Tahawwur Rana’s extradition

Refer to ‘26/11 probe gets a new lease of life’; the US Supreme Court’s go-ahead to the extradition of Tahawwur Rana to India is a significant victory in the fight against terrorism. For years, Rana, a key figure in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, has managed to exploit legal loopholes in the US. The court’s rejection of his final appeal paves the way for India to bring him to trial. Rana’s extradition is a testament to the persistence and diligence of India’s legal and diplomatic efforts. Despite multiple rejections of his petitions in various courts, the evidence against him remains irrefutable, underscoring the importance of international cooperation in combating global terrorism.

Sanjay Chopra, Mohali

Reduce administrative expenses

With reference to ‘Punjab’s plight’; the state, which used to be prosperous, has now finished last on NITI Aayog’s fiscal health index. Successive state governments doled out freebies and borrowed funds for meeting debt obligations. The result is that the state is under an unbearable debt burden. The state exchequer is bleeding due to continuous mismatch between revenue receipts and expenditure and needs urgent course correction. The government should take bold decisions to reduce administrative expenses and raise tax revenue. Withdrawing free travel facility and rationalising power subsidy to domestic users and big farmers are among the steps that can be taken.

Nirmaljit Singh Chatrath, Kapurthala

Subsidies from taxpayers’ money

Apropos of ‘Punjab’s plight’; crores of rupees are being spent on free electricity as subsidy from the taxpayers’ money. The electoral promise of Rs 1,000 per month to every woman is yet to be fulfilled. Besides, employees are awaiting the implementation of the Pay Commission recommendations. Freebies and subsidies, while politically appealing, must be carefully considered in view of their long-term economic impact. Moreover, withdrawing a benefit once given, even if unviable, has its own repercussions.

Raj Kumar Kapoor, Ropar

Reforms in govt schemes

Refer to ‘MGNREGS funds’; this employment scheme is a lifeline for millions of rural households in India, ensuring employment and financial security. However, recurring fund shortages and delayed payments have severely impacted its efficacy. The annual financial crunch has left many workers without timely wages, undermining the scheme’s credibility. This not only affects beneficiaries but also raises concerns about the government’s commitment to rural welfare. Addressing administrative inefficiencies, ensuring timely fund allocation and streamlining processes are crucial to restore trust and make MGNREGS a robust safety net. Urgent reforms are needed to align its implementation with the evolving needs of rural India.

Sikandar Bansal, Shimla

Experimentation in education

The frequent experimentation by the UGC in higher educational institutions (HEIs) is not a healthy practice. In the long run, it will prove detrimental to the Indian education system. After Independence, education panels like Radhakrishnan Commission (1948-49), National Education Commission (1964-66) and the National Knowledge Commission (2005) were constituted. After a lot of deliberations and debates, the requisite reforms were incorporated in the Indian higher education system. The changes in education policies, though carried out slowly, were the outcome of discussions. The latest UGC draft rules regarding the appointment of bureaucrats and technocrats as VCs, coupled with interference of Governors, will damage the Indian higher education system.

VK Anand, Chandigarh

Pensioners at receiving end

Refer to the news report ‘HC raps Centre for not implementing SC order on disability pension to armed forces personnel’; it has been observed that the Centre is indifferent to the plight of pensioners, who are made to wage a struggle for even their genuine grievances. Being oblivious to disability pensioners in the defence sector is inexcusable; it warrants deep introspection.

Jagdish Chander, Jalandhar