All is not well

Apropos of the editorial ‘Pragmatic Budget’, no big-bang announcements have been made by the government. There are no populist measures to woo voters. And the continued push for infrastructure and focus on fiscal discipline indicate that the ruling dispensation is confident about retaining power and presenting a full Budget in July. This is the kind of overconfidence that the NDA had exuded before the 2004 Lok Sabha polls. But the outcome of the polls was contrary to the saffron party’s expectations. Frustration is brewing among the masses over unemployment, economic disparity and the agrarian crisis. It remains to be seen if the Modi factor will help the saffron party stay in power this time.

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Roshan Lal Goel, via mail

Sign of confidence

With reference to ‘Pragmatic Budget’; the confidence of the ruling party that it will win the upcoming Lok Sabha elections is clearly reflected in the interim Budget. Fiscal deficit reduction and an increase in capital expenditure cannot be achieved without a rise in revenue earnings. Unfortunately, the Budget offers nothing for farmers and middle-class citizens. The interim Budget does not seem very realistic. It is hard to believe that there has been a 50 per cent increase in the average real income of the people.

Wg Cdr JS Minhas (retd), Mohali

Focus on disaster-prone areas

Refer to ‘Averting disaster’; factors such as rapid urbanisation, land misuse and an absence of building norms pose a serious threat to the ecology of Himachal Pradesh. Since the commencement of four-lane projects, the state’s ecosystem has badly suffered. The hill state witnessed massive landslides and flashfloods last monsoon, which caused widespread destruction. It is clear that rapid urbanisation is not suitable for a state like Himachal because of its rugged terrain. But that is not to say that such projects should not be undertaken. A proper government survey and planning are prerequisites for such a project. The government needs to conduct proper surveys and pay special attention to areas prone to disaster.

Aarushi Pathania, Kangra

Hold drills to ensure readiness

Apropos of ‘Averting disaster’; natural disasters like floods and landslides cause immense upheaval, as was seen in June 2013 in Uttarakhand when a cloudburst caused devastating floods and landslides, destroying many villages and towns. Many residents were swept away, never to be found again. Therefore, it is imperative to ensure that preventive measures are incorporated in the developmental plans, especially in high-risk areas, to minimise the damage caused by floods, avalanches and landslides. Besides, the State Disaster Response Force personnel must be prepared to undertake rescue and relief measures efficiently. District administrations should occasionally carry out mock drills.

Subhash Vaid, New Delhi

Gangs of Punjab

For years, Punjab has been terrorised by gangsters. Reports about gangsters and their aides targeting traders or extorting money from businessman are very common. The persisting influence of gangsters in the region is a matter of grave concern. Despite multiple efforts to curb such organised crimes, there has been no let-up. The network of serial criminals poses a threat to peace and stability in the state. Public cooperation, awareness campaigns and stringent laws are crucial for addressing the issues that contribute to the persistence of gang culture.

Harshit Arora, via mail

Sathe a source of inspiration

With reference to ‘An inspiring saga of selfless service’; it is heartening to learn about the contribution Dr Madhav Sathe made to society by changing the lives of 43,000 village students, 1,200 teachers and parents in Rajgurunagar village. By working tirelessly to ensure timely repair of dilapidated school buildings and toilets, he set an example for all of us. With more people like him, India can develop faster as a country. We all must draw inspiration from the way Dr Sathe looked out for and supported needy and vulnerable people.

Ramesh Gupta, Narwana

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