Address farmers’ grievances

Apropos of ‘Looking ahead’; it is an irony that the grower of crops cannot get the minimum price for his produce for survival. Brute market forces ensure that the same product fetches three times higher prices as soon as it is out of the farmer’s hands and becomes a part of the supply chain. The government’s argument against giving MSP on the basis of the C2+50 formula is that it has to watch the interests of the consumer class. Striking a balance can be the way forward. Grievances of farmers relating to farming as an economic activity are, no doubt, genuine and merit an acceptable redressal. Protesting farmers should take into account the government’s budgetary constraints in order to facilitate a dialogue.

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HMS NAGRA, Faridabad

Govt, farmers must work together

With reference to ‘Looking ahead’; the deadlock between farmers and the Centre has delayed action on the pending demands. Bandhs, road and rail blockades have become common, and the hapless public has to bear the brunt. The solution lies with both sides coming to the negotiating table to discuss and find out a concrete remedy. Policy experts, agricultural economists and political stakeholders should be consulted to decide a solution acceptable to both parties once and for all. Farmers mainly want legal guarantee of MSP, withdrawal of cases against those who participated in protests and the waiver of loans. Since the agriculture sector is the backbone of economic growth as well as food security of the nation, the government should seriously address the demands at the earliest in the interest of the nation and the public.

Raj Kumar Kapoor, Ropar

Engage in meaningful dialogue

Refer to ‘Looking ahead’; farmers and the government must try to resolve the issues at the negotiating table with the spirit of give and take. The frequent road and rail blockades disrupt public life, even as farmers are losing the support and sympathy of the public. Pressure tactics often prove counterproductive. Both sides should collectively address the issues. With the intervention of the Supreme Court, Jagjit Singh Dallewal’s fast has achieved its purpose. He should end it to pave the way for a meaningful dialogue.

WG CDR CL SEHGAL (RETD), JALANDHAR

Strictly enforce labour laws

Apropos of ‘Children in peril’; the revelation about children being employed as labourers is indicative of the fact that they continue to be vulnerable despite several laws. They often get sexually abused at the hands of unscrupulous elements. Owing to poverty, they are not able to pursue their education and are forced to work as labourers in order to supplement the family income. Kids are the future of the country and must be saved from persistent exploitation and crimes. They must be educated to shape their careers, thereby facilitating a respectful and dignified life. The need of the hour is to ensure strict enforcement of labour laws and putting an end to the scourge of exploitation.

Ravi Sharma, Dhariwal

Fiscal discipline is non-negotiable

Refer to ‘Time ripe for bold economic reforms’; the article aptly concludes that “without bold policies, it will not be possible to raise growth to the level of 8-9 per cent”. Livelihoods of people grow with fiscal growth, which can be achieved and sustained only with consensus across the political spectrum. Sadly, what the Centre proposes, some states dispose due to vote-bank/party politics. This ought not to be the bane of our federal structure. For example, the retrograde return to the Old Pension Scheme undermines a bold initiative. There has to be an inviolable line drawn between welfare and the growing ‘free-this, free-that’ culture. The real challenge for fiscal discipline to prevail is that it has to be non-negotiable.

Lalit Bharadwaj, Panchkula

Govt should reduce imports

The government is facing two inter-related economic issues — the growing import-export gap and the falling rupee vis-a-vis the US dollar. The rupee is falling every day and the reasons are varied. It has repercussions like making imports costlier, resulting in a higher inflation rate. Students going abroad feel the real pinch. The government should take necessary steps like increasing exports, boosting FDI as well as tourism and reducing imports. Subsidies should be granted to garment, manufacturing and pharmaceutical units to give a fillip to exports. The fall in petroleum exports should also be looked into.

NPS Sohal, Chandigarh