Give more money to middle class

Apropos of ‘FM must raise the bar for growth’; in view of the recent slowdown in which urban consumption has been laggard, there is a need to put more money in the hands of the urban middle class. It is this segment that has provided buoyancy in direct tax revenue in recent years. There is concern over the disproportionate burden placed on the middle-income group, which deserves IT concessions. GST alone outstrips IT revenue, and the rates need to be lowered and rationalised. This would also give a much-needed fillip to urban consumption. MSMEs and export-linked industries are the key sectors that would require attention as engines of growth in the long run. Budgetary stimuli is needed to push growth to 7-8 per cent.

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Gurpreet Singh, Mohali

Assess shortcomings in system

With reference to ‘A child’s failure in school exams is the system’s failure’; a child’s poor performance in exams is not just a reflection of the student’s ability but an indication of the system’s inability to adapt to the diverse needs and potential of the learner. Pass or fall is an outcome of a rigid, one-size-fits-all system that often ignores creativity, individuality and emotional wellbeing. Instead of treating failure as the child’s fault, it should be viewed as an opportunity to assess the shortcomings of teaching methods, curricula and evaluation systems. An education system that prioritises holistic development, addresses disparities and nurtures every child’s strengths will no longer have to contend with ‘failures’. By shifting the focus from passing exams to fostering learning, we create a future where every child truly has the chance to succeed.

Gaurav Badhwar, Rohtak

Avoid double standards

Refer to ‘Ram Rahim’s parole’; the BJP is leaving no stone unturned to win the forthcoming elections in Delhi. Ram Rahim getting parole is directly linked with the political clout that he enjoys with the powers that be. Compare this to the detention of Sikh prisoners (Bandi Singhs) who have not been granted this facility, even though their release has been demanded by the SGPC. They have already completed their period of punishment awarded to them by the trial courts. The government should not adopt double standards.

NK Gosain, Bathinda

Misuse of power

Apropos of ‘Ram Rahim’s parole’; every time elections are around the corner, Ram Rahim is given parole. Political parties make full use of a person who wields influence, notwithstanding his criminal background. Anyone who can garner votes is holy cow for them. Ram Rahim seems to be the brand ambassador of the BJP. This is blatant misuse of power. A convict getting parole so frequently is a matter of concern. It sends signals to the common man that the mighty and powerful are above the law.

Bhupinder Gupta, Shimla

Innovation key to AI

Refer to ‘DeepSeek’s AI’; it highlights how innovation can surpass money power, as shown by this small Chinese startup challenging industry giants like OpenAI. This shift underscores that creativity and strategy, rather than just capital, are driving the future of AI. India has a unique opportunity to turn this challenge into an advantage. Despite limited R&D, the country has no shortage of talent. A thriving AI ecosystem can be created by offering financial support to startups and strengthening initiatives like the National AI Mission. To succeed, we must prioritise innovation that upholds democratic values and ethics, ensuring global competitiveness, transparency and accountability to lead in the global AI landscape.

K Kumar, Panchkula

Promote startups

Apropos of ‘DeepSeek’s AI’; it is astonishing to learn that DeepSeek development cost only $6 million. India is considered an IT powerhouse and a lot of focus is on startups, so DeepSeek kind of technology should have come out from our shores and not the Chinese. In order to catch up, India must use its resources and massive data centres to be a pioneer in AI model creation.

Bal Govind, Noida