Volatile situation

Apropos of ‘The root of the problem’ (Nous Indica), the Centre and its agencies have failed to read and understand the psyche of the farmers. Now, the farmers’ grievances have found nationwide support because their concerns have nationwide repercussions. The writing is on the wall: once Anna Hazare shook the conscience of the nation, now it is the annadata who has given a jolt to the insensitive and self-styled ‘well-wishers’ of the farming community. Have they cared to ask the most affected party, for whose concern all this exercise in futility has been undertaken? All sections of society are taking part in the farmers’ movement. Therefore, it is in the interests of the agencies involved to realise the gravity of the volatile situation and take remedial steps.

DV Sharma, Mukerian

Corporate quid pro quo

We are entrenched in multi-layered corruption and exploitation, and, unfortunately, the vessel is leaking from the top (‘The root of the problem’; Nous Indica). The Ludhiana gold trader’s example is an eye-opener about how exploitation can easily go uncontrolled. What is worrying the simple farmers is how unscrupulous business tycoons can/shall enter the field of procurement, storage, and ultimately selling the produce at a much higher price, by throwing crumbs to desperate farmers. Politicians and top industrialists are believed to be in a quid pro quo mode.

BM SINGH, AMRITSAR

At the receiving end

Refer to the ‘Thought for the Day’; indeed, ‘the farmer buys everything at retail, sells everything at wholesale, and pays the freight both ways’. The farmers’ agitation is getting support from other quarters, too, due to the genuineness of their demands. Such an agitation is taking place after a gap of 33 years, when farmers had laid siege to New Delhi in 1987. It is only a farmer who does not know what income he will get after selling his produce. The fate of the agitation is uncertain but it is clear that farmers are victims of moneylenders. The government should remove the flaws in the laws which are against the interests of the farmers, as at present, only the agriculture sector is showing positive signs in the GDP data.

Yash Pal Ralhan, Jalandhar

Repeal contentious laws

The agriculture laws were passed by the government in great haste, which did not feel the necessity of any discussion or consultation regarding the reforms. After feeling ignored and unheard for two months, farmers took to the streets, although the government claimed that the laws were beneficial to the farmers. Now being face to face with the farmers pitching their tents on Delhi borders, the government must repeal the contentious laws for the time being. However, the process should continue to introduce reforms as per democratic procedure while keeping the farmer in mind as the ‘sole beneficiary’. The role of corporates or transporting the produce from one state to the other for reaping higher benefits will automatically be restricted if the MSP is legalised with punitive action.

SARDUL SINGH DHAWAN, Chandigarh

This teacher inspires

There is no dearth of intellect in India, but it lacks due recognition here. Ranjitsinh Disale, a teacher at a district council primary school in Maharashtra, has made the country proud by winning the prestigious Global Teacher Award worth Rs 7 crore, and deciding to share it with other teachers. He is a source of inspiration for fellow teachers.

Shadi Lal, by mail

Great gesture

Refer to ‘Ranjitsinh Disale’; the Maharashtra Government school teacher has shown magnanimity by deciding in a never-before-seen instance to share his prize money. In tough times of the pandemic, teachers like Disale are giving their best to make sure every student has access to good education.

SS Paul, Nadia

Poor Covid planning

Apropos of ‘All’s not well in HP Covid wards’, it is surprising to note the lack of preparedness in the very state which imposed the harshest of all lockdowns. Himachal was made an impregnable fortress for a good six months. The leadership and the bureaucratic top brass, however, failed to rise to the occasion and did not use the time given and resources effectively. This total lack of strategy is being reflected on all fronts. HP has the dubious distinction of having most districts in the worst-affected category, not to mention the collateral damage caused. The hapless populace is left to bear the consequences of the government’s inability to plan, allocate and deliver. They are truly at God’s mercy.

Gurjyot Singh, Shimla

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