Quarantine at home

Apropos the April 30 editorial ‘Home quarantine’, given our overstressed healthcare infrastructure, the Health Ministry’s new guidelines will ease load on hospitals treating the confirmed Covid-19 cases. It can give good results only if patients honestly follow the set conditions and strong monitoring by the home caregiver. With adequate precautions, patients can stay at home, and in due time, with proper care, recover without straining the health system.

LJS PANESAR, by mail

Ensure food security

Apropos the editorial ‘What a waste!’ (April 30), for strengthening food security to avert scarcity, the government must escalate the movement of food commodities from surplus to deficient areas. The most urgent task during the lockdown is to ensure that all people are saved from hunger due to food shortage resulting from slow movement of this most vital commodity. The PDS will have to be the lifeline for most Indians. Though there is a buffer stock of grains and pulses at the disposal of the government, rations will have to be moved from Centrally managed godowns to states and onwards to ration shops. The procurement and supply chains for agricultural commodities need to be strengthened.

LAL Singh, by mail

Lockdown exit

Reference to the April 29 editorial ‘Over to the CMs’; how a CM handles the situation in his state will matter a lot. The PM’s most significant remark was about the need for ushering in reforms that touch the lives of citizens. While details of specific reforms are yet to be spelled out, there is a need for re-evaluating priorities. The CMs will have to conserve their own resources and find a fine balance between healthcare precautions and the revival of the economy while keeping social distancing norms intact. Despite raising the issue of their state’s depleted finances and need for Central help, the PM has not provided any specific commitment. The Union government has already delayed the stimulus package, which may have caused irreversible harm to business and industries.

MS Khokhar, by mail

DA freeze, cuts fine

It is disheartening that some people are objecting to DA freeze and pension cut. Emoluments and pensions are not entitlements and are subject to the economic condition of a state. Crores of people have lost their jobs. Crores are struggling for even two meals a day. At the time of selection during an interview, all candidates claim that they want to serve the nation and society by joining government service; now is the right time to fulfil that promise. At the same time, former and sitting legislators receiving multiple pensions should draw only one pension and set an example.

Ravi Bhushan, Kurukshetra

Why write off NPAs?

NPAs worth Rs 68,000 crore written off by the RBI raise many questions. Why these NPAs belong to those among the richest Indians? Why have they been written off at a time when the whole nation is fighting the war against the coronavirus? Why was this not made public by the government? An RTI whistleblower had to bring out the facts in front of the public. This huge amount could have plugged the deficit created in the economy. Farmers are committing suicides for paltry loans because banks put pressure on them, but these people, with huge loans, are enjoying in India and abroad.

Wg Cdr Jasbir Minhas (retd), Mohali

Petroleum reserves

Strategic petroleum reserves (SPR) are meant to be used in emergencies, where time is likely to be of essence. In order to mitigate risks, India should look to diversify its SPR holdings. Now is the time to reserve and sustain oil for future by adopting better storage facilities.

Bhawna Verma, Rajpura

Irreparable loss

Two versatile actors, Rishi Kapoor and Irrfan Khan, have bidden us goodbye. Every eye is moist. In this crucial time, where we are fighting the world’s most dangerous virus, corona, their sad demise has doubled the grief. Irfaan justified every role given to him. Lunchbox, Makbool, Hindi Medium — three different characters and one actor. Commendable performance! He would have contributed tremendously to the film industry had he survived. Rishi Kapoor was the superstar of his time. It is an irreparable loss. May they rest in peace.

SAROJ BANYAL, HAMIRPUR

Brilliant actor

Apropos ‘He wowed critics & fans alike’ (April 30), it is sad to learn about the tragic death of actor Irrfan Khan. He was a brilliant performer and a magnificent actor. His craft in movies like Lunchbox will forever remain etched in the hearts of fans and admirers. May his soul rest in peace.

KIRANDEEP SINGH, CHANDIGARH

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