Freebies erode productivity

Refer to ‘Aren’t we creating class of parasites? SC on freebies’; the growing trend of almost all political parties offering freebies before elections is deeply concerning. Instead of fostering economic growth and self-reliance, these handouts encourage dependency and weaken work culture. Moreover, such reckless giveaways put immense strain on public finances, diverting funds from essential sectors like education, healthcare and infrastructure. While targeted welfare is necessary, indiscriminate doles erode productivity and create a culture of entitlement. The Election Commission must step in to curb this vote-buying tactic. A democracy cannot thrive on short-term populism at the cost of long-term national development.

Balbir Singh Kakkar, Jalandhar

Doles pamper voters

With reference to ‘Aren’t we creating class of parasites? SC on freebies’; Freebies have become a licence given by the government to the people to stay idle. While these promises may seem appealing, voters start expecting handouts every time rather than working for their own betterment. This practice can lead to a misallocation of resources, as the governments concerned then prioritise political gains over long-term development goals. The Supreme Court’s observations come at the right time, highlighting the need to re-examine the freebie culture and its implications for Indian democracy. By grooming a more informed and critical electorate, we can work towards a more transparent and accountable political system.

Capt Amar Jeet (Retd), Kharar

Irrational promises

Political parties try to lure some sections of people with freebies at the cost of the public exchequer. Leaders must be barred from making irrational promises where huge public money is involved. Instead, they should announce promises which are beneficial to the masses such as better roads, hospitals, public transportation, potable water supply, poverty alleviation schemes, better education and employment generation.

Roop Singh Negi, Solan

Myth of job loss dispelled

The myth that AI will take away jobs has been dispelled by speakers at the Paris AI summit, which has provided a sigh of relief. Its use in various fields — medicine, telecommunications, industry, transportation, infrastructure, art, governance, defence, etc — was discussed by experts The progress will be seen in the next AI summit likely to be held in India. The main focus at the summit was to make AI open, transparent and accessible to the world, including the underdeveloped nations in the Global South. India emphasised its priorities on regulations for safety, a focus on green data centres, real-world applications and the democratisation of AI.

RS Narula, Patiala

Act now to save precious water

Apropos of ‘Toxic waters’; the alarming levels of groundwater contamination in Punjab and Haryana, coupled with its reckless wastage, pose a severe threat to public health, agriculture and environment. The presence of uranium, arsenic and fluoride in drinking water is a wake-up call for urgent intervention. Strict regulation, afforestation efforts and groundwater recharge initiatives must be implemented without delay. The situation is critical, and if immediate steps are not taken, the region will be staring at an irreversible water crisis within no time. Both the state and Central governments must act now to safeguard our most precious resource before it is too late.

Naresh Kumar Nijhawan, by mail

Don’t play with nature

With reference to ‘Toxic waters’; contaminated water and drying up of water resources are becoming major challenges for humanity. Water pollution has been considered one of the four causes of epidemics by Charaka, father of Ayurveda. Water can’t be produced or generated; water saved is regarded as water produced. The overdependence of agriculture on groundwater is further reducing the water level. We should remember that nature nourishes the whole civilisation but it never compromises on human blunders. It will not be kind to humanity if the present situation continues as it has ample resources to fulfil our needs but not our greed.

Anup Kumar Gakkhar, Haridwar