Key sectors given short shrift

With reference to ‘Health & education are nobody’s baby’ (The Great Game); it is unfortunate that despite several recommendations by experts across the world for investing more in the key sectors of health and education, the government continues to give them short shrift. For years, India has been one of the lowest spenders in the world on health. Further, funding for education as a share of the GDP has only gone down. While it is easy to point fingers at the ruling dispensation and Opposition parties for the neglect of the sectors, the mainstream media also bears responsibility for its failure to adequately highlight the poor state of healthcare and education facilities in the country.

Capt Amar Jeet (retd), Kharar

Health, education get sidelined

The government’s neglect of the health and education sectors is glaring (The Great Game). Despite all the grandstanding on national security, the Budget reveals a stark truth: health and education are not high on the list of priorities of our decision-makers. The paltry increase of 1.9 per cent in the Health Ministry’s budget is not enough to ensure the elimination of tuberculosis by 2025 or facilitate universal child immunisation. Besides, the allocation for the education sector remains well below the global benchmark of 4 to 6 per cent. Both the ruling regime and the Opposition are to blame for the sorry state of affairs. India deserves better than this. All political parties must prioritise health and education.

Amanjot Kaur, Mohali

PM played politics over Agnipath

A war memorial stands as a solemn reminder of the valour and sacrifice of our martyrs. It is a place for citizens to honour those who laid down their lives for the nation. PM Narendra Modi was wrong to bring up the controversial Agnipath recruitment scheme during his address on the 25th anniversary of the Kargil Vijay Diwas. His politically charged remarks on the sombre occasion were uncalled for. PM Modi’s defence of Agnipath, which has been met with opposition from several quarters, shifted the focus from the sacrifice of our martyrs. Our leaders must learn to refrain from playing politics with the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the country.

Lt Col Gurparkash Singh Virk (retd), by mail

Drowned in a coaching centre

It is shocking that three students drowned in the basement of a UPSC coaching centre in Delhi’s Old Rajinder Nagar on Saturday after it was flooded following heavy rainfall. Coaching centres are being run from basements illegally. It also raises questions about the failure of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi to desilt the drains. Strict action must be taken against those responsible for the avoidable tragedy. This kind of grave negligence must not go unpunished.

Ramesh Gupta, Narwana

Steps to simplify tax system flawed

The reduction in long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax on property and gold and the removal of the indexation benefit seem like flawed efforts to simplify the tax system. A better approach would be to give the sellers and buyers a choice between two tax options: 20 per cent with indexation and 12.5 per cent without it. This would prevent the sellers from demanding extra cash to cover taxes, check the use of black money and help those with moderate means secure property loans. The owners of inherited property would not benefit from the policy changes, despite their long-term investment in maintenance. Further, the new policy might push the middle class to trade property more frequently to avoid the LTCG tax of 12.5 per cent. Adjusting income tax exemptions and slabs for inflation would create a more fair and effective tax structure.

K Kumar, Panchkula

Stop youth from going astray

Most youngsters these days seem to lack discipline. They remain glued to their phone screens for much of the day. They often stay up past midnight and wake up late in the morning. This not only adversely affects their academic performance but also takes a toll on their physical and mental health. The onus is on their parents and teachers to ensure that the youngsters mend their ways. The need of the hour is to engage them in productive activities.

Lysha Kaushal, Faridkot

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