is no need to get influenced by caste, colour, creed, greed, race, community, language or religion. We should vote for a party which can promote sustained and inclusive growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all without any discrimination. Vote for the party, which can ensure the availability of clean drinking water and improvement in sanitary conditions. The door must be shut on turncoats, opportunists and criminals fielded by the contesting parties. For a prosperous Punjab the three important segments namely agriculture, manufacturing and services need attention from the parties in the fray. Therefore, we should select our preference carefully after going through the manifestos and previous works of the different candidates and their respective parties. It is absolutely essential to know the policies of a party and compare it with those offered by others. Voters should have the judgement, rationality and political acumen as every single vote is capable of deciding the fate of our state. The dire need of the hour is to be aware of the parties in consideration and the ideologies the said parties uphold. Honest, educated, dedicated, committed candidates and men of integrity should be given a chance.

Tarsem S Bumrah

Don’t get swayed by freebies, tall promises

Punjab is a developed state. But, over the years the state has not got a government which could alleviate the problems being faced by the public. Each voter ought to keep in mind that his or her vote is of immense significance. The voters ought not to get swayed by the freebies or the tall promises, instead they must know the real potential of each candidate. As they say, “All that glitters is not gold.’’ The political parties which thrive on the policy of “Divide & Rule” must be shunned. Voters ought to vote for peace and harmony. The ruling elites have not been able to get Punjab out of the quagmire of drugs. Why not change those elites? And, vote for those who could get the drug lords to be behind the bars . Abusing the entrepreneurs for their wealth would do no good. Instead, encourage the “Ease of doing business” in the state. Those who indulge in mudslinging the Centre as the scapegoat for all of their failures must be kept at bay. Finally, the voters should not vote for those who have criminal record.

Col V K Sharma

Question candidates on promises they make

During campaigning, all political parties are in a race to beat one another in announcing freebies in the form of free water, electricity, ration etc. Whereas as a responsible voter we don’t ask them why a state like Punjab with a surplus Budget till 1983 now not only in deficit but under the burden of loan not less than 3 lakh crores? Why with limited resources we were able to erect a city like Chandigarh with all the modern facilities like PGI, PU, Secretariat, High Court, Museum, Art and Culture centres Park etc. But now with abundance revenue, are not in a position to pay salaries to government employees? In those old days we established Punjab Agricultural University and other institutions of great learning but now become difficult to run the same? Let us put such questions to the candidates and then give the votes after getting the satisfactory reply.

Naresh Johar

Check candidate’s academic background

Citizens need to awake their conscience and be conscious about the accurate sense of franchise so that the right of vote can be used in an effective way. In fact, a host of factors are needed to be taken into account while voting. A voter must consider a political leader’s academic background before casting his or her vote. Unequivocally, politics is a game of experienced men but education is a powerful weapon to change the world. Likewise, politicians should be leaders in true sense, not dealers as well as they ought to lead, not deal in ministries. It’s not to state or prove here that myriad ministers are in some sort of illegal dealings, be it of votes, drugs, sand and many more. However, the physical, mental social and economical well being and welfare of citizens should be top most priority of elections’ agenda. It’s not time to test or experiment by choosing any random party. Besides, a person going to determine his or her chief in the elections can avail NOTA, in case he or she feels that all the tomatoes in the basket are rotten.

Rajvir Kaur Bedi

QUESTION

The number of Covid cases has fallen and most schools have reopened. Do you think that in this scenario, students should appear in offline examination or they be given an option to choose between offline and online mode?

Suggestions in not more than 200 words can be sent to amritsardesk@tribunemail.com by Thursday (February 24)