Education outlay

‘Short shrift to social sector’ highlights the injustice done to the social sector in Budget allocations. National Education Policy puts forth many reforms keeping the current needs of the youth in a global perspective. The policy speaks of 6% of GDP as expenditure on education. But the current Budget slashes the total outlay by 6.13% — the lowest in two years. Incentive for girls for secondary education has also been reduced to a considerable extent, affecting their education. Reduction in allocations for midday meals will also affect the health of children. Pandemic may be one of the reasons for the reduced outlay for school education. The MHRD is likely to make a case for more allocations in times to come if the implementation of NEP is given some priority. Hopefully, the Ministry of Finance will take care of education during the revised estimates.

S Kumar, PANCHKULA

Be open to criticism

Apropos of ‘Time for firefighting’, the focus should be on finding an acceptable solution to end the farmers’ agitation and not on derailing or defaming it. The reaction to the comments of the likes of Rihanna and Greta Thunberg is surprising. Haven’t our top leaders often criticised our Opposition on foreign soil? Have we not been using the Indian diaspora to propagate our achievements? We must be tolerant of criticism too. Suspending the Internet and fortification of roads may attract more of it. Only peaceful and disciplined agitations can be sustained. Divisive politics of religion, casteism, regionalism, etc., must be bid adieu if we are to protect our interests.

HL Sharma, Amritsar

Separate wheat from chaff

It is unfortunate that farmers reeling under poverty and debt have been made the scapegoat by opportunists who have their own axe to grind. The campaign is losing its prime objective as it has been hijacked at composite levels. Who are the real farmers? Are they the Twitterati, national and international celebrities? Are they the legislators who pass laws on the plush premises of Parliament? Genuine farmers must take a strong apolitical stand, considering how successive governments have failed to redress their grievances. The new farm laws, subject to amendments, may boost their economic and social growth. If these new laws are foisted on the farmers to satisfy the ego of the elite, nothing will change, not even the condition of the farmers for whom seemingly everyone is waging a war against the Centre.

UPANT SHARMA, PANCHKULA

Helpline numbers

It is a matter of pleasure that The Tribune has completed 140 glorious years of its publication. It’s been a privilege for generations to have grown and evolved with it, sharing the tribulations of the changing times in the columns of this newspaper. While I greatly appreciate what the paper has to offer, I also have a suggestion: helpline numbers should be carried as they are of great help to the readers in their daily life.

Ravinder Kumar Jain, Ludhiana

Family paper

Refer to ‘A fairy tale going strong’; the story of The Tribune was retold lucidly and without any exaggeration. I have been reading the paper since 1972. It is a complete family paper that does not indulge in yellow journalism. It is keeping alive the spirit of its greatest-ever Editor, Kalinath Ray. The paper understands its responsibility and accountability in enlarging and encouraging the democratic spirit through an impartial appraisal of issues confronting the nation.

Tarsem S Bumrah, Batala

The Tribune saga

It is a momentous event that The Tribune is celebrating the 140th anniversary of its existence in the service of society, and the nation. It is truly the voice of the people. I have been a regular reader of this daily since my college days. It is a part and parcel of my life. Its impartial reporting and publication of diverse views is commendable and makes it a robust fourth pillar of democracy.

Ravi Bhushan, Kurukshetra

Glorious journey

My interest in The Tribune started in 1966 after matriculation. After joining the Army, the Army Postal Service kept supplying the newspaper regularly. Even when posted at Siachen Glacier, week-old newspapers, dropped by helicopters along with fresh rations, were eagerly awaited. I also heard interesting stories about its publication from my father-in-law, who as an executive magistrate, had to perform the unpleasant job of censorship during the Emergency. The Tribune is a pleasant addiction, especially for North Indians.

Lt Col HS Dullat (Retd), Patiala

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