Security paramount

The overhaul in recruitment and retention mechanisms should ensure the country’s security and defend its national interests (‘Recruitment plan out, protesters barred’). The Centre has shown magnanimity in announcing age enhancement, non-alteration of unit’s composition and reservation in Central police forces. It should address the remaining concerns of the agitating youth. For the success of new paradigm, the government should ensure fair and transparent selection, and proper training for operational capability. Post their exit from the Army, these Agniveers should get assured re-employment in government, public and private sector undertakings. The budgetary allocation for the defence sector should be increased. The Opposition should stop politicising this important national issue and the ruling party should restrain its overzealous cadres from making irresponsible statements.

DS Kang, Hoshiarpur

Hurried step

Refer to the report ‘Recruitment plan out, protesters barred’; the government is in a tearing hurry to commence the recruitment process under the new scheme and has no plans to roll it back. Possibly it wants to send a strong message that despite the protests, the government is receiving a record number of applications thick and fast. The government is likely to accelerate the enrolment process and portray it as a grand success. However, what happens after four years when 75 per cent of them are retrenched and join the league of growing unemployed youth? From government perspective, it shall be just another drop in the ocean of unemployment.

Deepak Singhal, Noida

Reconsider Agnipath

The course of violence, vandalism and arson adopted by the Agnipath protesters is not right. Peaceful protests are more successful and the farmers’ agitation is a recent example. The agitation was the longest and the biggest, still no vehicle or property was damaged. The protests are otherwise justified. The possibility of conflicts between different categories of soldiers cannot be ruled out. The professional bond may go missing. The scheme should be debated among the stakeholders and reconsidered.

SS Bhathal, Canada

Homework lacking

Apropos of ‘10% quota for Agniveers in CAPFs, Assam Rifles, upper age relaxed,’ the progressive tweaking and continuous climbdown by the government in the face of widespread resentment, though not out of place, is a clear indication that adequate homework has not been done. Whatever be the reason, self-introspection and accountability is needed, the farm bills being a case in point. The long-term repercussions on the services and the reaction of the youth waiting for recruitment could have been anticipated. Creating a situation and then attributing blame on the Opposition and other agencies can only divide society and not advance national interest with implications for all. The issue is not to be mixed with party politics or nationalism as everybody has a stake in national security.

Gp Capt JS Boparai (retd), Bhadsali

Creating jobs

Reference to ‘Critical task of employment generation missing,’ job security, especially at the level of workers is a paramount issue. The policy of disinvestment has to be handled carefully so as not to create joblessness. Agriculture, the source of subsistence for most people, needs a boost by going in for diversification and adoption of modern practices so as to ensure sustenance and create new opportunities.

BM Singh, Amritsar

Safe deposits

Apropos of ‘FDs back in vogue as markets fall,’ banks used to keep a reasonable cushion on rates paid on deposits and interest charged on money lent to borrowers. They used to get returns on fixed deposits and government schemes like NSCs and PPF and paid reasonable interest to small depositors, including senior citizens. It was reversed subsequently. But it is heartening that the trend has been reversed in keeping with the global leads.

Vijaya Sharma, by mail

Electoral reforms

Apropos of ‘One candidate, one seat’, though keeping election-related expenses under check is important, piecemeal cleansing of electoral process will not do. Mandatory norms like being a voter of the constituency for contesting an election and one-year membership to get party nomination will rid our system of many ills. Those elected as Independents must stay so for their entire term. Anyone convicted of moral turpitude or a heinous crime must be barred from holding a public office for life.

Lalit Bhardwaj, Panchkula

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