Not in farmers’ interest

Refer to ‘Hubris as policy’ (Nous Indica, Sept 25); politics apart, it is unfortunate that the most important yet vulnerable agriculture sector has been hastily, and strangely, subjected to the ‘vagaries of the market’ which are unlikely to be hunky-dory for the crop producers, especially where oversupply conditions generally arise. Not only will it go against the grain of the FCI’s policy of procurement, storage and distribution of grains, but also the situation will automatically turn to favour capitalists having ample storage facilities. Short of time, money and space, farmers will be compelled to sell the yields at lesser price.

Abhimanyu Malik, Jind

Crony capitalism

Apropos of ‘Hubris as policy’ (Nous Indica), the farm Bills should not be seen in isolation. Almost the entire public sector is being sold/opened to the private sector. Agriculture, the backbone of our economy, and the only sector that grew despite the Covid scourge, is also being corporatised. The already distressed farmers are being made to feel more insecure. Jobless labourers are being given anti-labour laws. Why is all this being done as a priority even during the pandemic and the LAC standoff? Two forces have joined hands in their sole quest for monopoly and laissez-faire — in business and in the business of politics. This crony capitalism, shrewd exploitation of our ethnic/religious diversity, intimidation and misuse of government agencies and sustained efforts to damage constitutional bodies may lead us to a totalitarian regime.

HL Sharma, Amritsar

Dassault deceit

Dassault aviation was obliged to transfer 30% high technology of Rafale jet engine to the DRDO by 2015 but no transfer has been done till now. These tech-savvy foreign vendors often deceive after the money is paid. They don’t want nations with potential, like India, to develop, so that they don’t compete with them in the international market for price race and better product. This matter should be taken up by the MoD, as India is paying a hefty amount and is obliged to get its share of technology transfer.

Mehul Monga, Amritsar

Unkept promise

Capt Amarinder Singh, while answering questions on his #askcaptain programme in July, promised to increase the upper-age cap for DSP and SI from the current 28 to 32. He even assured the candidates that the notification for the same will be issued in two-three working days. But more than two months have passed and the CM has still to fulfil his promise.

Simar, Jalandhar

Drug abuse

The NCB and the police seem to be wasting time and resources by going after Bollywood stars, players and politicians to reach the depth of drug abuse. It has been highlighted in Punjab for the past many years and ultimately the nexus of drug abuse involves the police, politicians and people. High-level drugs are the trademarks of ‘high’ society which comes with status, money and protection from law. Ultimately, the NCB will find itself in a net with no escape or the final outcome and the inquiry will be put under the carpet.

SS Verma, Longowal

Farmers’ fears

Reference to ‘It’s not just about the farmer’ (Sept 24), what is more important is the timing of these reforms, which is creating more paranoia and apprehensions among farmers about their future incomes, when the overall national economy is already facing a massive demand compression due to the pandemic. Instead of addressing the infirmities of the arhtiya system, dismantling the same without an alternative would be painful to all stakeholders. It is also feared that big corporate sharks will create an artificial scarcity and sell at exorbitant rates later, hitting the average consumer the hardest.

HARGUNPREET SINGH, Patiala

Merely an act

Apropos of ‘De-escalation or deception’, there seems to be no element of urgency among the Chinese to de- fuse tensions on the LAC. The Chinese attitude is outright deceptive, aimed at wearing out India’s patience. Outwardly, China professes to solve the boundary dispute through friendly and peaceful consultations, but inwardly, it has a hidden agenda. It is deliberately prolonging the tense situation. India cannot lower its guard against Chinese machinations.

Tarsem S Bumrah, Batala

SC sub-quota

States can create SC sub-quota to ensure the benefit reaches the lowest strata. After so many years of reservation, there are sections among the marginalised communities that have seen economic empowerment and upward social mobility. But this also tends to create inequity within. Sub-quotas can, therefore, help get some relief. Also, the names of families with income above par can be deleted making the quota based on income.

TIRATH CHAND, Mohali

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