Explore opportunities at home

Apropos of ‘Rebuilding Punjab from the new low of deportation flights’; the solution does not lie in government policies but in our mindset. Our youth easily get influenced by social media and other factors, like popular Punjabi songs, which project a luxurious lifestyle. Deportees spent a huge amount of money and undertook hazardous travel, but they are back to square one. The sum they spent on immigration could have easily helped them start their own business, provided they had chosen a simple lifestyle. There are many opportunities to be tapped in the agriculture sector itself, like the farming of mushrooms, exotic fruits and pulses, but first they will have to shun this craze for making money abroad.

Suman Kuplish, Ludhiana

Desperate to move out

Refer to ‘Beyond deportation’; desperation for a decent living and a good quality of life drives youth to foreign lands. Neglect and poor governance act as catalysts that make them look for jobs outside the country. States like Punjab have long suffered from economic instability, lack of opportunities and social unrest, prompting many to seek refuge abroad. Rather than passing the buck, the Central and state governments must collaborate to create sustainable opportunities for jobs and self-employment. The suffering of the deportees should not be viewed in isolation. A comprehensive, united effort involving government bodies, civil society and the public is necessary to ensure that vulnerable individuals do not fall into the trap of traffickers.

Sanjay Chopra, Mohali

Deportations must rouse govts

The deportation of hundreds of our youth from the US should serve as an eye-opener for governments. Due to overpopulation, job opportunities never seem to be enough. There is stiff competition in various professional colleges for a limited number of seats. Reservation is another impediment for general-category aspirants aiming to get admissions or jobs in government institutes. Not all parents are able to fund the studies of their children from private universities, which demand hefty fees. Having no option, the youth try to migrate to foreign countries, legally or otherwise, in search of jobs and a better life.

Sunil Chopra, Ludhiana

More industries needed

Apropos of ‘Beyond deportation’; the Centre must come forward to open industrial units in Punjab to curb unemployment. Other state governments also need to foster an industry-friendly environment. It is unfortunate that many industrial units from Ludhiana, Mandi Gobindgarh and Batala have shifted to Himachal Pradesh and Haryana. The onus of providing jobs to the deportees now lies with the respective governments. Interestingly, no government is talking about that. A suitable ecosystem will have to be created so that they do not fall prey to any menace, such as drugs, or again embark on a misadventure.

Balwinder Singh, Jalandhar

Corruption erodes public trust

Refer to ‘Muktsar DC suspended over graft; Vigilance gets new chief’; corruption not only erodes public trust but also hampers development and welfare schemes meant for the people. However, mere suspensions are not enough. A thorough investigation must be conducted, and if any official is found guilty, strict legal action should be taken. Systemic reforms, such as digital governance, stricter audits and a public grievance redressal mechanism, should be implemented to prevent corrupt practices. Corruption in our bureaucracy remains a major challenge, and a strong political will is required to uproot it.

Saurav Suman, Patiala

Promotional tactics

Apropos of ‘Failure of planning’; instead of the Railway Minister taking the blame for the stampede, compensation was paid in cash immediately to family members of the deceased and the injured passengers. The government has been promoting Maha Kumbh to the hilt, exhorting devotees to be part of this occasion that comes only once in 144 years. The aim is to find a place in the Guinness Book of Records for various activities conducted at the mega festival.

Ramesh Gupta, Narwana