Unrealistic expectations at work
Apropos of ‘Centre opens probe into CA’s death due to excess workload’; while the exact cause of the death is yet to be ascertained, the incident has prompted a welcome conversation about the harms of unrealistic work expectations. The tragedy must prod employers to adopt a more humane and empathetic approach while dealing with their employees. Different people have different ways of dealing with pressure. Not everybody can cope with a stressful work environment. A lot of employees quit their jobs because they feel overwhelmed. Even many who choose to stay employed often opt out of tasks beyond their assigned duties and become less psychologically invested in work, a phenomenon known as quiet quitting. But the real solution lies in enhancing the understanding between the management and the employees.
Mona Singh, by mail
Perils of toxic work culture
With reference to the news report ‘Centre opens probe into CA’s death due to excess workload’; the tragic death of a 26-year-old chartered accountant in Pune has sparked a massive outrage and renewed concerns about the toll that a toxic work culture can take on an employee’s mental health. The incident highlights the need for a better work-life balance in the corporate sector. The rise in cases of young people dying as a result of stress must be thoroughly probed. Notably, India ranks among the top 10 countries when it comes to the number of hours worked per week. It is high time that employers took a serious view of the issue and created flexible work shifts for their employees.
Saloni Sharma, Jammu
Water security at stake
The Indus Water Treaty (IWT) has stood as a rare beacon of cooperation between India and Pakistan, weathering wars and diplomatic storms for decades. Today, it faces an existential threat as India pushes for renegotiation. This move, if handled with hostility, risks unravelling a lifeline vital for millions in both nations. Water knows no borders, and the IWT’s dissolution could spark wider regional tensions. India must resist the urge to choose unilateralism and work towards diplomatic engagement instead. Both nations should honour the established dispute resolution mechanisms, ensuring that the treaty remains a tool for peace and cooperation. Let us not allow short-term political gains to jeopardise a treaty that has preserved harmony for decades. The future of water security and peace depends on it.
Gurdev Singh, by mail
Criticism of CJI, PM is fair
With reference to ‘Fairly or unfairly, judges are being judged’ (Trysts and Turns); I disagree with the writer’s view that the CJI often faces unwarranted criticism from his liberal friends. As someone who occupies the highest judicial post in the country, he will be judged by members of the public for his actions, observations and judgments. And as the person at the helm of affairs in the nation, PM Narendra Modi will also continue to face severe censure if he puts a foot wrong. Public criticism is part and parcel of holding a position of power and responsibility. Besides, by participating in aarti together, the CJI and the PM have set a bad precedent and sent out the wrong message to the public.
Purshotam Kumar, Kurukshetra
CJI’s grave misstep
Refer to ‘Fairly or unfairly, judges are being judged’ (Trysts and Turns); it was an insightful read. The writer has rightly pointed out that CJI DY Chandrachud’s decision to invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi to his residence for aarti of Lord Ganesha, Maharashtra’s beloved deity, was obviously a misstep. The move has understandably drawn a lot of flak from various quarters, including members of the legal fraternity. And it is unfortunate that what should have been a private event received so much publicity in the first place. Hopefully, all involved in the episode will act more responsibly in future.
Subhash C Taneja, Gurugram
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