Another caged parrot

The SC had used the words ‘a caged parrot’ for the CBI sometime back. Now, it is true about the income tax department. It was surprising to learn about the raids on the premises of Anurag Kashyap and actor Taapsee Pannu. Is it because they spoke against this government and in favour of farmers, civil activists and JNU students? This dictatorial government is muzzling the voices of people. Activists like Varavara Rao, Gautam Navlakha and Sudha Bharadwaj were incarcerated. No wonder India has slipped on the world democracy list.

JS Wadhwa, Kapurthala

A struggling Congress

Refer to ‘Post Anand Sharma poser, Cong defends deal with ISF’; the party is having a tough time adapting to the changing trajectory of Indian politics. One remembers the strong leadership of Indira Gandhi, who handled the syndicate (powerful party leaders) and worked hard to regain the ground lost by the party in the 1967 General Election. Even after the split in the Congress, she was able to win the midterm elections because she had a genuine agenda. This is lacking in the Congress these days. The ‘sanyukt morcha’ does not have a clear stance on seat sharing. The infighting reminds one of the collapse of the Janata Party which won the 1977 General Election but failed to make a mark as the alliance slumped due to infighting for power. The Congress needs to reinstall itself as an umbrella party which can tackle different opinions and ideologies.

Jashan Goyal, Bathinda

Guaranteed farm prices

Refer to ‘It’s changed for Spain’s farmers’; the case is of further consideration in the present Indian context. Farmers in India are demanding MSP guarantee and repeal of the new farm Acts. If a mechanism is devised to calculate a base price (on cost plus basis) for all 32 crops, along with a band of upper and lower prices to be followed by all stakeholders, at least on the first stage of supply chain (buying from farmer), it would protect the farmers from the volatility of the market.

KB Singh, Ludhiana

Vaccinate teachers

It is heartening to see that the vaccine for Covid-19 has been made in a record time and is being given in an effective manner. At the same time, the spurt in new cases has caused some worry also. Schoolchildren and teachers account for a good number of fresh cases. To deal with this situation, the teachers should be put in the priority category for administering the vaccine so that they are able to perform their duties fearlessly and effectively.

RAVINDER MITTAL, by mail

Vaccination of elderly

The government has started another phase of Covid-19 vaccination to cover senior citizens, but with prior registration. It is a fact that getting registered through the relevant portal, or even otherwise, may be difficult for most senior citizens. The best way is that the authorities concerned should chalk out a list of senior citizens by accessing their DoB from voter lists and get them registered for the vaccination in coordination with the health authorities. The date and time of vaccination may be intimated to the persons concerned so that they could avail of this facility concerned and without any stress.

Balbir Singh Batra, Mohali

Biowaste disposal

The crisis brought upon by the pandemic has altered global waste generation dynamics and therefore has necessitated attention. The unexpected fluctuations in waste composition and quantity also require a dynamic response from policymakers, especially in small towns and villages where we find no units to dispose of biowaste except primary healthcare units. Failure to properly manage the waste generated, like masks and gloves from individuals may have serious consequences to human health, besides environmental ramifications.

Rohit Kumar Gupta, Shimla

No fear of law

Apropos of ‘Hathras re-run’, the shameful cases of stalking, molestation and rape are on the rise everywhere, like a pandemic. The police cannot be present every time everywhere. In fact, it is the fear of law and speedy justice which deter crime. Unfortunately, in our country, corruption among law enforcing agencies and tardy judicial system embolden the perpetrators. Riding on the back of power and pelf, abusers of women manage to go scot free. It is also happening due to the nexus between criminals and politicians.

Deepak Kaushik, Radaur

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