Will save time, money

Refer to the editorial ‘National Recruitment Agency’ (August 21); the concept of NRA looks beneficial for both the government and those seeking employment. Both will save money — the government for conducting several exams, and candidates for depositing money separately for all exams. Candidates will have to prepare for all exams only once. The Centre has conceptualised a single exam for all B and C posts across India, but the MP Government has declared that it will reserve state government jobs only for local candidates. It may create a problem for the quasi-federal system of India. There is a need to create maximum number of jobs to cater to the unemployment caused by Covid-19. India has only one citizenship for people staying in the country, and citizens cannot be barred from staying or working in any state, as per Article 16 of the Constitution.

Wg Cdr Jasbir S Minhas (retd), Mohali

Vaccine nationalism

Refer to ‘Oz enters deal with AstraZeneca for vaccine’ (Aug 20); ‘vaccine nationalism’ is emerging in various affluent countries. Even before the end of human trials, several countries like the US, the UK, France, Germany and Australia have entered into pre-purchase agreements with vaccine manufacturers. Such agreements can make it difficult for the rest of the world’s population to have accessibility to Covid-19 vaccines, at least initially, when the production level will be low. This fear has led the WHO to issue an advisory to rich nations to desist from hoarding vaccines and allow its fair and rational distribution to all countries, irrespective of their wealth quotient.

Balbir Singh Kakkar, Jalandhar

Education disrupted

In reference to the news report ‘27% pupils without smartphones, laptops’; laptops and smartphones have been the second option for all students, but due to Covid, the only option now is online education. Smartphones or laptops with proper Internet connection are required, but not all students have access to them. Covid has impacted the education of students whose families are struggling with financial problems or because they are living in rural areas.

Shefali Kohli, Jalandhar

Missing out on classes

As per a survey by the NCERT, about 27% pupils have no access to smartphones and laptops. This is a serious issue because in the current times, the whole education system depends on these gadgets. Many from the middle class have lost their jobs. How can they, and those from poor families, buy these costly gadgets for their children?

Kanika, Dharamsala

Amritsar dirtiest

Reference to Swachh Survekshan 2020; Amritsar, the holy city, also known the world over as Sifti-da-Ghar, is the dirtiest city in Punjab and ninth dirtiest in the country among cities with a population of over 10 lakh. This, in spite of the fact that an IAS officer as Commissioner of the Amritsar Municipal Corporation-cum-CEO Amritsar Smart City, is looking after it. Other agencies like the Amritsar Improvement Trust and Amritsar Development Authority are also spending a lot of resources for its upkeep. All government bodies are spending money to give it a beautiful look, but no one is caring to give it a ‘swachh’ look.

Naresh Johar, Amritsar

Anti-Covid measures

The decision by the Punjab Chief Minister to impose night curfew and the extension of the weekend lockdown was a much-needed step to curb the spread of Covid. Although the fatality rate is still low, the surge in cases is increasing. The ‘war-like preparedness’ that the CM called for, and asking the citizens to spread awareness and cooperate with the government, will hopefully prove to be effective and help in a Covid-free Punjab.

Maitri Bhardwaj, Patiala

True captain

Apropos of ‘Dhoni embodiment of new India’ (Aug 21), the former captain of Team India broke the hearts of millions of his fans across the world when he announced his retirement. Dhoni accepted all the highs and lows in his cricket career to win him the title of the best captain of Team India. The note of appreciation by PM Modi is a proud moment for Dhoni’s fans. His presence of mind is unlikely to be seen on the field of international cricket for a long time.

Surbhi Attreya, Meerut

Smacks of bias

I hold Julio Ribeiro in high esteem. Hence, I was extremely disappointed to read his article on Sushant Singh Rajput (Aug 15) which was unduly biased in favour of the Maharashtra Government, the Mumbai police and Rhea Chakraborty. He has simplistically concluded that Sushant’s death was a suicide due to his love affair gone awry. There is hope that Sushant and his family will get justice, now that the case has been taken over by the CBI.

OP Singh, Chandigarh

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