Revenue generation

The Centre and the state governments are trying to generate utmost revenue to fill the gaping hole in the exchequer due to the ongoing pandemic by enhancing excise duty on fuel and liquor. The global crude oil prices are at an all-time low, but state governments are further increasing the excise duty, rather than passing the benefit on to the consumers. The freezing of DA of government employees is another step of the Modi government, which is being resented by various sections of employees, especially pensioners. The RBI has further made a mockery of the financial system of the country by waiving the loan of Rs 68,000 crore, in which the absconding Mehul Choksi and Jatin Mehta were among the top defaulters.

Pankaj Mohindru, Patiala

Show of gratitude

Reference to the recent flypast to honour Covid warriors; such expenditure is uncalled for in a country like India, where a large number of people do not have enough money to feed themselves and their families. Every penny has great value for our public. First, we have to support the large number of industries/shops which are being forced to shut business due to labour payment problems. Some state governments are even facing problems in paying salaries to their employees in this crucial time. This undue expenditure could have been better used to send labourers to their hometown. No doubt, we all are very grateful to our frontline workers, but we can honour them through other means also like giving appreciation letters and garlanding them, which will cost far less.

PARVEEN KUMAR, PATIALA

FIR in Arnab case

In moving the Supreme Court (May 6), Arnab Goswami of the Republic TV is seeking a favour on the premise of freedom of speech — especially his own, a journalist-turned-electronic media baron. An FIR is an instrument entailing necessary investigation and adjudication. That process is necessary for justice equity and fair play. The channel is engaging in unnecessary debates on sensitive issues and matters already under consideration before the law courts. Individuals belonging to different nationalities having little allegiance to the Constitution of India are called upon to join the war of words on ‘non-airable’ matters. The court should adjudicate only by keeping in view numerous old cases pending before it.

KL Noatay, UK

Rush to buy liquor

It was a grave mistake to open liquor shops all over the nation, just for the sake of revenue by compromising safety and norms which were in the making the hard way. The reaction of the public was as expected. Most alcoholics had crossed their breaking point and had learnt to live without liquor, which they could not have achieved without this opportunity, but all was in vain. If this is the last resort left for the authorities to collect revenue for combating the coronavirus, it would be better to raise the price of liquor by 10 times, with restriction of only one bottle per person. The delivery could be made at home or the timings of liquor shops can be staggered which will enable easier implementation of social distancing by the police.

Parminder Narula, Alwar

Up to people now

Apropos of ‘Living with the virus’ (May 5), the government has done its duty proactively by enforcing curfew and lockdown to arrest the spread of the virus and save lives. It is now gingerly moving to lift the restrictions in a calibrated manner and may relax the lockdown considerably or completely in the coming weeks. The lockdown can’t continue indefinitely. The onus now shifts to the people to observe self-imposed discipline and new social norms. This will relieve the government considerably and allow it to concentrate on economic revival, vital for livelihood and the well-being of all.

GP CAPT JS BOPARAI (RETD), UNA

Ultimate sacrifice

The article ‘Embracing death in line of duty’ rightly speaks about the CO and his duties, including getting personally involved in the firefight, fighting bravely alongside his men. He is the guiding and motivating force for his men. During such times when we should remember the sacrifice of men who keep us safe, it is demeaning to raise unworthy questions.

Sonaal Dehran, Sangrur

Case pendency

Apropos of ‘Virtual hearings at High Court’ (May 5), considering the low number of hearings at the courts, they would be overwhelmingly burdened once normalcy returns. The Indian judicial system is notorious for a backlog of about 43 lakh cases as of July 2019. As the disputes keep arising and cases are being filed but not heard, the increase in backlog during the lockdown would further increase the discontent with our judicial system.

Harman Singh, Panchkula

Letters to the Editor, typed in double space, should not exceed the 200-word limit. These should be cogently written and can be sent by e-mail to: Letters@tribunemail.com