Populist measure

Apropos of ‘Plan for crop diversification’, the Punjab Budget for the next fiscal is a populist measure aimed at wooing the farmers who are protesting against farm laws. Promises made in earlier manifestos have not been fulfilled. Diversification of crops has been the watch word of all governments since India became surplus in foodgrain production, but the scheme remained on the back burner, as a consequence of which Punjab’s soil as well as water table has been contaminated with chemicals. The government should abide by its commitments and implement agricultural schemes in right earnest to pull the tottering economy out of the morass of apathy.

Gurmit Singh Saini, Mohali

Women as objects

Reference to the article ‘Dissecting toxic masculinity’, unfortunately women are seen as objects of desire. How can a rapist be given the offer of marrying his victim? Her dignity, again, depends on a criminal. In which era are we living? Women are scientists, pilots, doctors, lawyers, PMs, Presidents, and what not! They have proved their mettle in all fields, but still must have a ‘social guardian’ in the form of a father, brother, husband, son. They are worshipped but not loved because love lies in equality. Masculinity lies in aggression, control and possession. A patriarchal society doesn’t want women to be autonomous and capable.

SAROJ BANYAL, HAMIRPUR

Reduce fuel tax

Taxes are the primary reason for record highs in the retail price of petrol and diesel. The rise in the price of international crude has played its part (‘Rein in fuel prices’). While numbers vary across states, a significant part of retail fuel cost is due to the levy of taxes by both the Central and state governments. The real picture emerges when the retail price is subdivided. Some time ago, the retail price of petrol in Delhi was Rs 89.29 a litre. Of this, Rs 57.19, or 64% of the price, was on account of taxes and dealer commissions. The major portion (Rs 32.90/litre) of the taxes went to the Centre, higher than even the base price of petrol. When the crude prices dropped from 2015, the government increased taxes to corner the benefits of a favourable environment. When the environment is changing, people are expected to bear the brunt of the increase. States like Assam, West Bengal, Rajasthan and Meghalaya have reduced fuel taxes. Electoral considerations may have played a part in the decision of the first two states, but the other two deserve credit. Rising fuel prices are inflationary. To control the prices, the Centre and states should lower taxes so that the consumer gets some relief. The government must also focus on improving direct tax and GST compliance.

EL SINGH, by mail

Skill-based education

Education in India definitely needs to be restructured. The old-age concept of acquiring degrees or any specialisation is no longer a guarantee of a job and its security. Constant upgrade, learning new skills and even leaving jobs to do something on your own is the new norm. The world is changing and so are business organisations and industry. Let us adapt to the changes.

Vikramjit Singh, Amritsar

Fight Covid on your own!

I recently visited the Government Hospital, Sector 16, Chandigarh, for an RT-PCR test. I waited in a queue for three-four hours as the registration process was prolonged. On the second day, I received a call from the SDM office that I had tested positive and must isolate myself. My neighbours were not apprised of my status by the department. It is left to the individual to inform colleagues, family etc. Any person with a destructive mind can continue mingling with people. Even after 24 hours, there is no official prescription from the UT administration. A colleague residing in Chandigarh got himself tested at a Mohali hospital. He tested positive and was immediately given a first-aid box, free of cost, to fight the infection. Is the UT administration having a paucity of funds?

Rajesh Goyal, by mail

Plug loopholes

With regard to ‘Second Major held in paper leak case’, such cases show how deep the rot has set in. It’s time to switch over to a strict, preventive approach in our system. A stitch in time saves nine. Administrators and planners at the helm must take a serious note of the sorry state of affairs.

RS Kishtwar, Palampur

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