Unemployment a stark reality

Refer to ‘Despair, desperation over jobs in Bihar’; the problem of unemployment is severe in populous states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. These two states account for most of the inter-state migration in India. The economy of Bihar, historically one of India’s poorest states, is heavily dependent on agriculture. But small landholdings, coupled with inadequate irrigation, provide less dividends and render land unproductive. The state’s industrial sector is underdeveloped. The hapless villagers have no alternative except to work in farms and industries in other states. Educated youths hanker after government jobs. The recruitment process is slow in the state and paper leaks add to the misery. Results of exams get delayed for years. If no timely correction in the system is done, the consequences can be disastrous.

KR Bharti, Shimla

Countries protect their farmers

With reference to ‘Punjab farmers need a crop insurance cover’; a lack of political will across parties has led to inadequate, politically motivated compensations instead of providing real solutions. In contrast, countries like Australia, the US, Canada, China and Japan protect their farmers by providing strong crop insurance schemes. The government must learn from the current flood crisis and introduce a comprehensive crop insurance policy in Punjab, alongside strategies for sustainable management of natural resources.

Rajesh Jalota, by mail

Academic freedom curtailed

Apropos of ‘When university professors stop questioning power’; if the academia shifts to self-censorship, truth begins to lose its meaning. A nation’s history must be based on people’s struggles instead of a focus on State policies in order to reveal its democratic credentials. These days, academic freedom is being curtailed in the name of fostering nationalism. It is essential for the intellectual, as Edward Said argues, “to speak truth to power, often at the risk of being deemed unpatriotic or subversive”.

Ashima Gupta, Patiala

Varsities must align with truth

Refer to ‘When university professors stop questioning power’; it is a clarion call to the academia of the world to wake up from its deep slumber before it is too late. Professional ambition resulting in complicity is one of the stumbling blocks in the way of the academician playing an objective role. The writer has aptly observed that universities must align not with state power or capital but with the struggle for freedom, justice and truth. He has raised pertinent questions about the purpose and function of higher education in a democratic society and its role in the welfare of the State. Universities must rise to the occasion to play a significant part in ushering a humane, amiable and harmonious world order.

PK Sharma, Barnala

Protect RTI activists

The editorial ‘RTI woes’ underscores how vacancies and delays have weakened the RTI framework. However, another grave concern often overlooked is the safety of those who dare to use this Act. Since its enactment, scores of RTI activists have been harassed, assaulted or even killed, with the tragic case of Shehla Masood standing out as a stark reminder. The Whistleblower Protection Act, which was intended to safeguard truth-seekers, remains toothless in practice — diluted by amendments and crippled by poor enforcement. Unless the state ensures robust protection for whistleblowers and RTI activists, transparency will remain a promise only on paper.

Harsh Pawaria, Rohtak

Taking development forward

Apropos of ‘Modi at 75’; Narendra Modi’s premiership has altered India’s image in the eyes of the world. The prime minister has carried forward the work of his predecessors to newer heights. While the foundation of India’s space programme was largely laid down by Indira Gandhi, Modi’s tenure has propelled the country to the forefront of space exploration. The momentum of economic reforms laid down by Manmohan Singh has continued with renewed zeal as India integrates with the global economy. However, the biggest challenge is to create jobs for the teeming youth.

Chander Shekhar Dogra, Jalandhar