Responsible family planning vital
Apropos of ‘Population push’; RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s illogical suggestion that Indian families should aim for three children as the current fertility rate has dipped below 2.1 is shocking. While the intention behind such remarks may be to address demographic concerns, the broader implications could have a detrimental impact. India is already grappling with overpopulation, strained resources and environmental degradation. An increase in the birth rate could exacerbate these challenges, putting greater pressure on healthcare, education and infrastructure. Rather than promoting higher fertility, we should prioritise sustainable development, responsible family planning and equitable distribution of resources ion the country.
Balbir Singh Kakkar, Jalandhar
Negative impact of overpopulation
With reference to ‘Population push’; the call by Mohan Bhagwat amid a decline in the TFR is ill-founded. Asking people to bear more children seems paradoxical in the world’s most populous country. The consequences of population growth are far-reaching — scarce jobs, strained public services and worsening environmental crisis. We need to have a comprehensive population control policy, including educating people on family planning measures. In this era of scientific advancements, the thrust should be on building a strong nation based on the fundamentals of peace and prosperity for all.
Nirmaljit Singh Chatrath, Kapurthala
Population root cause of poverty
Refer to ‘Population push’; India has earned the dubious distinction of being the most populous country in the world — surpassing China. Almost all ills being faced by India have been attributed to the burgeoning population. Economists are unanimous in their view that population is the root cause of poverty and slow progress. All our efforts to tackle the problem have failed miserably due to our orthodox mindset. Our infrastructure is falling short of our growing demand. Our leaders are well advised to refrain from airing such views.
Karnail Singh, Kharar
Commuters in a gridlock
Refer to ‘Stuck in traffic’; farmers marching towards Delhi, political leaders travelling to Chandigarh by air, commuters stranded in a traffic gridlock on Delhi’s borders as Parliament resumes functioning — all this gives a feel of Indian democracy moving forward, upwards, crossways simultaneously. The impasse over farmers’ demands should have led to initiatives on the part of the government. It is time to change the archaic approach of organising protests to seek redressal by the authorities. Problems and public issues are expected to be resolved without providing undue mileage to vested interests who thrive on chaos, confusion and distraction. Causing inconvenience to the public is not acceptable.
Jagvinder Singh Brar, Patiala
Leaders unmoved by farmers’ woes
Apropos of ‘Stuck in traffic’; farmers’ protests over their genuine demands, such as legal guarantee for MSP and loan waiver, have disrupted life for the common man but failed to rouse our politicians and policymakers. Winning elections to grab power is perhaps the only purpose that keeps politicians preoccupied. Heads don’t roll over pressing issues like the distress of the farming community. There may be no chance of any farmer figuring among the richest persons in the world, but we must not ignore the fact that the Indian economy is mainly agriculture-based and farmers’ issues should be prioritised for redressal.
Hira Sharma, by mail
Communal violence on the rise
With reference to ‘Courts letting ancient sores erupt afresh’; the dangers of reopening wounds is clearly seen in the manner events played out at Sambhal. There are around 40,000 Muslim places of worship in the country. Some of them would have been built on temples by invaders. But conducting surveys everywhere is an onerous task. This is causing communal tempers to rise alarmingly. In trying to correct historical wrongs, we are putting peace and public order in danger. The courts have unnecessarily allowed this problem to fester when it was as good as buried by The Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991.
Anthony Henriques, Mumbai
