Put state’s interests above politics

Power-starved political parties can go to any extent to fetch votes. Bengaluru has emerged as the biggest tech hub in India. Professionals from all over the country are employed by companies based in the city. The decision of the Karnataka Government to reserve a significant number of jobs in management and non-management categories for locals may compel several firms to shift their headquarters to some other state. Notably, courts have struck down such legislation in the past. The government must give precedence to the growth of the state over regional politics.

Wg Cdr JS Minhas (retd), Mohali

UGC shows the way

The UGC’s decision to ban unhealthy food items on campus is commendable. However, the consumption of processed food is not the only reason behind the rise in obesity among students. The youth nowadays lead a sedentary lifestyle. Youngsters, rather than playing outdoors, tend to spend much of their time scrolling on their phones. Very few of them engage in physical activities. Besides imposing a ban on junk food items, the UGC should make it mandatory for students to spend at least an hour a day on physical activities. It must also direct all colleges and universities to arrange the necessary equipment and facilities to that end.

Vikramjit Singh, Amritsar

Let them make an informed choice

Refer to ‘Give healthy options’; the UGC directive to prohibit unhealthy food items on the premises of higher educational institutions, while well-intentioned, requires a more nuanced approach. Simply banning junk food may not be effective, especially since the diverse and vast definitions of ‘unhealthy food’ could also include culturally significant items like samosas and chaat. Change is better driven by awareness and informed choices. Educational institutions should provide nutritious food options at affordable rates. It is important to recognise students as health-conscious adults and promote healthy eating habits while allowing them to indulge in junk food occasionally. An outright ban might push students to seek the prohibited items outside the campus, undermining the purpose of the directive.

K Kumar, Panchkula

Don’t dictate what students eat

With reference to the editorial ‘Give healthy options’; the diktat is completely ridiculous. The statutory body has no business deciding what students should eat or avoid. Even if students don’t have access to fast food items on campus, they can easily purchase them from a nearby market. Statutory committees at colleges and universities are supposed to decide the menu and rates of food items available at canteens. Any interference in the food preferences of the students must be avoided. The UGC’s directive certainly warrants a relook.

VK Anand, Chandigarh

Puja just the tip of the iceberg

Apropos of ‘The sad tale of an IAS probationer’ (Trysts and Turns); the integrity of several state and Central-level competitive and recruitment exams has come under the scanner of late — from NEET to the civil services exam. The case of IAS probationer Puja Khedkar adds fuel to the raging fire. But from Puja to those arrested in connection with the NEET paper leak, the big fish continue to evade scrutiny. There is no mention of big names who probably had a hand in the leaks. It is important to keep in mind that the use of unfair means on such a large scale cannot take place in the absence of a nexus between politicians, bureaucrats and the powerful elite.

BM Singh, Amritsar

IAS selection standards declining

Refer to ‘The sad tale of an IAS probationer’; despite securing a relatively low rank in the UPSC examination, she was picked for the IAS, raising concerns about the declining standards of the selection process. Besides, the case of IAS probationary officer Puja Khedkar highlights the presence of misfits in the civil services. Her case sheds light on the trend of people joining the services for personal gain rather than serving the public. Khedkar’s extravagant lifestyle and the use of a red beacon on her car demonstrate her arrogance and disregard for the service. The government must take swift action to remove such misfits from the service. It is crucial to ensure that officers are committed to serving the public, not their personal interests.

Sargunpreet Kaur, Mohali

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