Budget for vitality
The implications of the economic crisis in 2020 have put the Budget session in the spotlight. While many wait to see economic recovery and defence expenditure, a major chunk anticipates the allocation of funds in the health sector. In the past, the public spending in the health sector covered around 1% of the GDP. Coronavirus taught the country the impeccable and ardent necessity to skillfully improve the standards of the health sector. It’s high time the government focuses on healthcare.
Ankita Sharma, Panchkula
Can’t bargain now
Refer to ‘Free protesters before talks: Unions’; following Republic Day violence, the tables have turned upside down. Farmers’ leaders are putting up a brave face and are desperate for a face-saving resolution, even as the Centre is going hammer and tongs against the protesters by registering FIRs. As the farmers have abjectly lost bargaining power, it is a distant possibility to expect any more concessions from the government. Malicious campaign against farm leaders is abuzz in social media. The PM has assured that the government is ready for a dialogue, however it ought to walk the talk.
Deepak Singhal, Noida
Set own house in order
Apropos of ‘India offering solutions to world’s problems’, the PM says India has solutions to problems faced by the world; ironically, the country cannot sort out its own issues. Farmers are agitating, but no tangible solution is in sight. If MSP is given legal protection, India can show the way to the world regarding addressing farmers’ concerns. If we can’t find solutions that are acceptable to our aggrieved population, we must not make boastful claims. Don’t empower farmers by making them traders or exporters, but give them an assured price for their produce. Can the government thrust arbitrary laws on industrialists, transporters and traders? Why should farmers adopt a particular way of earning which they don’t want to?
Capt Amar Jeet (retd), by mail
PM removed from reality
Refer to the ongoing farmers’ protest, while the PM bats for reforms and reaffirms his commitment to modernising the farming sector, he showed his disdain by saying that the nation is pained by the Tricolour insult! He is disconnected because the reported insult to the flag was not the intent of the farmers, who, in fact, had been carrying it honourably atop their vehicles. Still, he is just a call away to talk with the farmers. To talk what?
Balvinder, by mail
Country first
Apropos of ‘Nation saddened by Tricolour insult’, the farmers and various political parties must introspect how anti-national forces were able to embarrass the entire country. The episode lays bare the lack of intelligence inputs. Both sides must try hard to restore the country’s glory.
RS Kishtwaria, Palampur
Restore Net services
Since January 26, the Haryana Government has suspended mobile Internet services. On the one hand, the ruling dispensation boasts of digital India, and on the other, it is denying Internet services to the common man. No doubt for security reasons this service can be suspended, but not for a long period, as in the age of information technology, Internet services are essential for life like water and air. Without it, many sections of society are suffering, like students, employees working from home, online business, online payments, etc. It is a kind of partial lockdown that is adversely affecting the life of people.
VINAY K MALHOTRA, Ambala Cantt
Govt-farmer synergy
We all have social responsibilities. Teachers teach as per the syllabus, soldiers fight for the country, civil servants work as per government guidelines. We all work for the nation. Similarly, the government can tell the farmers to grow the crops which are most needed. Sometimes, the government has to import pulses and onions, and export wheat and rice. Rotting of crops is common in godowns. What apathy really! The government can guide and tell farmers to grow the required crops to be purchased at a pre-set fixed price, restoring the concept of MSP. If farmers are responsible to farmers, the government is also responsible for them.
NPS Sohal, Chandigarh
Fake degrees
It is unfortunate that fake degrees were issued to more than 36,000 persons (The Tribune, Jan 31) by MBU, Solan. This is the worst form of corruption as some persons throughout the year have done serious study and hard labour to gain knowledge and degree, as opposed to these thousands of youths without any hard work and knowledge have managed a degree. A thorough inquiry should be carried out through the CBI and the culprits must be prosecuted.
Shankar Chatterjee, Hyderabad
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