Where’s the money going?

THIS refers to the editorial ‘Too little, too late’ (October 5); owing to public pressure, the government has been forced to cut fuel prices. The government’s claim that the revenue generated from increased taxes is essential for infrastructure development is untenable. The way the government has spent these windfall gains is questionable. There are no visible signs of improvement in the urban and rural infrastructure and there is a steady deterioration in basic services, including education and health. Infants are dying in the absence of treatment and no ambulances are available to carry patients where the government claims to have spent excise duty. The tall claims have been exposed under the pressure of the masses.

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SK Khosla, Chandigarh

Uniform fuel prices 

Why is the government unable to make fuel prices uniform (‘Too little, too late’, October 5)? One pays Rs 6 higher for petrol in Punjab than in Delhi, for instance. People are enjoying subsidies on diesel, being an agricultural usage commodity, to burn it in fuel-guzzling SUVs. If the government can’t control the prices, at least it should strive for uniformity. We all are paying taxes equally, then why should some churn out more money for buying any commodity?

Arunjit S Butalia, Ferozepur Cantt

Funds only for ads, statues 

The government is responsible for spending tax revenues wisely but the current government has focussed more on adverstisement and presenting its achievements, neglecting the core issues like education, health, transportation and sanitation. The government does not have funds for farmers, rural development, health facilities, but has enough funds to build monuments like Shivaji statue at a cost of Rs 3,600 crore, to maintain its image among the masses. Moreover, Rs 2,000 crore was reportedly spent by the government on the completion of three years in power, which was unjustified. 

Kulyash Balhra, Rohtak

Swinging economy  

The economy is in the doldrums, with the markets already bearing the brunt of demonetisation and the GST. At a time when exports are declining, GST has hit exporters hard. Unemployment is on the rise. The government’s another ambitious programme ‘Skill India’ has borne no fruit on the ground, as a report recently stated that several smartphone makers were facing hurdles because of lack of skilled labour. The government should ensure adequate and timely reforms to get the economy back on track.

Minanshu Mittal, Faridkot

Modi disappoints 

Refer to the editorial ‘Poll-bound Himachal’ (October 5); the comment of PM Modi that the entire state government was ‘out on bail’ is uncharitable. The state expected Modi to make policy declaration on long-pending demands, such as laying the foundation stone of the IIM at Paonta, declaring  inaccessible Hatti region of Sirmaur as backward area, announcement of policy initiative on rehabilitation of Pong Dam oustees, disbursing thousands of crores as arrears in lieu of the Punjab Reorganisation Act, linking industrial areas in the Shivalik belt by the railways and upgrading Shimla to a smart city. Unfortunately, the PM disappointed the people and left a bitter feeling behind. Modi is a fast learner but maturing slowly. 

RM Ramaul, Paonta Sahib

Cash over merit 

Reference to the writeup ‘Medical admissions in Punjab: Merit or money’ (October 5); Dr Raj Bahadur, through excellent statistical analysis, has portrayed a dismal picture of admissions in private medical colleges in the state. It is disturbing to know that in these colleges management quota seats are virtually on sale without caring for merit or competence of would-be doctors. This practice is a curse for such a noble profession. The Ministry of Health and the Indian Medical Association need to look into it. 

VK Anand, Patiala

Think about the jobless 

These days, there is a growing tendency among state governments of raising the retirement age of employees. The Centre, state government departments and PSUs are re-employing retired employees. This is a disturbing practice, considering that lakhs of youth are desperate for jobs. Doling out jobs in such a manner is unfair and exposes administrative bankruptcy and level of preparedness. Can we ever  reduce unemployment with such a mindset? How will the future generation carry the mantle if not provided with an opportunity? Unemployment is a burning issue. To tackle it head on, the retirement age for all government services must be fixed at 58 years. However, exception can be made only in case of sensitive national security matters. The nation should be considerate toward its young, jobless generation.

IP Sethi, Ludhiana

Fit to be Governor

There is some discomfort among a section of people about the appointment of a Brigadier as Governor of Arunachal Pradesh (‘Choices for Raj Bhavans’, October 2). The issue raised is that a Governor of such a strategic state that faces China has to act as an adviser to the government and coordinate with military officers senior in rank. This is a misplaced notion. The Army has always respected seniors irrespective of the rank, so there would be no embarrassment to anybody. A Governor is anyway senior and the post is a constitutional appointment. If the Brigadier has been selected by the appointment committee, one must grant it that it would have done so on merit. 

Col Mahesh Chadha (retd), Panchkula

We need to change 

Kanupriya Arya in her middle ‘Training to be in New India’ (October 4) portrays a perfect picture about the public transportation system in our country. Though India is a fast-growing economy, overpopulation and the low literacy rate are the main obstacles in development. Moreover, we do not have any impressive system which is the backbone of developed countries like Canada, the US and European nations. Abroad, everything is well organised, be it public transport, traffic rules, queue system etc. The people there appreciate human values and are largely honest. We, Indians, can’t build ‘New India’ unless we bring about significant changes within ourselves.

Narinder Pal Singh Jagdeo, Khanna

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