Silence on falling rupee alarming

Refer to the news report, ‘Rupee sinks to record low of Rs 86.62 against $’; the Indian rupee’s depreciation to a record low against the US dollar has serious economic consequences, like rising import costs, higher fuel prices, inflation and increased production expenses for industries relying on imports. Ironically, when in the Opposition, the current ruling party was highly critical of even minor depreciation of the rupee, calling it a reflection of poor governance. Its stoic silence now is alarming. Adding to public frustration is the finance minister’s statement that “the rupee is not sliding, the dollar is strengthening,” which comes across as a mere excuse rather than a logical explanation.

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Balbir Singh Kakkar, Jalandhar

All eyes on Maha Kumbh

Refer to ‘Maha Kumbh 2025’; millions of people are congregating for a period of 45 days at Prayagraj (Allahabad). In today’s global world, such a huge gathering makes India the centre of attraction, which has its own implications — social, political and economic. Notwithstanding any other factor and consideration, it is an exhilarating experience to be a part of such an expansive sea of humanity, besides having a lasting feel of the dip in cold waters at the confluence of the three rivers. The next Maha Kumbh will be in 2037; Ardh Kumbh will take place earlier. Maha Kumbh is just a glimpse of what India is in reality.

Jagvinder Singh Brar, Patiala

Workers’ safety important

With reference to ‘Workers in peril’; the measures to keep labourers safe are inadequate in our country. The poor fellows penetrate the darkest tunnels, septic tanks and deep waters, but their dedication is not appreciated as much as it should be. It doesn’t matter whether they are working in companies or other institutions — risks are everywhere. They are unsung heroes who sometimes sacrifice their lives but their families do not even get the requisite help to lead an honourable life. Governments should keep their welfare on priority with modern machinery at their beck and call to help them in distress.

Saroj Banyal, Hamirpur

High expectations from Modi

Apropos of ‘Modi’s J&K outreach’; the editorial is an apt summing up of the Prime Minister’s visit to the Kashmir valley during which he inaugurated an all-weather tunnel at the tourist resort of Sonamarg. A master of masterstrokes, PM Narendra Modi’s “right things at the right time” remark has placated not only J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah but also kept the expectations of the people in the Valley high. There is no denying the fact that Modi’s credibility and Omar’s relevance are at stake.

DV Sharma, Mukerian

Misuse, overuse of free power

Unscheduled power cuts have become the order of the day in Punjab. Misuse and overuse of free power by farmers is the cause of frequent cuts. The government coffers are empty. There is no money to pay to the PSPCL for giving free power; even salaries are not paid in time. Funds received from the Centre are often diverted and misused. Full-page ads with the CM’s photos in newspapers and frequent telecast on TV are costing lakhs of rupees, even though they serve as mere photo-ops. Punjab is blindly following Arvind Kejriwal’s Delhi model — offer freebies to garner votes. Promising freebies amounts to bribing the voters. Could the Election Commission or the Supreme Court step in to declare the practice illegal and ban the freebies? Development suffers due to wastage of government money on freebies.

WG CDR CL SEHGAL (RETD), JALANDHAR

Inferno in California

The raging inferno in California is going out of control, making the task more challenging. The low humidity levels in grass and trees have made the area more susceptible to fire. The strong winds are preventing helicopters from spraying water on the fires. The water hydrants have low pressure due to a shortage of water in aqueducts and groundwater due to excessive demand. Relief now depends on the speed of accumulation of resources from the vicinity of the affected towns and beyond along with their effective and well-coordinated use by the Fire Department.

Col RS Narula (Retd), Patiala