Career before life?

Refer to the August 19 editorial ‘Life must go on’, the Supreme Court has observed in its ruling that ‘careers of students cannot be put under jeopardy for long’, but can the lives of students be put at risk in the name of a career? One of the points being mentioned is that exams would be conducted under a controlled environment. Is it possible? Students will have to personally appear at exam centres. Will they not be exposed to the risk of contracting Covid? The irony is that the SC itself is hearing cases virtually, but expects students to come out and take a chance with their lives! The court should have waited until the flattening of the Covid curve in the country before passing this order. Life once gone cannot come back.

Ishan Hastir, Gurdaspur

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No transparency

Apropos of the news report ‘No action yet in fake beneficiaries case’ (Aug 18), there are several other welfare schemes, too, which are being implemented in Punjab. Is there transparency in running all those schemes? The government should find out the cause for wrong identification of beneficiaries. The delinquents should first be brought to book and deterrent punishment may be given. Identification must have been done under political pressure. The yardsticks taken to declare the beneficiaries ineligible may be made clear to the public. In fact, this issue is being highlighted just to divert the attention of the public from problems like unemployment, poor education system and medical services, sky-rocketing prices of essential commodities and the inefficiency of the government. Neither government agencies nor banks dare knock the door of big sharks who are the defaulters.

Raj Kumar Kapoor, Ropar

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Free power politics

Recently, the Punjab CM reiterated his oft-repeated stand on free power. The groundwater is now in mining mode, where extraction is more than double the annual replenishment. The government is constitutionally bound to ensure the balanced use of all natural resources, including groundwater. Excessive use of groundwater is a criminal act and an ecological disaster. More than 70% of agriculture in the state is dependent upon groundwater. It is crucial to save the economy of the state from a government-created situation for political considerations.

SK Mittal, PANCHKULA

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Why no award for Gurtej?

In reference to the news report ‘1 Kirti, 9 Shaurya Chakra; none for Galwan heroes’ (Aug 15); it is strange that the Galwan valley bravehearts were ignored. Gurtej Singh sacrificed his life, killing 12 Chinese soldiers in Galwan. The 12th Chinese soldier, who attacked him with a sword, was also killed by Gurtej Singh after he snatched the sword from him, before attaining a heroic death. Gurtej Singh should have been awarded the Param Vir Chakra.

Vidwan Singh Soni, Patiala

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Widening tax base

Reference to ‘Direct tax reforms’, given the behemoth population of India, its minuscule taxpayer base is paradoxical. The deep-seated trust deficit, harassment of honest taxpayers, tax evasion by bigwigs with impunity, the long-drawn-out tax disputes are some reasons for non-compliance. The government’s announcement of a faceless tax assessment is a step in the right direction. The 14-point taxpayers’ charter envisages to provide a free, fair and transparent tax environment. It is hoped that the implementation corresponds to the intended goal so that India embarks on a trajectory of buoyant economic growth to ensure that the benefits expected of a welfare state reach its citizens.

Sukhman Kaur Lochi, Chandigarh

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Drying system for fruits

Fruits are a vital source of essential nutrients, but due to the high moisture content, they are highly perishable. As per the latest estimates by the Central Institute of Post-Harvest Engineering and Technology, Ludhiana, the wastage of fresh horticultural produce is up to 18 per cent due to poor post-harvest management practices. Drying is therefore an appropriate alternative for perishable products. An optimum drying system for the preparation of quality dehydrated products is cost-effective, as it shortens the drying time and causes minimum damage to the product. Modern techniques like vacuum drying, osmotic dehydration, freeze drying, heat pump drying and superheated steam drying have a great scope for the production of good quality dried products and powders. The government should promote it.

Gurinder Singh, Patiala

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