Unethical journalism

The contents of the leaked WhatsApp chats involving Arnab Goswami are symptomatic of a larger malaise in television media, wherein journalism has become a profit-driven venture, devoid of any sort of public interest. This brand of rabble-rousing journalism is not just limited to Republic TV. Competing channels follow the same form of journalism and should stop being sanctimonious as they are equally responsible for the sad state of affairs. The leaked chats show that the motto of media networks has become twofold: gain access to corridors of power and get the highest TRPs. Journalists who use nationalism for TRPs are no different from petty politicians who demand proof of nationalism from patriotic citizens. Both the Radia tapes and the Arnab chats are a severe indictment of the media and call for a complete overhaul, which however, seems to be a distant dream in the present circumstances.

Shivam Jain, Bathinda

Myth of privacy

Today, the world has entered a new era of data, where privacy is at stake. The journey from a post office letter to WhatsApp and other social media platforms has played a significant role in bringing about the changes. The apps take all our necessary information; what remains in our hand is nothing but a smartphone. The era has come where data is more valuable than money. But on the other hand, we have no security of our own data. The day is not far when our every activity will be under the omnipresent camera. Privacy will only be a myth. Therefore, it becomes our duty to be conscious about every change. New media has also played a significant role in spreading fake news. It is the need of the hour to strengthen laws to save people from false information.

Aman Jaiswal, Delhi

Data privacy

Apropos of ‘Cyber data privacy in peril’, the government must come up with constructive policies and amendments to elude the coming privacy threat. Had the government amended the outdated Indian cyber law, it would not have generated such a situation. But comprehending the recent WhatsApp incident as a warning, the government must take stringent steps. Passing of the Personal Data Protection Bill and strengthening of legal frameworks by the government could be a remedy to protect the cyber sovereign interests.

Yuvika, Kurukshetra

Withdraw agitation

Apropos of ‘Govt offers to put farm laws on hold for 1.5 years’, it is a wise and calculated offer of the Central government to the agitating farmers. The farmers from Punjab are spearheading the agitation. Politics and power struggle is behind the agitation in Punjab. The time limit of 1.5 years has been suggested, keeping in view the state elections. Farm laws will be a major issue during the elections and people will give their verdict on the new legislations. The farmers should accept the offer and withdraw the agitation which is causing hardships to their own community as well as to the general public.

Ashok bahl, Kangra

Promote other games, too

The BCCI’s announcement of Rs 5-crore bonus for the Indian cricket team that created history by winning a thrilling match (and series) in the absence of star players is a welcome step to boost the morale of the players. But what about other games like hockey, football, basketball etc? Everyone wants to be a cricketer to earn money and fame, but only 11 players can be adjusted in the cricket team. Where would the others go? The government should promote other sports also to attract talented youth.

Sukhdev Singh Minhas, Mohali

Budget objectives

Apropos of ‘Budget expectations’, the main aim of the Budget should be to repair last year’s economic damage. Most forecasts for the next fiscal anticipate a sharp rebound as normalcy returns. That may not necessarily answer the more important question. What will the economic trajectory beyond that look like? Rating agency Fitch anticipates that the economy will grow around 6.5% in the next four years up to 2025-26. Given the sense of urgency because millions enter the job market annually, that can be a disappointing trajectory. India had lost economic momentum for at least two years before the pandemic struck. Some problems like banks struggling with bad loans and manufacturing losing productivity have been around longer. India’s long-term performance will be significantly influenced by the quality of human capital available. Even as the government crafts a strategy to get out of last year’s recession, it needs to simultaneously unclog pathways to build human capital. Education and healthcare are areas which deserve serious policy attention. The emphasis on deregulation in agriculture, industry and services is praiseworthy. But it needs to be complemented by similar measures in education and healthcare.

SK SINGH, by mail

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