Engaging Tribune history

The special pullout on The Tribune’s 140th Foundation Day, with articles, memoirs and personal messages, recalling the great contribution of our popular newspaper in the current times, and also its glorious role during the freedom struggle, was engaging. It was a treat to go through the reminiscences of former editors about their eventful tenures at The Tribune. The articles by eminent political leaders made for an interesting read. Legendary Editor Kalinath Ray’s patriotic and bold editorials were immensely inspiring.

RAJ BAHADUR YADAV, Fatehabad

Bold and transparent

This refers to ‘140 years of fearless journalism’. Sardar Dyal Singh Majithia was a great visionary who established The Tribune in 1881, keeping the future in mind. Its enduring popularity reflects the confidence and trust readers have in the age-old policy of truthfulness, transparency and boldness adopted by the paper since its inception. I have been reading The Tribune for the past 40 years. Many more older readers may also be there who are still enjoying its simple and explicit form of expression related to various issues concerning the world, the nation and the region.

VANDANA, CHANDIGARH

Disappointing Budget

The Union Budget has disappointed the poor and the middle class. No provision has been made to increase employment opportunities. Disinvestment and sale of government assets is going to increase the monopoly of private players. It looks like the government is selling assets and making money to run the nation. Additional cess on already skyrocketing prices of fuel is going to increase the prices of necessity goods. The poor are becoming more poor and the rich are garnering more assets.

Wg Cdr Jasbir Minhas (retd), Mohali

Exempt from tax

The Finance Minister has exempted senior citizens aged 75 or above having no other income than pension and interest from filing income tax return. It is hardly a concession as they still have to pay tax, to be deducted by the bank. If the government really wants to help senior citizens, it should exempt all 80-plus pensioners of this category from paying income tax as at least their one month’s pension goes towards income tax.

Basant Singh Brar, Bathinda

Taxing senior citizens

In this year’s Budget, there is a provision that senior citizens above 75 years of age need not file IT return. TDS will be deducted by banks in case of fixed deposits by them, and in case of a refund, they will have to file the return. There is nothing beneficial for senior citizens or the middle class.

IPS ANAND, GURUGRAM

Ego and ‘pagri’

The PM has reiterated the offer to put on hold the agricultural laws. Farmers are protesting to protect and ensure their livelihood and existence. They are neither naive nor do they lack awareness in the present times. The obduracy of the government and its repressive policy of targeting the farmers to weaken the agitation have hardened their minds for any settlement other than the repeal of laws and legalisation of MSP. Since the agitation has been prolonged, a breakthrough is desirable, as the agriculture sector is the only silver lining in the economic slowdown despite the pandemic. The barriers created by ego and the ‘pagri’ need to be broken.

Sardul Singh dhawan, Chandigarh

War victory

Refer to 50 years of India’s 1971 War victory; successive governments failed to get dividends in spite of the sacrifice of around 3,000 troops. In the Simla Agreement, a golden opportunity was lost not to get PoK vacated before the repatriation of 93,000 enemy soldiers and 15,000 sq km land occupied by India. Identification of army personnel committing brutalities in East Pakistan couldn’t be established even after historic victory by not taking the matter to international platforms. Our soldiers as POWs couldn’t be brought back home from Pakistan. Those who fought the war should be given a medal to wear.

H/Capt Jagdish Verma (Retd), Sarkaghat

Inspiring generations

The Tribune has done well to commemorate the golden jubilee of the 1971 Indo-Pak War. In 2015, during the golden jubilee celebrations of the 1965 Indo-Pak War, The Tribune had published a variety of articles covering various aspects of the war. Initiatives like these go a long way in making the citizens aware about the valour and resilience of our armed forces. It also helps in inculcating the habit of a disciplined lifestyle among the younger generation which holds the key to the nation’s future. The discussions among the defence fraternity aid in planning and preparation of the forces.

Saurabh Sambyal, Panchkula

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