Long screen hours

Refer to the editorial ‘Capping kids’ screen time’ (July 16); the huge surge in coronavirus cases has led the entire education system to shift from physical classrooms to virtual classrooms in the form of online education. No doubt this is imperative, but the government must look into the problems being faced by poor children who have no access to digital technology. Also, for hours, children are glued to the screen which creates problems and frustration besides health issues.

Amitoj Kaur, by mail

Clearly not prepared

Refer to the editorial ‘Restrictions are back’ (July 16); it is deeply ingrained in the Indian psyche that we first create problems and then waste most of the time looking for solutions. The spread of coronavirus is one such example. The prolonged lockdown yielded no positive result nor did we bring out effective preparedness plans to deal with the virus. These locking, unlocking and relocking exercises reflect our failure to have infrastructural preparedness to deal with the virus. Instead of exposing people to the risks of a slew of hazards — physical, psychological, economical and sociological — creating awareness could be a more useful tool than creating panic and fear among the public. Sanitisers, masks and social distancing should be the sine qua non.

EPSA PRASHAR, DHARAMSALA

No lockdown, please

Apropos of the editorial ‘Restrictions are back’ (July 16), the further surge in Covid cases is worrisome but lockdown can never be a permanent answer. Lockdown was required for a certain time, but extending it beyond three-four months may be counterproductive. Now it’s time to make peace with Covid, and with safeguards, let us get on with the new normal in our lives. Everyone has to be responsible for their own safety and follow dos and don’ts religiously. This is the only way. There is a limit to how long a nation can be under lockdown, as it would wreck the economy and individuals. India is already reeling under 24% unemployment rate.

Ashok Goswami, by mail

Too large a number

There can be no better situation than Covid-19 to open the eyes of our policy planners that the burgeoning population of India ought to be controlled. It is because of such high numbers that vigorous testing is not being done. The sorry state of affairs of the medical infrastructure can also be attributed to our large numbers. It is reason for illiteracy, too. Successive governments have not taken any step towards controlling the increasing population. It is high time the government did something on a war footing, otherwise India is doomed.

Amit Kumar, by mail

Heed guidelines

To control this virus, awareness is a must. Physical and social distancing besides masks should be made completely compulsory. This should be implemented strictly till a vaccine hits the market. There is no need for a lockdown if we keep a safe distance and use masks. Make it a habit. If we are safe, the country is automatically safe.

Narender K Sharma, JoginderNagar

Kudos to the doctor!

With reference to the news ‘Rs 30 per patient, Amritsar doctor sets example’ (July 16); it is heartening that there still are people like Dr Sudesh Kumar who do selfless service to society, unlike a majority of doctors. There is a dearth of such doctors in India where a large number of people live below the poverty line. He prescribes generic medicines, thus saving patients from monetary burden. It is surprising that he examines patients for 13 hours. He is doing commendable work. A big salute to the doctor.

He is a source of inspiration not only for doctors, but also for others.

Bir Devinder Singh Bedi, Sangrur

Turmoil in Valley

In the wake of abductions and shootings, the response of the Kashmiris will be a litmus test for democracy in the Valley. To vent their frustration, separatists and terrorists have stooped to targeting unarmed civilians, sarpanches and politicians to indulge in fear-mongering and thwart the return of normalcy in the region. In these testing times, the people had better show the gall to take on the fringe elements by acting as informers to the Army and stand their ground, to tap the opportunity of a new sunrise dawning upon the UT, else the region would again slip into chaotic anarchy fuelled by a secessionist agenda. The government, too, should prioritise the education of young Kashmiris, so that they are job-ready for a safe and better future.

UPANT SHARMA, PANCHKULA

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