SIR should not be done in a hurry

Apropos of ‘Pan-India SIR aims to avoid Bihar pangs’; the ECI should draw lessons from the Bihar-SIR exercise to prevent any kind of chaos in its upcoming pan-India SIR. There have been arbitrary deletion of voters, without proper verification, unrealistic timelines, burdensome documentation requirements and mismanagement of data on migrants. The revision process will take time, so nothing should be done in a hurry. People should be informed about the process through BLOs, civil society and political parties. The deletion lists must be published along with the reasons for the exclusion. The deleted voters must be given an opportunity to file objections. A clear and inclusive method to verify temporary migrant workers must be developed.

Vaibhav Goyal, Chandigarh

Life abroad not so rosy

With reference to ‘Haryana’s risky leap to foreign shores’; undoubtedly, there is great risk of both money and life when people take the ‘dunki’ route to enter foreign countries. Ironically, the youth who never take risks in their own country and do not trust the journey to the destination will be left with no option, but to die poor. Even if they reach foreign shores, they cannot think about medical benefits, fearless living and happy moments in life with family.

Amritpal Singh, Bathinda

A desperate escape

Haryana’s leap towards foreign shores reflects both aspiration and anxiety. There is a search for opportunity amid deep-rooted systemic failures. The lure of a better life abroad cannot conceal the harsh reality that many migrants endure exploitation, isolation and disillusionment. Unless the state prioritises education, skill development and meaningful local employment, migration will continue to be a desperate escape rather than a deliberate choice. However, the youth too must not get influenced by materialistic needs and run after fake dreams of affluence and easy money.

Gaurav Badhwar, Rohtak

India must conform to sanctions

Refer to ‘India-Russia rapport’; it is indicative more of our diplomatic complacency than any pragmatic approach. One can’t have one’s cake and eat it too. Russia has been inflicting countless miseries on Ukrainian people with every passing day. It has also tested a Poseidon nuclear-powered super torpedo that is capable of devastating coastal regions by triggering vast radioactive ocean swells. India must conform to the international sanction regime rather than finding loopholes in it to avoid it. India can keep the promise of oil imports and jet-manufacturing deals with Russia after the Ukraine-Russia ceasefire comes through.

Lt Col GS Bedi (retd), Mohali

Cloud seeding gives brief respite

It refers to ‘Clouded hopes’; there is nothing wrong in trying to explore innovative solutions to address air pollution. But the recent cloud seeding in certain pockets of Delhi looked more of optics than anything else. China, Thailand and Malaysia have already tried artificial rain, but it did not help the cause. Delhi should have learnt its lessons from their experiments. Cloud seeding only works when there is a cloud density and adequate humidity which can trigger rain. And even when it triggers rain, it improves the air quality for a brief period. The solution to the capital’s pollution lies in a well-coordinated approach with the states within the range of 200-250 km of Delhi.

Bal Govind, Noida

Following archaic laws

Refer to ‘Labour policy hails Manusmriti; Opposition says bid to slap RSS customs’; it is shocking that in a democratic and constitutional republic like India, a national labour policy is being aligned with archaic and discriminatory sermons of the Manusmriti. This text is a retrograde treatise that divides humanity on rigid caste lines and legitimises inequality and exploitation. To present it as a moral foundation of labour governance is not only misplaced but also an insult to the constitutional values of liberty, equality and fraternity. India should focus on real issues—fair and remunerative wages, humane living and working conditions, occupational safety and social security.

Ramphal Kataria, Kurukshetra