Respecting local needs of UTs

Apropos of ‘Governance model of UTs needs a reset’; there is a dire need to facilitate autonomous functioning of UTs, which is often less visible there as compared to in a state, affecting democratic governance and efficient administration. Greater autonomy would allow UTs to address local needs and aspirations more effectively by fostering a more participatory and responsive governance structure for tailoring policies according to their specific contexts. It can bring about better development outcomes along with reduced conflicts due to clearer demarcation of powers. However, the obstacle is the intent of successive Central governments to maintain control over UTs. Strengthening cooperative federalism while respecting local needs is crucial.

Vaibhav Goyal, Chandigarh

Government’s intention unclear

Refer to ‘A Bill that creates a kill switch for regime change’; the highest ethical standards in politics should be at the heart of amendments to a Constitution Bill. The government introduced the Bill without a discussion on the subject, making its intention unclear, to say the least. In these times, when actions of enforcement agencies like the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate are usually under a cloud, the introduction of such a Bill raises suspicion of its misuse. India’s democracy is quite sturdy; it should not follow Pakistan’s trajectory where popular leaders are sent to jail to settle political scores.

Deepak Taak, Panchkula

Aimed at the Opposition

Refer to ‘Flawed Bills’; the conduct of ministers must be beyond reproach. However, the proposal to remove the PM, CMs or ministers merely based on 30 days’ detention without trial is draconian, reminiscent of the Emergency. Moreover, since the CBI and ED are under the Centre’s control, it’s chief ministers rather than the PM or Union ministers who will bear the brunt, particularly in Opposition-ruled states. Clearly, this Bill is less about purifying politics and more about sweeping out the Opposition. Political ethics demand a fair judicial trial and respect for constitutional propriety.

CHANCHAL S MANN, UNA

Extra burden on commuters

Apropos of ‘Taking a toll’; the toll tax is an additional burden on commuters who have already paid the mandatory road tax at the time of purchase of the vehicle or are paying it on monthly or yearly basis, depending on the category under the Motor Vehicles Act. Toll collection is often justified on the grounds of meeting construction, repair and maintenance costs. However, the NHAI continues to collect the tax even after having met the relevant costs. Toll tax has become an easy source of revenue generation. The responsibility of the highway authority should be to provide the best possible facilities rather than just fill the government’s coffers. The need of the hour is to give monetary relief to commuters.

Ravi Sharma, Dhariwal

Why F&O trading out of Bill’s ambit

The Online Gaming Bill prohibits money-based online gaming, citing addiction, opaque algorithms and financial ruin. But a similar concern exists with Futures & Options (F&O) trading in the stock market. As per SEBI data, over 93 per cent of retail traders lose money in F&O, while gains are cornered mainly by high-value clients, FIIs and DIIs. The pattern of speculative betting, heavy losses and addictive behaviour closely resembles online betting, which this Bill seeks to curb. If online gaming is punishable due to its notional nature, why is F&O trading excluded despite similar risks and outcomes?

Vinod Kumar Jindal, Bathinda

Payment of arrears to pensioners

The Punjab government has disbursed arrears (January 1, 2006, to June 30, 2021) to its employees and pensioners. Pensioners above 85 years of age have been given the arrears in two instalments. However, no decision has been taken for the payment of arrears from July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2025. Considering their advanced age, pensioners above 85 should be paid the remaining arrears promptly.

GR Kalra, Panchkula

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