Wealth over merit
Refer to ‘Trump unveils $5 mn gold card for gaining US citizenship’; the proposed provision is a stark deviation from America’s founding ideals. It has reduced citizenship to a mere transaction for the super-rich. It blatantly prioritises wealth over merit, making US citizenship a privilege for the ultra-rich while sidelining skilled professionals. This move undermines the principles of equal opportunity and could further widen economic inequality. Wealthy individuals from countries with weak economic regulations may use this programme to funnel illegal money into the US. By turning citizenship into a luxury purchase, the US has diminished its global image as a land of opportunity.
Balbir Singh Kakkar, Jalandhar
US undermining skills
President Trump’s announcement of the Gold Card immigration policy raises critical concerns. It essentially creates a system that further excludes ordinary individuals, particularly from low and middle-income backgrounds, from accessing the opportunities America offers. The idea of selling residency shifts the focus of immigration away from merit-based or sponsorship criteria, potentially undermining the broader values of the American immigration policy. It will create a two-tier society where wealth, not skills or values, determines one’s place in the US. This policy risks deepening existing inequalities and fostering resentment among those who feel left behind. Migration policies should promote fairness, inclusivity and opportunity for all.
Vandana, Chandigarh
Skill courses for prisoners
Undertrials and convicts in various jails of Punjab should be provided free education. The illiterate inmates should be offered basic courses that can bring a positive change in their lives. Their progress should be regularly monitored by judges. The prisoners should also be provided financial incentives to mobilise their support for the literacy initiative. Most of the undertrials have no work to do all day; their time should be utilised for teaching them new skills. After completing their sentence, prisoners will be well-equipped to start a new life based on their skills. This will facilitate their reintegration into society and make them hard-working and socially responsible citizens.
Jatinder Kumar verma, Patiala
Maha Kumbh successful
With reference to ‘Monumental Kumbh’; hats off to all those, especially police personnel, who performed their duties to the best of their ability. Managing a crowd of 65 crore people was not an easy task. The Mauni Amavasya stampede was an accident that cannot be attributed to any individual’s fault. It has been rightly said, “Accidents are not accidents, but precise arrivals at the wrong right time.” The authorities must take necessary measures to ensure strict safety protocols and better coordination to prevent mishaps at such mega events.
SUBER SINGH PARIHAR, Nadaun
Use revenue to clean Ganga
Refer to ‘Monumental Kumbh’; the 45-day event generated much hype and a substantial revenue of Rs 3 lakh crore. The first thing the UP government should do is to utilise these funds to clean the Ganga by building sewage treatment and water-cleaning plants. To keep this hefty amount from falling into the wrong hands, a transparent system should be put in place that tracks every penny earmarked and spent. The money spent should then be tallied with the work done on the ground.
RS Narula, Patiala
AAP’s make-or-break chance
With reference to ‘Delhi gone, all AAP eyes now on Punjab’; AAP has virtually fallen from ‘aarsh ton farsh’ (from the sky to the ground). The only state it is left with is Punjab. Poll wins in Delhi and Punjab made Kejriwal overconfident and overly ambitious. He erred by not joining hands with the Congress. Had he not committed this political blunder, he would have worn the crown again. Division of votes went in the BJP’s favour. AAP still has a chance, provided it goes with the INDIA bloc.
BM Singh, Amritsar
