Marketing local goods

Reference to ‘Move to squeeze Chinese imports’; mentioning the ‘Country of origin’ is a great step to help people recognise the product they choose. Also, grocery shop owners or retail stores should keep locally made goods on front display or in separate, larger sections, so that every person can first choose the Indian version of any product. Also, the price of local goods should not be kept high, as people will choose other cheaper products. Either more machines or more labour employment should be ensured. Nationalising local goods and ensuring availability in remote areas should also be kept in mind. Reducing the demand for Chinese products will automatically squeeze imports and help in India’s economic rise.

Diya Arora, Bathinda

NAM has run its course

A Bill has been introduced in the US Congress to consider Tibet as an independent country, just like they did for Hong Kong. The world order has changed. Before announcing Tibet as an independent country, India must either match the economic equation with China or engage in a military pact with ASEAN or NATO. NAM has lived its life. It is time to bid it farewell.

Harpreet Sidhu, by mail

Own heft will matter

Apropos of the June 24 editorial ‘Rapport with Russia’, while it may be generally said Russia is India’s all-weather friend, it is only so during our conflicts with Pakistan. It may not be so during similar circumstances with China. In 1962, when China attacked India, I was in class X. The common refrain then was that ‘whereas Russia may be friend to India, it is brother to China’. This equation may never change. In the present circumstances, India needs to stand on its own heft. Its values-based conduct in international forums like the WHO and UNSC will win it enough support worldwide in times to come. In the meanwhile, it can depend on its hardy armed forces for a long standoff, while its Cabinet Committee on Security takes a long view and comes out with a formal National Security Policy with clear enunciation of national interest and objectives. India must remain prepared for a long haul.

Lt Col GS Bedi (Retd), Mohali

New map & equations

China has occupied vantage positions in Ladakh, from where it can view the Indian Army’s developments. The Galwan valley is one of them. ‘Slice by slice’ they are intruding into our territory. Similarly, at the behest of China, Nepal has claimed Indian territories of Limpiyadhura, Kalapani and Lipulekh, and has changed its map unilaterally. The Indian reaction has just been in the form of a protest statement. Nepal, at the moment, is aligned with China and both enjoy a symbolic relationship. China gets passages into India and Nepal gets financial support. New alignments in the region do not bode well for India.

NEENA SANGHA, by mail

Let the Army talk

Apropos of the article ‘Spinning out of hand’, giving statements which have to be later qualified by some other statements to give a leg to the original, is not a good policy. The updates of our position at the LAC should not be politicised. Instead, a military spokesman should be given the task of updating the situation. This will be more professional and also less amenable to political reactions, and also will be more credible.

HK chaudhary, Mohali

Migrants’ return

Refer to ‘Wooing workers back’ (June 22); jobless migrants’ urge to head home was quite natural, but in their villages, there is nothing but a bleak future awaiting them. The exodus of workforce has a major impact on the labour market. The industry is feeling the pinch of labour shortage. But getting back the migrant workers will not be easy. It is important to build their trust. States that must ensure proper housing, sanitation and medical facilities, and the Centre should fast-track one nation, one ration card, and also invest in their skilling. Without these steps, the crisis will continue to fester and have a debilitating effect on the economy and lives of people. Though the hiked allocation for MGNREGS was a right step, this scheme alone would not be sufficient to employ much of the labour force.

LAL SINGH, by mail

Why scrap exams?

A group of parents and students has approached the SC to scrap CBSE, ICSE and entrance exams like NEET and JEE Mains due to the pandemic. More than 20 lakh students are studying day and night for the exams. But a section of parents want admissions on the basis of 10+2 results. In our country, it is easy to gain marks in classes X and XII exams. The government should take the view of all aspirants to scrap or postpone these exams. The exams should be conducted with proper social distancing, masks and sanitation and in maximum shifts possible.

Kamaljeet Malwa, Patiala

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