Preference for son

One of the findings of the fifth round of the National Family and Health Survey showing improved sex ratio — 1,020 women for every 1,000 men — is indeed encouraging (‘Patriarchy still reigns’), but the gender ratio at birth for children born in the last five years — 929 girls for every 1,000 boys — suggests the prevalence of preference for son in society, which is worrisome and remains a matter of concern. Perhaps the implementation of the law under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act to ban and punish prenatal sex screening and female foeticide needs to be reviewed to ensure its strict enforcement.

Krishan Kant Sood, Nangal

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Not any easier for women

Apropos of ‘Patriarchy still reigns’, on paper, men and women are equal in our country, but in practice we can see the age-old gender bias, marked by patriarchy, asserting itself. The precariousness of wives’ condition is the same as it was decades ago. Even today, the wife is subservient to her husband. Before being a husband, a man does all his chores, but the day he has a wife, he becomes a master, having every right to ‘control’ his wife and to hit and beat her. Due to patriarchy, the talent of educated wives is wasted. Her advice is never sought, because to the male mindset, women are imbecile.

RAJENDRA PRASAD SINGH, DELHI

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State of J&K

Today’s three news items present a true picture of the men and minds behind the three mainstream political parties of the region (‘Restore statehood: Congress’; ‘BJP creating rift among parties, alleges Mehbooba’; and ‘Ready for Assembly poll: Omar’. The most prudent of the three who shows awareness of ground realities is National Conference vice-president Omar Abdullah. He echoes the prudence of his father Farooq Abdullah and grandfather Sheikh Abdullah. This politically practical family is imbued with the Kashmiri spirit and not the separatist spirit of PDP president Mehbooba, who sees red in all actions of the administration. The Congress, as usual, seems to be lost in political wilderness. All terrorists behind civilian killings ‘neutralised’ shows the intent of the state and the defence authorities’concerns.

DV Sharma, Mukerian

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Omicron shadow

Refer to the detection of the new Covid variant Omicron in South Africa and Botswana, and a few cases being reported from European countries; it is time to increase surveillance and strengthen testing that had gone down in the past few months. It is a must for timely detection and treatment. The government has already initiated various measures to contain the fast-spreading new variant, including screening of international passengers on arrival. It is a step in the right direction that the decision to resume all commercial international flights will be reviewed, as emphasised by the PM. People have become complacent and are not following Covid-appropriate behaviour. It is imperative that strict measures are put in place to enforce government guidelines to prevent increased morbidity and mortality.

Dinesh Kumar Verma, Panchkula

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Adhere to protocol

Refer to Omicron, the more virulent variant of the coronavirus; although it is heartening that the government is gearing up to tame it at airports itself, by carrying out intensive screening of passengers arriving from infected countries, the decision to restore international flights from December 15 needs to be revisited in view of the latest development. The elections are round the corner in five states. Obviously, every party would be desperate to hold election rallies in the states. Political leaders should not be complacent in following Covid-appropriate behaviour. The Election Commission should put a total ban on the rallies. There should be restrictions on mass gatherings in government and private functions. The public, too, should not lag behind in helping the government by following Covid protocols.

Maheshwer sharma, by mail

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Avoid travel

The new variant has rung alarm bells across the world, forcing several nations to impose restrictions on flights (‘Omicron shadow on travel’). India needs to be circumspect and vigilant on resuming international flights. People, too, must put off non-essential travel. The main focus should be on enhancing vaccination drive, wearing masks and adhering to Covid-19 protocols. Adequate steps must be taken to put in place the requisite infrastructure, like hospital beds and supply of oxygen.

Gurpreet Singh, by mail

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Spread the word

Apropos of ‘Promote simple solutions to curb farm fires’, it was an excellent piece, but the information is restricted to classes who read and understand English. The general population, sarpanches and other learned people in villages should be taught these methods.

Saranpal Singh, by mail

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