No end to exploitation of workers

Refer to ‘The old in the new labour codes’; the much-talked-about labour laws are nothing but sugar-coated pills catering to workers in the organised sector only. There is nothing substantial for workers in the unorganised sector. With a few sops, the main emphasis is to curtail the working class’s right to protest and strike. There is nothing in these laws to end the intangible exploitation of employees and workers. They are compelled to be glued to their laptops and mobiles even after their official working hours are over. To end this new form of exploitation, the Right to Disconnect Bill is more relevant.

Vinay Kumar Malhotra, Ambala Cantt

Private sector gets no relief

Refer to ‘The old in the new labour codes’; the new labour rules will hardly improve the working conditions in the private sector. More than 50 per cent of Indian industries have been employing less than 20 employees. Even occupational and health hazards rules do not apply to these industries. Higher growth in the unorganised sector vis-a-vis the organised sector may nullify the effectiveness of the new labour laws. Only the white-collar jobs may feel some reprieve. The curbs on strikes and agitations by workers have lessened their pressure tactics on the management. The revised edition of labour laws may not be of any help to the private working class.

Wg Cdr JS Minhas (retd), Mohali

Synchronise efforts for better air

Apropos of ‘How Beijing won the pollution battle’; in the 1990s, China’s capital city witnessed growth in both population and industry, along with an impenetrable smog. Thereafter, the government started implementing measures such as publishing weekly air quality reports, stopping air pollution at the source, stricter laws and enforcement mechanisms, systematic planning and a high level of public engagement. This extraordinary achievement in China is the result of synchronisation between politics, technology, and economics, which serves as an admirable model for India.

Vaibhav Goyal, Chandigarh

Begin with small steps

Refer to ‘Why Delhi is among world’s most polluted’; the number of vehicles in Delhi are more than their combined total in four metropolitan and big cities like Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai and Bengaluru. The use of public transport is underrated. Owning more than one vehicle in a family should be discouraged. Parking charges can be increased. Big motives can be achieved by taking small steps at a time, however, a beginning needs to be made. Now is the time to take similar steps in smaller cities before a Delhi-like situation arises.

Ashok Kumar Goel, Panchkula

No basis of Trump’s complaint

With reference to ‘Trump at it again’; the biggest obstacle to the India-US trade deal is concerned is India’s reluctance to open up its market for American dairy and agriculture products. Just as Trump wants to protect its farming community, India too is within its right to protect its farmers. The US exports more rice than it imports. Out of the total rice exports in the current fiscal, India exported mere 4.8 per cent basmati and less than 1 per cent non-basmati rice to the US. So, Trump should not be complaining of India dumping rice at his doorstep.

Bal Govind, Noida

Resolve EVM row

Allegations of misuse of EVM machines keep coming up after every election. If the ruling party is so confident about EVMs, why is it resisting VVPAT verification or manual counting? What is being hidden? Is India’s democracy being held hostage by a machine that’s supposedly tamper-proof? People deserve transparency, not shadowy claims and conspiracy theories.

Capt Amar Jeet (retd), Kharar