Withdraw other subsidies

The move on Haj subsidy is commendable, but what baffles is that the government wants to steal credit for something which the previous government had initiated and the Supreme Court had ordered in 2012, to be implemented within 10 years. The Union Minister claims that it will empower the minorities without an effort to appease them. Well said, but isn’t it time to also announce the withdrawal of subsidy for Mansarovar/ Kailash Parvat pilgrims, or for that matter, anything else which we other Indians have to pay for? What about the subsidy on meals for MPs/MLAs in Parliament and Vidhan Sabha cafeteria? 

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MAJ GEN SPS NARANG(RETD), DEHRaDUN

Use subsidy money well 

The scrapping of Haj subsidy by the Government of India (‘Haj subsidy scrapped’, January 17) is a good initiative to streamline the process of Haj pilgrimage. Also, it will greatly help if the so-called Haj Committee of India, notorious for its corruption and malpractices, is abolished by the government. Haj subsidy was primarily used to sustain the bankrupt Air India and  to sponsor official nominees on the occasion of Haj. Hope the money saved will be used for the betterment of the illiterate Muslim masses.

AKHTAR MAHMOOD, Chandigarh

Balancing ties 

Refer to the editorial ‘Modi’s hug-plomacy’ (17 January); it is a fact that foreign policy is based on mutual interest and relationship. India’s ties with Israel were established during Narasimha Rao’s regime. India is the biggest importer of Israel’s arms equipment. But it should not neglect trade with Arab countries, to the tune of $150 billion. India should balance its ties. Its stand on the Israel-Palestine issue is based on the two-state solution, which is vital to peace in the Middle East. 

Anwer Husain, Panipat

FDI in retail 

The decision of the Union Cabinet to allow 100 per cent FDI through the automatic route in single-brand retail trade is unfortunate. As in the case of Aadhaar, MNREGA, etc, the BJP, when it was in Opposition, vehemently opposed these decisions. Now being in government, it has hypocritically reversed its position. Till now, 49 per cent FDI was permitted under the automatic route. The move to liberalise FDI in retail trade will have harmful consequences for domestic retail traders and shopkeepers. 

SK Khosla, Chandigarh

Khap attacks illegal

Refer to ‘Khap attacks on couples illegal, says SC’ (January 17); it is a welcome initiative by the apex court as it will help adults of our country who face threat if they choose their own partners. The word ‘adult’ itself means reaching of a legal age. One should have the right to choose one’s partner. No other person must be allowed to decide someone else’s destiny. 

Deeksha Sharma, Mohali

Pakistan’s Nirbhaya 

It seems humanity is, indeed, dying (‘Protests erupt over rape, murder of 8-yr-old girl’, January 11). It is a matter of concern that India and Pakistan are fighting each other, and not the social evils that have crept into our societies. We must start raising our voice against such inhuman acts. This child was another Nirbhaya who lost her life due to our hateful attitude and ignorance to the safety of women. I hope Pakistan’s judiciary takes serious action against the accused. 

Kapil Sharma, Ropar

Inhuman act 

The rape and murder of an 8-year-old girl in Pakistan reminds one of the Nirbhaya case that shook the conscience of the whole of India. We Indians are also shedding tears for the young girl. Such shocking incidents shake one’s faith in humanity at large and need to be condemned by the whole world as it amounts to the murder of humanity. It is an unpardonable crime against girls and women. 

Puneet Mehta, PATIALA

Arsenic in water 

Apropos the news report ‘Groundwater high in arsenic, no steps to protect food chain’ (January 17), the alarming high arsenic content in ground water, especially in Majha districts, should be a reason for major concern for the Punjab Government. The excessive pumping of groundwater for irrigation purposes and the use of pesticides in high quantity in this part of the country, as reported, could be the main reason behind various waterborne ailments in the region. Unless our farmers adopt organic farming in a big way, the future of  agriculture and human health is in jeopardy. It’s time to make elaborate arrangements to revive the traditional canal water irrigation system in the state to check further deterioration of the water table. If our government earnestly implements these measures, it can make a big difference to the collective efforts of improving the water table and public health in the state.

Rajesh Sharma, Jalandhar Cantt

Bring back khadi 

In reference to ‘Reinventing khadi’ (January 16); khadi was a symbol of self-reliance, dignity of labour and human values. But now things are being politicised for ulterior motives. It is sad that nobody has paid attention toward the disappearance of khadi from the market. The reason is neglect by successive governments, which had no programmes to keep the cottage industry and handicraft sector alive. The use of khadi by one and all can bring about a positive change in the rural economy and also create jobs, especially in rural areas. But it is a gigantic task to rejuvenate the moribund KVIC. It needs a complete overhauling, which is possible only if there is no political interference and honest persons take over the reins of the KVIC. Thus it would be in the fitness of things to give priority to khadi and revive the KVIC. It will also boost the morale of rural artisans. 

Raj Kumar Kapoor, Ropar 

Keep weddings simple 

Apropos the middle ‘A great wedding to remember’ (January 17), educated members of the community must show a sense of responsibility to bring about a change by dismantling some complicated, expensive norms while performing a pious ceremony like a wedding. Marriage is a turning point in one’s life. Lavish weddings set a wrong trend in society and put undue social pressure on not-so-well-off families. Just being a status symbol, these extravagant weddings strip away the real essence of marriage. 

Anita Kataria, Patiala

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