Labour crunch

The migration of workers from Punjab is a matter of concern for both the government and industrialists. Although the government tried to stop the migration of labourers, it could not succeed. In every train running for the past three-four days, hundreds of labourers are returning home. This will affect industry in the coming time. Farmers will also find it difficult to get labour for farming. Migration has started at a time when about half of the industries have opened up, but are unable to run.

Shahid Khan, Ludhiana

Neglect of the poor

The number of shocking incidents in which migrant workers are victims is growing day by day. It seems like our government is completely unaware of the condition in which the down-trodden people of this country live. The death of 16 migrants on the rail track was preventable if proper arrangements had been made for them. Their deaths are the result of complete negligence and apathy. This is a bad sign for any developing country.

Drishti Doel, Jalandhar

Workers’ ordeal

Migrants walking on roads and the railway track present a pathetic scene. While initially announcing the lockdown, the PM had instructed that all should stay where they are. He also requested businessmen, industrialists and shopowners not to cut the wages of workers and look after them by providing shelter and food. The professionally trained government servants should have administered and managed the situation efficiently. NGOs and other organisations that normally care for the welfare of the needy also failed at this crucial juncture. It is hoped that the authorities streamline the process of caring for the marginalised, at least now. No such occasion should arise in future where the migrant workers are treated so shabbily.

SUBHASH VAID, NEW DELHI

Doctors’ resignation

Reference to ‘Amid pandemic, two Sunam docs resign’; the town is already devoid of health amenities. People around Sunam and nearby villages depend on this main hospital for treatment. At this time of pandemic, the resignation of two MD doctors has left the residents in the lurch. The doctors ought to fulfil their moral duties in this hour of need. The Punjab Health Secretary should not accept their resignation, and should also take strict action against their irresponsible behaviour under the Punjab Epidemic Diseases Regulation-2020 and the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, if they fail to rejoin duty immediately.

Gagandeep Kumar, by mail

Back to NAM

Apropos ‘Why India has returned to the NAM fold’ (May 11), it is a commendable step because today India needs to look after its own interests. Pakistan and China have stepped up their game at the LoC and the LAC. Too much tilt toward Uncle Sam is not healthy. India can turn NAM into a platform to maximise its strategic space in global politics. It should grab the opportunity presented by the pandemic to reduce the growing proximity among NAM members and China.

ANSHIKA SHARMA, MOHALI

Not the same India

Refer to the Indo-China skirmishes in Ladakh and Sikkim (May 11); it reminds of the 1962 War, when we suffered a humiliating defeat forced on us by covertly imperialistic China. I was a college student then. We were not prepared as PM Nehru was promoting world peace. A lot of water has flown down the Ganga and Brahmaputra since. Now we are equally prepared. Our fronts are well connected with a good network of roads and airfields with modern equipment and aircraft. It would be prudent for China to come to terms peacefully and accept McMahon line as the international border.

Gurdev Singh, Mohali

Adopting new practices

In reference to the editorial ‘Koreans set the ball rolling’ (May 11); it is to be appreciated that new standards have been set in sports which should be followed by every country. India, too, shall adopt and accept the newer trends in Covid handling in every sector, including education, health and sanitation, sports and transport once the lockdown period is over. These practices and standards will be the new normal in post-Covid India.

Astha Anup Agarwal, Navi Mumbai

Inculcating good habits

Apropos ‘Let’s make behavioural change sustainable’, it is the right time for a paradigm shift. It may be in terms of not spitting on the floor or walls and maintaining hygiene. We should create awareness regarding the benefits of a healthy mind which is imperative for a healthy life. A positive mindset is vital in the current scenario. A sound body and a healthy mind can make all the difference in these challenging times.

Surinder Singh Kundu, Sirsa

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