Govt must review poll rule change

Apropos of ‘Blow to transparency’; the move to amend the poll rule regarding public inspection of documents is a setback to transparency. This decision, made by the Law Ministry on the recommendation of the Election Commission, must be subjected to a wider debate. Before the amendment, the rule allowed public scrutiny of all papers relating to elections. As per the ECI, the change has been made for the safety of voters. Though the argument has some merit, the issue is also about the sanctity of the election process. The ECI’s job is to educate the masses and enhance their trust in the poll process. Besides, the ECI can give exemptions in sensitive areas for security reasons. Its track record in conducting polls in the largest democracy in the world is unparalleled. To maintain trust, the Centre should rethink the latest poll rule change.

Lajwant Singh, by mail

Must ensure transparency

Apropos of ‘Blow to transparency’; the amendment preventing the public scrutiny of electronic documents runs counter to the spirit of the SC verdict, since it aims to curtail transparency and promote secrecy. Any step towards concealment of any kind of relevant information is detrimental to the integrity of the electoral process. The argument that this amendment is necessary to ensure voters’ safety is unacceptable since the CCTV footage never focuses on them. The timing is questionable as it comes days after a judgment of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The ECI must act in an independent and impartial manner, providing no opportunity to the Opposition to suspect its integrity.

Roshan Lal Goel, Ladwa

Conduct awareness campaigns

Refer to ‘Vanishing Aravallis’; the government must take immediate and stringent measures to address unchecked mining in the Aravalli Hills. Strict enforcement of environmental laws and monitoring mechanisms should be prioritised to prevent illegal activities. Dedicated task forces, equipped with advanced surveillance technologies like drones and satellite imagery, can help track violations effectively. Accountability measures must be strengthened by holding perpetrators responsible for negligence. Additionally, public awareness campaigns and community involvement can play a significant role in protecting this region. Restoring the degraded areas through afforestation and sustainable practices should also be integral to long-term efforts.

Sikandar Bansal, Shimla

Impose a blanket ban on mining

With reference to ‘Vanishing Aravallis’; the situation is no different across other mountain ranges. It would be in the best interest of the nation if the Centre took a more proactive stance to protect natural resources rather than leave it to the states to decide on jurisdictional issues. It is impossible to believe that illegal mining can be carried out without the connivance of the authorities concerned. Perhaps, a blanket ban on all mining and construction activities for a certain period would help in the conservation of our forests and other natural resources.

Anthony Henriques, Mumbai

Need to modernise education

Refer to ‘Academic institutions must raise the bar to be future-ready’; with the influx of foreign universities in the country, India’s education system faces even more critical challenges. Though the country’s faith institutions have contributed significantly to education, there is a pressing need for Indian universities to raise academic standards and modernise their curricula. We must provide high-quality education and equip students for the competitive global market. Besides, educational governance needs to shed outdated practices. India must urgently reform its education system to leverage its youthful population for long-term growth.

Chanchal S Mann, Una

Provide employment to youth

Apropos of ‘Blasts that shook Punjab bear stamp of Pak terror outfits, ISI’; the enemy is utilising our gullible unemployed youth to its advantage by luring them with money, drugs and a safe haven abroad to execute blasts in the state. The ISI is controlling the operation through various terrorist outfits, drug peddlers and local gangsters by providing them explosives through drones and motivating them to take revenge from the police for harassment of their kin. The government needs to intensify its operations with anti-drone technology and strict vigilance in border areas and also provide employment to the youth so that they don’t fall prey to such elements.

Col RS Narula (Retd), Patiala