AAP better than Cong, SAD
Refer to ‘AAP’s report card’; despite setbacks, AAP remains Punjab’s best bet, as the Congress and the SAD have repeatedly failed the people of the state. Unlike its predecessors, AAP has at least shown the political will to address key issues, though execution needs improvement. With two critical years ahead, Punjabis must choose between flawed yet intent-driven governance and reverting to past regimes that delivered little beyond broken promises. While some promises, like making the state drug-free in three months, are over-ambitious, AAP has taken bold steps against corruption and incompetence.
Balbir Singh Kakkar, Jalandhar
People expected positive change
Apropos of ‘AAP’s report card’; disgruntled with previous governments, Punjab’s voters brought AAP to power with a thumping majority in the hope of change. But the party has not been able to rise to the expectations of the public. When Bhagwant Mann took charge, the party knew it faced several challenges. During his tenure as CM, the state has become one of the highest debt-ridden states. It is spending extravagantly on advertising and election campaigns in other states, ignoring Punjab’s interests. One needs to cut the coat according to one’s cloth. Learning a lesson from its big defeat in Delhi, AAP has now started setting its house in order. CM Mann will have to focus sharply on development works.
Raj Kumar Kapoor, Ropar
No ill-intention in NEP
Refer to ‘The perils of imposing a language’; Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Stalin’s acts appear to be politically motivated. The three-language formula was conceived with the aim of promoting multilingualism and national unity. The policy says that two of the three languages should be native to India. The NEP has the potential to boost employment because it will provide social mobility to Tamil people to work in northern states. While almost all states have accepted the NEP, Stalin’s opposition could prove to be disadvantageous for Tamil people.
Bal Govind, Noida
Nudge approach works
Apropos of ‘The perils of imposing a language’; a language is merely a means of communication. Giving any other attribute to it can open a Pandora’s box. The nudge approach, which aims to influence decisions without restricting choices, is the best solution for any problem. Coercion or compulsion is bound to boomerang. There is a need to take a cue from cricket and cinema, which unify people across the country. But the moot point is: do politicians really want national unity?
DV Sharma, Mukerian
Future-ready in Haryana
The recent announcement by the Haryana CM regarding the creation of a ‘Department of Future’ is a commendable step toward long-term development and innovation. This initiative signals the government’s intent to make the state ‘future-capable’, which is crucial in today’s rapidly evolving global landscape. However, for this department to be effective, it must adopt a strategic approach focusing on emerging technologies, sustainable development and skill enhancement. The department should collaborate with educational institutions, research bodies and industry experts to ensure that policies align with emerging job markets and technological advancements. This initiative should not just remain a symbolic move but translate into meaningful reforms.
Akash Kumar, Jagraon
Promote food processing units
Refer to ‘US apple may upset HP cart, fear orchardists’; instead of fearing about the tariff, apple growers must start thinking beyond just selling apples. The orchardists and the government should promote food processing units in the apple-rich states to produce apple juice, jams, jellies, marmalades, stews, etc on a large scale that can fetch them better returns in the domestic as well as global markets. The government needs to take the initiative. Awareness will have to be created among farmers. Good research, homework and government support can help the farmers realise their optimum potential.
Ramesh Gupta, Narwana
