Freebies not always unhealthy

Apropos of ‘Let’s talk about rights, not revdis’; freebies do not always play a negative role as they help in uplifting the lower strata. Free travel for women may help them in getting higher education or better employment opportunities. Sometimes, freebies become the foundation of welfare schemes. The Rs 2 per kg rice scheme in Andhra Pradesh was a precursor to the formation of the National Food Security Mission and farmer welfare schemes in Telangana and Odisha led to the PM-Kisan Yojana. Sometimes, it may provide easy means, like bicycles and laptops, for education to the have-nots who may not be able to afford them. A balance needs to be maintained between genuine welfare and populism, which can be achieved by ensuring that such steps are implemented in a transparent manner.

Advertisement

Vaibhav Goyal, Chandigarh

Foundation for equitable growth

With reference to ‘Let’s talk about rights, not revdis’; public welfare schemes must prioritise sustainability and inclusivity, ensuring that every citizen’s right to social security is upheld without compromising economic stability. Welfare schemes should be viewed as investments in human capital rather than mere handouts designed to empower individuals to rise above poverty. By focusing on transparency, accountability and long-term impact, policymakers can strike a balance between addressing immediate needs and fostering self-reliance. Ultimately, the goal of welfare is not just to alleviate suffering but to create a foundation for equitable growth.

Gaurav Badhwar, Rohtak

Symbiotic relationship

The Directive Principles of State Policy visualise an outreach by the state to ensure amelioration of the deprived sections of society. But political parties across the spectrum exploit the situation by offering freebies in lieu of votes. Of late, a symbiotic relationship has developed between the electorate and the elected. Announcement of freebies in the run-up to the elections erodes the nobility of the cause. On the one hand, some sections of people deserve an outreach by the state, but on the other, help in the form of sops and doles breeds parasitism.

HMS NAGRA, Faridabad

Strengthen domestic economy

Refer to ‘Trade, terror & tariffs’; PM Modi and US President Trump shared a business-centric approach in their meeting. While some positive developments have taken place, the US has not come clean on the handling of illegal immigrants and India’s willingness to increase exports to the US. It is critical to safeguard domestic industries while pursuing trade relations. Rather than prioritising foreign relations and external support, we must concentrate on strengthening our own economy by fostering entrepreneurship and innovation. This will not only ensure sustainable growth and resilience but also safeguard national interests.

K Kumar, Panchkula

Litmus test for India-Russia ties

Reference to ‘Trade, terror & tariffs’; Trump has played a trump card to promote US interests. He made India agree to import more oil and gas from the US. The US also plans to sell F-35 stealth fighter jets to India. This will affect India’s ties with Russia. It will also impact PM Modi’s vision to develop self-reliance in military hardware and an indigenous approach. Trump’s interests in India will remain commercial. Only time will tell how these developments will impact India’s relationship with Russia and other nations. Trump’s ‘tariff terrorism ‘will demolish any tough negotiator coming his way because he believes in ‘might is right’.

Capt Amar Jeet (Retd), Kharar

Extradition biggest achievement

Refer to ‘Trade, terror and tariffs’; Donald Trump has clearly spelt out his tit-for-tat approach to tariffs. Also, he wants to sell US defence equipment to India. Regarding Bangladesh, the US President has categorically stated that it’s the job of the Indian Prime Minister to deal with it and he has no role in the matter. The only positive thing which has emerged from the Modi-Trump talks is that the US has agreed to extradite Tahawwur Rana, a plotter of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.

Ravinder Kumar Jain, Ludhiana