Resilience of Indian economy

With reference to the front-page news report ‘Economy robust, GDP to grow at 6.5-7%’; things look bright for the future of our country. It is notable that despite a number of natural and man-made disasters, the Covid-19 pandemic and ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza, our economy continues to grow at a fast pace. It is a reflection of the Indian economy’s remarkable resilience in the face of geopolitical challenges. The Economic Survey has rightly underscored the collaborative approach between the Centre, the state governments and the private sector. All-out efforts should be made to achieve the ambitious vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Govind Singh Khimta, Shimla

Supreme Court saves the day

The Supreme Court has rightly stayed the directives issued by certain state governments mandating food and beverage shops along the Kanwar Yatra route to display the names of the owners. The orders issued by the authorities are antithetical to the principle of secularism and could promote discrimination on the basis of caste and religion. It is unfortunate that the powers that be take steps that can disturb communal harmony, compelling the apex court to step in. It is imperative that the yatra is not politicised. However, it would be wise to direct the eatery owners to display a list of the items on offer. Cooperation between the government and the public is necessary to ensure a smooth pilgrimage.

Raj Kumar Kapoor, Ropar

State must stay out of religion

The directives recently issued by the authorities of some state governments — that have now been stayed by the Supreme Court — making it compulsory for eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route to display the names of the owners or operators were unwarranted. The move was a communal dog whistle. Such steps not only deepen religious and caste divides but also harm small businesses, primarily those owned by the members of a particular community. To ensure that the yatra remains peaceful, the authorities don’t need to issue diktats that can be used to target a religious group.

Varshita Bhura, Zirakpur

Democrats must pull up their socks

US President Joe Biden has withdrawn from the presidential race at last, a move that many believe was prompted by widespread criticism of his performance in the Oval Office. With this, Kamala Harris, a woman of colour, is set to face Donald Trump in the November elections. Notably, Trump’s campaign has gained momentum of late. The failed attempt on the former President’s life during a recent rally has only boosted his popularity. Fielding an experienced woman to take on the Republican contender is not enough. The Democratic Party must take concrete steps to prove to the electorate that Kamala is better positioned to lead the country than Trump.

Shaurya Lall, Zirakpur

Netas must learn from USSS boss

Refer to the story ‘Our significant failure: Secret Service chief on Trump shooting’; the director of the US federal law enforcement agency, Kimberly Cheatle, has done well to take full responsibility for the attack that wounded former President Donald Trump during a recent rally in Pennsylvania. Though the United States Secret Service (USSS) chief had initially rebuffed the calls to resign, she did admit in no uncertain terms that the assassination attempt on the ex-President was the agency’s most significant operational failure in decades. Contrast this with how the ministers, law enforcement officials and bureaucrats here in India respond to a lapse. Our leaders can learn a thing or two about accountability from the USSS boss.

Avinash Godboley, Dewas (MP)

The quota quandary

Widespread violence recently broke out in Bangladesh over a quota that reserved 30 per cent of the government jobs for the relatives of veterans who had fought in the 1971 war of independence. The stir brought back memories of the unrest in India in 1990 following the adoption of the Mandal Commission Report, which had pushed the total reservation in government jobs for the SC, ST and OBC categories to 49.5 per cent. Political parties in India must draw lessons from the Bangladesh episode and change their stance on reservation.

Vinay Kumar Malhotra, Ambala Cantt

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