Letters to the editor

Apropos of ‘Lankan crisis’, China helped Sri Lanka, but with its vested interest driven by opportunism and dominance over the area. It is always China’s endeavour to exploit a needy country. On the contrary, India has always come to Sri Lanka’s rescue whenever it was in need of it, whether it was a natural calamity or otherwise. Sri Lanka should recognise the real motive and reject all help from China. This will not only help Sri Lanka, but also save other countries of the area from Chinese ulterior motives. All these countries should act collectively and help one another for the integrated development of the area. 

Surinder Kumar Mahna, Karnal

Identify real beneficiaries 

Refer to ‘Ration at doorstep’; the scheme to deliver free ration to the beneficiaries at their homes is a commendable and bold decision. The next step is to identify the real beneficiaries, because the list of 1.54 crore beneficiaries may be ‘politically motivated’ as they pre-date this government. Proper economic and social survey will dig out the truth. The strength of the decision will rest on a proper social audit. 

Mukhtiar Singh, Malerkotla

Punjab industry 

Refer to ‘Integrated model for Punjab’s development’; it is a sad commentary on the state, which has been pushed down from the number one slot. Industry cannot survive on government crutches. It has to be become market-oriented to sustain itself. While industry in other parts of India upgraded and transformed itself, Punjab industry has mainly remained stagnant. Locational disadvantages are at other places too, but they have seen growth. Subsequent governments have not focused on industry. It has become politically incorrect to even talk about industry. Industrial growth requires land acquisition, which is a sore point. No new focal points have developed in the last two decades. The small-scale industry has been the backbone of Punjab industry, but it is becoming unviable. 

Suman Kuplish, Ludhiana

Half-baked recipe 

‘Integrated model for Punjab’s development’ hardly constructs a consolidated model of development, instead it is a muddled description of the sectoral antecedents of the state in crisis. A model of development must pinpoint growth parameters and constraints of the respective sectors and areas, and must help identify ‘lead’ sectors which should be chosen for intensive development, so that they induce spontaneous acceleration of the others. The downplaying of the significance of agriculture in fostering growth is another bleak area of the model, particularly in the contemporary context of this being the only sector in the country that could sustain positive growth during recessionary trends. The proposition of hitching on to the bandwagon of the fourth industrial revolution is misplaced in the face of the situation, where even the MSME sector needs massive promotion against fiscal discrimination vis-à-vis adjoining states. The components of this form of futuristic industries would hardly be conducive for employment generation, especially among rural youth. It is a half-baked recipe for development.  

Vikram Chadha, Amritsar

Covid death data 

Reference to ‘India's Covid deaths per million among lowest: Govt’; India is a densely populated nation, and half of the Covid deaths were not even reported. The government needs to openly share correct data. Start taking measures to stop the emerging fourth wave, instead of making comparisons with countries consisting less than half of the population of India. It is important to spread real-time awareness about how to live with the virus, because it is not going away anytime soon. 

Simran Verma, Chandigarh

Scoring self-goal 

Apropos of ‘Hijab issue: 40 Muslim girls abstain from pre-university exams in Udupi’, it makes little sense that these students abstained from appearing for the examination as they were apparently hurt by the March 15 high court verdict against the wearing of hijab inside classrooms, saying that the headscarf is not a part of essential practice in Islamic faith and that the uniform rule should be followed in educational institutions where it has been prescribed. These girls had earlier boycotted the practical exams. One shudders to imagine the rationale behind them taking recourse thereto, even as such a defiant stance will adversely impact their academic pursuits. The Supreme Court had, on March 24, refused to accord urgent hearing on the pleas challenging the Karnataka High Court verdict. However, it would be naive to assume that the girls absenting themselves from the exams in Udupi would get any reprieve on this count from the apex court.

Kumar Gupt, Panchkula

Letters to the Editor, typed in double space, should not exceed the 200-word limit. These should be cogently written and can be sent by e-mail to: [email protected]

Refer to ‘Custodial deaths’; in recent times, cases of custodial deaths have increased at an alarming rate. When a person is detained, it is the responsibility of the detaining authority to guarantee the safety of a detainee. Stringent laws are needed to avoid such incidents. The authorities concerned have time and again laid down procedures which have to be followed by the police in order to curb custodial violence.

SS Paul, Nadia

Reconsider drug pricing

Reference to ‘Costlier essential drugs’; as if the burden of rising fuel prices and essential commodities is not enough, several key medicines will cost more. The people have not yet fully recovered from Covid-19. On that account, the ruling dispensation at the Centre needs to rethink before implementing this proposal.

C Ghanshyam, Visakhapatnam

Food at door

Reference to ‘No long queues, Punjab rolls out doorstep ration delivery scheme’; this step will save time and ensure good quality ration. It will also eradicate malpractices by middlemen, such as misuse of ration and food adulteration etc. It is remarkable how within a span of a few days, the Chief Minister has initiated schemes for the welfare of the people, indicating positive governance in the interest of the common man. The prosperity of a state, integrity of its politics, stability of its society, development of its economy and wellbeing of its people, all hinge upon good governance. Doorstep ration delivery will augur well for the people of the state.

Harpreet Sandhu, Ludhiana

Action mode

The AAP government in Punjab is taking reformative steps one after the other, the latest being the rolling out of doorstep ration delivery. Translated into action, the scheme will go a long way in helping the elderly and physically challenged who find it difficult to stand in long queues, or walk long distances. If the CM continues with such path-breaking and poor-oriented reforms, he will have an edge over his peers in other states, including those ruled by the BJP. It is heartening that the AAP dispensation is honouring its poll promises, which is an eye-opener to governments in other states.

Maheshwer Sharma, by mail

Poor staff management

Apropos of ‘Understaffed departments’, government departments must learn from their private sector counterparts the art of managing human resources. It is even more critical for the former because it impacts the everyday welfare, well-being and the very fundamentals of the public fabric of our country. An astounding proportion of our country’s youth is unemployed while government vacancies remain unfilled. Human resource managers should be brought in not just for manpower planning but also to improve the quality and experience of service.

Gunjeet Trehan, Chandigarh

Don’t link it to education

Refer to the hijab issue and the ensuing atmosphere; it is imperative for all stakeholders to end politics and work for the empowerment of women. If they are so concerned about the state of women in the country, they should make education more accessible, build schools in remote areas and make work environment more inclusive and safe. Connecting uniforms and clothing preferences to access to education degrades the agency of women. It may irrevocably lead to their marginalisation and the dilemma of pursuing education or maintaining a religious identity.

Madhvi Sharma, Ludhiana

Leave policy

Apropos of ‘100-day leave plan for CAPF jawans soon’, it comes to over 27 per cent personnel being on leave at any given time in a year. Looking at other commitments of any uniformed force, it may not be possible to send so many personnel on leave at any given time. Moreover, any decision taken in this regard must also consider leave authorisation of the armed forces personnel. Unlimited leave encashment should be permitted in case of denial of leave due to operational commitments in forward areas.

Lt Col JS Dullat (Retd), Patiala

Cheating voters

Refer to ‘Roll back fuel price hike, demands Oppn’, oil prices did not increase during elections, but as soon as they were over and the chief ministers had taken oath, the prices have started increasing on a daily basis. This is sheer trickery with voters. The increase in fuel prices affects the prices of all commodities. How much can the common man bear?

Vidwan Singh Soni, Patiala

Letters to the Editor, typed in double space, should not exceed the 200-word limit. These should be cogently written and can be sent by e-mail to: [email protected]

Apropos of ‘Tough talk to China’, the Chinese foreign minister asking his Indian counterpart to take ‘long-term view’ is like advising India to accept the LAC standoff as a normal situation. But India has exhibited mature diplomacy by refusing to agree to this new normal, instead it insisted on maintaining peace along the border. If India agrees to participate in the BRICS Summit in China, it will be a victory for Chinese diplomacy. As for India’s stand on Russian invasion of Ukraine, it is different from that of China. Beijing justifies Russian aggression in the name of security, while New Delhi is committed to the international rule of territorial integrity. 

SK SINGH, by mail

Why pension at all? 

In government service, temporary or employees on contract do not get pension, only permanent employees do. An MLA is elected for five years and is temporary, then why one-time pension also? Please erase the pension rule of MLAs. Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann should make public the list of MLAs and the total amount of pension drawn till date by each MLA.

Kuldeep Komal, by mail

Too late now 

Opposing the Centre’s decision to delink UT employees from following the Punjab Civil Services rules and putting them under Central rules at this juncture by the Akalis is meaningless. The party had remained a silent spectator when the UT cadre was created more than 60 years ago. Moreover, had it been sincere to Punjab’s interests, it could have resolved this, and various other Punjab-related issues, like water-sharing, when it was in coalition with the all-powerful BJP at the Centre. They are forgetting that a majority of the UT employees of the city who would be benefited by this change are Punjabis.

Balvinder, Chandigarh

Leave plan 

Reference to ‘100-day annual leave plan for CAPF jawans soon’; fitness is the most important requirement to carry out police duty. But 100 days’ leave is too long a period away from duty and can make a jawan lazy. Hence, it is desirable to split the leave and limit the duration to 30 to 35 days at a time. In addition to leave, the police force can undergo yoga and counselling sessions for relaxation to remove tensions arising from their duties. Leave can also be in the form of jawans staying in the barracks without duty, but doing regular exercises, as going home would make them lazy.

O Prasada Rao, by mail

India’s stand 

Apropos of ‘India holds its own’, right since Independence, India has adopted an independent foreign policy. It has kept itself aloof from various groups of countries, while at the same time, it has tried to maintain good relations with all countries. It has treated friends and foes equally and helped all on humanitarian grounds in their hour of need. India is not shaky in its relations with others, rather it honours autonomy and sovereignty of all countries. It never intended a war against any country nor did it wish to usurp any part of another country. America should emulate India and come forward in bringing peace to various parts of the world. The wealth it is wasting on manufacturing weapons should be better utilised in mitigating people’s woes.

Surinder Kumar Mahna, Karnal

Supporting Russia 

It appears that India’s stand on Ukraine has marred its global image. Undoubtedly, India has to maintain a cordial relationship with Russia, but it cannot support mass bombings and Russia’s ruthless approach. India’s stand needs to be crystal clear. No fence-sitting, please.

Ramesh Gupta, Narwana

No to Punjab 

Refer to ‘Centre’s no to additional demand for coal’; the refusal is contrary to the advisory of the Central government where all states have been asked to ensure regular supply of electricity during this season. Punjab is already suffering from power cuts due to short supply of coal. On the one hand, the Centre is not ready to meet the demands of the states, and on the other, it expects the implementation of its orders. It is a dual policy of the government. 

Faqir Singh, Dasuya

Coal crisis 

Punjab can face power cuts following the current shortage of coal. It may also impact the functioning of industries as well as inflation. The Central government should help, and not deny coal to the state, for the sake of ordinary citizens who will bear the brunt of this shortage.

Ayushi Upadhyay, Chandigarh

Letters to the Editor, typed in double space, should not exceed the 200-word limit. These should be cogently written and can be sent by e-mail to: [email protected]

Refer to ‘Rage against privilege’ (Nous Indica); people of Punjab trusted the alternative politics of the AAP that promised empowerment of the common man. Unlike in the past, they did not vote on non-issues or on any call to their caste or religion but on the menace of drugs, defunct education and healthcare systems, unemployment etc. In other states, voters were, yet again, distracted from real issues by communal polarisation. Cash subsidies/incentives were given to various sections of society. The rest was done by the spin doctors who portrayed even non-performance as an achievement. Nevertheless, had there been a visible trustworthy alternative, even the mighty BJP might have fallen prey to the rage.    

Hira Sharma, by mail

Confidence in Modi 

Apropos of ‘Rage against privilege’, Modi has emerged as the most successful politician in recent times. OBCs and Dalits, along with the urban middle class, have reposed their confidence in his leadership. The BJP won the Uttar Pradesh elections because of Modi’s  charisma, yet it was not easy as SP leader Akhilesh Yadav has emerged as a mass leader on his own, registering his party’s presence throughout the state.  

Raj Bahadur Yadav, Fatehabad

Rationalising pension

I was overjoyed to hear that the Punjab Chief Minister had reduced the pension of elected members to one and only one time. There is no country or any government that provides pensions to its employees more than once because they have worked for five years on a job. These politicians call their job ‘sewa’. Pension has been a greater burden on the government. This is the best thing that has happened in Punjab since Independence. The AAP should be commended. This step should have been taken much earlier.

Shiv Kumar, Ohio

Bold decision 

By starting one MLA, one pension, the Punjab CM has started the cleansing process from the top. An MLA drawing pension for each term was a self-made rule to serve their own interests and an unjustifiable act by lawmakers. It was a huge burden on the exchequer and misuse of taxpayers’ hard-earned money. They are many more such unjustifiable privileges available to MLAs, like free medical treatment abroad and payment of income tax by the state. The CM should take a bold decision on these privileges also and divert the money for the welfare of the common man.  

Jagir Singh Sra, Faridkot

One-term pension 

The decision on MLAs’ pension is historic and laudable. Many legislators are getting multiple pensions, up to Rs 6 lakh monthly, which is a colossal loss to the public exchequer. Some legislators are opposing it on the pretext that one pension is insufficient. No legislator is poor. The poor cannot contest elections, for it costs several lakhs. Politicians lead luxurious life and have palatial residences, while our highly qualified youth are running for even petty jobs. The AAP will have to explore more means to make the loss good.  

Bansi Ram Rahul, Garhshankar

A masterstroke 

CM Bhagwant Mann, in a span of a few days, has boldly scrapped multiple term pensions of MLAs. This is a masterstroke and will ease the burden on the exchequer. Another meaningful step was to launch an anti-corruption helpline. The way Mann is implementing the visionary steps stated in AAP’s manifesto, it will augur well for the state.

Harpreet Sandhu, Ludhiana

Pension loot

Refer to the landmark pension decision taken by the Punjab CM. The leaders had plundered the exchequer at their whim, looted it in the name of service to society. People wanted to see this kind of change which will be hailed by every citizen.

Harish Bansal, Mansa

Special package 

Refer to  ‘Punjab CM seeks Rs 1L cr aid for reviving growth’;  what special was done by the new dispensation, however little, to fortify its claim to revive the economy to earn a Central response. If the new dispensation has achieved any saving on any account during the past two weeks, it may be shared publicly to enhance the common man’s confidence. The AAP government should have been on the task from day one, as under good governance, each day and each rupee matters.  

Jagvinder Singh Brar, Patiala

Confusion over hijab 

Apropos of the article ‘Don’t manipulate change’, the writer is unable to understand that hijab is only banned in classrooms by certain schools. You cannot force the schools to relax this requirement.

RC Sharma, by mail

Letters to the Editor, typed in double space, should not exceed the 200-word limit. These should be cogently written and can be sent by e-mail to: [email protected]

Apropos of ‘Trial for marital rape’, only Parliament is competent to take a considered decision to amend the law to the effect that marital rape is not exempt from the definition of rape. Till then, refusal to drop the charge seems to be intruding into the domain of the legislature. There are many existing laws which call for amendment, but this power lies within the purview of the legislature.

Roshan Lal Goel, Ladwa

Understand to eliminate

It is appreciable that the Punjab CM has launched a WhatsApp number and asked people to send audio/videos of anyone seeking bribe. But no one asks for bribes on phone and it is not easy to videograph an act of bribe. Bribe is taken through organised networks. Everyone knows that one can’t get a property registered unless one pays a hefty bribe and it is done through touts. The real culprits never come face to face. Now, those seeking bribe will ensure that whoever comes to see them should be without phones or will have to switch them off. If the CM really wants to do something about ending corruption, he should plan something concrete.

JK Sharma, by mail

Change system

Anti-corruption helpline number is a small step. Corruption is a way of life in our system and must be tackled by attacking the root cause. Our procedures, rules and regulations, the contracting and approval systems are so elaborate and complicated that without paying bribe things do not get easily done. We need to change the system of governance, which the AAP has been announcing in its rallies. Kejriwal has got ‘ik mauka’, let us see what changes his party brings about.

Tejinder Singh Kalra, Mohali

Out of pocket

It is not an easy ride ahead for the AAP’s maiden government in Punjab (‘Punjab CM seeks Rs 1 lakh cr aid’). The excuses have begun. Putting the blame on the past inefficient governments and looking at the Centre to rain cash. It isn’t something new. The poll promises made are big and the pockets of the Punjab Government are small.

Navreet Kaur, Abohar

Status quo at CMO

Refer to ‘Most officers in CMO unchanged’; CM Bhagwant Mann has emulated Shanta Kumar, a former CM of Himachal Pradesh, who had reposed full confidence in the existing Chief Secretary in 1977, and the latter proved him right. An upright Chief Minister does not change honest officers working under him, as they are well-versed with routine matters and prove an asset for the new incumbent. It also saves extravaganza.

Upendra Sharma, by mail

Don’t need statues

Refer to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s proposal to install statues; his devotion and respect for martyrs is understandable, but they cannot be ‘glorified’ by putting up their photos and statues. Instead, introduce pro-poor schemes in their names and let their memories reach every home. These martyrs are running in our blood, they do not any glorification. Mann should focus on the needs of the people and the promises his party made to them.

Capt Amar Jeet (retd), Kharar

Tackling pollution

Refer to ‘Pollution capital’; the government and the people should take steps to improve the AQI. This can be done by limiting the use of vehicles and cycling or walking down to nearby places. Pollution from industries should be under control and monitored regularly. Algae farms can be grown as algae require high amount of carbon dioxide to grow, and lastly, afforestation in and around the capital will help.

Jayani Mattu, Patiala

Stand by Ukraine

Reference to ‘India holds its own’; it is not a question of whether India is justified in resisting US pressure, but whether we are justified in not calling a spade a spade because we are beholden to the aggressor for supply of arms and treaties of friendship. Putin’s threats of a nuclear catastrophe are disturbing. This madness must stop. Strategic autonomy, independent foreign policy and pragmatic response are impressive, but mere fig leaves for moral cowardice in the present circumstances. There are no permanent friends as there are no permanent enemies in international relations. But a peaceful rules-based international order must endure in perpetuity. India must diversify the procurement of its weapon systems from elsewhere. Let us, the people of India, stand with the people of Ukraine.

Lt Col GS Bedi (Retd), Mohali

Letters to the Editor, typed in double space, should not exceed the 200-word limit. These should be cogently written and can be sent by e-mail to: [email protected]

Refer to ‘Petrol, diesel prices hiked for 2nd day in a row’; it is disturbing to learn that fuel prices were hiked by 80 paise a litre each for the second day in a row. The prices were left untouched since November, in the wake of elections in five states. With India being 85 per cent dependent on imports to meet its oil needs, oil marketing companies are now recouping their losses and seeking a hike of at least Rs 15 a litre. How come the government, which is taking a convenient plea of the escalated cost of imported crude oil, had wilfully kept the impending hike in abeyance with an eye on its electoral prospects? Can such a mix of ‘economics with politics’ ever be justified?

Vinayak G, New Delhi

Fuel price hike

After a long gap of 137 days, oil marketing companies raised fuel prices, along with a Rs 50 hike in LPG prices. The silence between then and now coincided with elections. That price hike has begun only after government formation in poll-bound states makes it obvious that state-run oil players had absorbed higher costs, compelling private players to compete. Holding free market prices hostage to electoral politics is unfair, economically unviable and reflects the wrong use of state machinery. While governments are tempted to show 'kindness' towards the common voter during election time, the Election Commission of India needs to take a firm stand on deferring routine decisions in poll season.

SANJAY CHOPRA, MOHALI

RS nominations

It is a matter of choice for political parties to nominate their candidates from any region or a state to the Rajya Sabha (‘2 poll strategists, 2 bizmen, cricketer file nominations’). Nevertheless, it would have been more appropriate, righteous and an honour for the people of Punjab if the AAP nominations for its five Rajya Sabha seats were from among eminent citizens belonging to the state. It would have helped in carrying the voice of the people of Punjab on matters of their concern more effectively and vigorously.

KK Sood, Nangal

Celebrity politicians

Sachin Tendulkar played international cricket for more than two decades and enthused fans all over the world. During his playing days, he kept mum on any national issue to avoid controversy. It was his choice and right too. At the fag end of his career, he was nominated to the Rajya Sabha. But he kept mum there too and hardly participated in any proceedings. He simply wasted one seat. Political parties should think before nominating celebrities to the Rajya Sabha. The AAP has nominated cricketer Harbhajan Singh. We hope he will not fall into the bracket of failed celebrity politicians like Rekha, Sunny Deol, Kirron Kher and Govinda.

Rajesh Goyal, by mail

Another holiday

It is strange that the new Punjab CM has declared a holiday on the martyrdom day of Bhagat Singh. A holiday is observed only on birth anniversaries of national leaders like Gandhi and Nehru. Already, government servants enjoy many holidays which affect work in offices and hospitals. So, what is the need for another holiday? Only the general public suffers because of such holidays.

JS Wadhwa, Kapurthala

Coaching centres to gain

Reference to ‘DU intake to be based on CUET scores’; the decision to conduct entrance exam for admissions to Central universities is a double-edged sword. It renders state board marks irrelevant and undermines the salience of board exams as students will subsequently be saddled with the preparation of the entrance exam. Undoubtedly, this move allows a level playing field for all students, but it will also burn a hole in the pockets of families as they have to cope with additional coaching expenses. It is a godsend opportunity for coaching institutes.

Aanya Singhal, Noida

Create medical grids

Apropos of ‘Healthcare in Punjab faces fresh challenges’, Punjab has good medical facilities, but these are not affordable. Private hospitals are well-equipped with the best medical fraternity. What is needed is a big initiative for rural masses by creating medical grids around three-four villages, where all facilities would be provided by the government, as has been done in Delhi by the AAP with its mohalla clinics. Tele-medical facilities have been successfully introduced in some southern states. China has developed a network of ‘barefoot doctors’ to cater to the need of rural areas. Something similar can be introduced in Punjab. Above all, potable water is essential, as most diseases in rural areas are water-borne.

BM SINGH, AMRITSAR

Letters to the Editor, typed in double space, should not exceed the 200-word limit. These should be cogently written and can be sent by e-mail to: [email protected]

Common entrance test for Central universities is welcome, but the supply crisis in higher education needs urgent attention (‘Common entrance test’). The entrance test will not be a magic bullet to the complex challenge of equality and quality in higher education. A lot will rest on the structure of the test, and the goals with which it is designed. The demand for higher education is growing but the number of quality higher education institutes has not kept up pace. A common entrance test is a good step towards providing a level playing field to the applicants but avenues should be open for those unable to make it. Also, marking in tests is subjective and may vary over and above the marks fetched by the students. Will the marks be irrelevant or count more in addition to qualifying in entrance test?

SS Paul, Nadia

Make the right call

The report ‘Punjab to regulate jobs of 35K govt staff, Bill soon’ is the expected political response, but wrong appointments in any organisation in any capacity could be a threat to the future of that organisation, as is being witnessed from the current situation in various corporations, boards and autonomous institutions that are on a continuous downslide. The people of Punjab have given a splendid mandate to the AAP and expect an equally splendid response in a laggard state reeling under wrong policies based on electoral politics. Punjab-specific solutions must be taken after considering the right opinions of people, farmers, traders, students, women, youth and businessmen.

Jagvinder Singh Brar, Patiala

Will to serve

Refer to ‘Rupee 1 as pay and no pension...’; it is a welcome step. The public should encourage such representatives who come forward to make politics a service rather than a profession. This would usher an era of development in constituencies, besides setting an example, thus contributing to the progress of the country.

RS Kishtwaria, Palampur

Fiscal mess

The vote on account presented by the AAP as interim budget is to meet the expenditure liability for the quarter left by the previous government. But the real litmus test for the party lies ahead while incorporating the guarantees and promises to the public in their first full-fledged budget, with a burgeoning debt gap pegged at Rs 3 lakh crore. With depleting income revenues, there is no ‘Aladdin ka chirag’ to check this burgeoning gap. The AAP will have to bring in economic experts to design a roadmap to put the state’s fiscal situation on the path of recovery.

Anil Vinayak, Amritsar

Training for life

Apropos of ‘Make military training compulsory for youth’, the youth is one of the abundant and untapped resources available at our disposal. Investment in this resource is bound to pay dividends in the long run. Military training can form a solid foundation of effective development and utilisation. It will make them ready to face challenges head-on, be it national or personal. Such an exercise will be a great equaliser too. It will instil discipline, professionalism, flexibility, clarity of thought, ethics, camaraderie, an active lifestyle, punctuality, motivation — qualities which are often found lacking today. It will provide an opportunity to push their limits and realise their potential. The skills thus earned will help them succeed in every sphere of life, and hence, play an active part in nation-building and contributing positively to society.

RCS Dhaliwal, Mohali

Pollution crisis

With reference to ‘Delhi most polluted capital’; the report is a wakeup call for the government. It has exposed once again that people are breathing dangerously polluted air. Vehicular pollution is a major contributor. With the annual sales of vehicles expected to increase in India, it is definitely going to affect the air quality, if corrective measures are not taken in time. Air pollution has serious effects on human health and is a leading indicator of rapidly increasing climate change. We don’t have to invest in science to find a solution to this crisis. We know the solution, and it is easily accessible. Air pollution resulting from the burning of fuels is a major contributor. Governments must promote renewable energy for transportation and build infrastructure that encourages cycling, public transport and pedestrians. This report underscores how much work remains to be done to ensure that everyone breathes safe, clean and healthy air. Now is the time to take action.

Sikandar Bansal, Shimla

Letters to the Editor, typed in double space, should not exceed the 200-word limit. These should be cogently written and can be sent by e-mail to: [email protected]

Refer to ‘One MLA, one pension’; the expected implementation of the proposal by the newly elected government in Punjab is praiseworthy. People work for years together to earn pension, but MLAs become eligible for pension just after taking oath. Astonishingly, they carry on adding to their pension for each stint of tenure. Over and above, it is tax-free. People like me get pension after deduction of tax even after serving the nation as an air warrior for 30 years. The government has scrapped the scheme of pension to employees recruited after 2004 but MLAs are still getting multiple pensions. There is a need to stop such multiple pensions.

Wg Cdr Jasbir S Minhas (retd), Mohali

AAP nominations

Refer to the AAP nominations for five Rajya Sabha seats from Punjab. The selected candidature is beyond a common man’s comprehension, barring that of Raghav Chadha and Sandeep Pathak. Though the track record of cricketers nominated to the Rajya Sabha is not satisfactory, yet the candidature of Harbhajan Singh can be justifiable in the given circumstances. However, the selection of two wealthy businessmen is definitely not appreciated. It is safe to assume that the AAP leadership has compromised due to fund compulsions. One can only hope that such aberrations don’t detract the AAP government from pursuing the goal of a prosperous and corruption-free Punjab.

JAGDISH CHANDER, JALANDHAR

Not Bhagat Singh’s colour

Reference to ‘Missing political education’; politics is not child’s play. Overdependence on political will is hurting us deeply. We feel safe in the laps of political bosses. Basic knowledge about our history is fading. The social media has hijacked our peace and ethos. The prevalent decadence will increase further. Media is a strong tool. Bhagat Singh, who embraced the gallows, did not wear a yellow turban throughout his lifetime, but the media forcefully endorsed his turban colour with the song ‘Mera rang de basanti chola’. We need to read books on our culture and tradition. Avoid swearing by hollow slogans and think above the freebies. We need to build a strong India, free from corporate and political slavery.

Jasvinder S Humsafar, Maloudh

Hint of prejudice

The article ‘Missing political education’ smacks of the ideological inclination that the writer takes up the cudgels against, yet himself seems to be suffering from his own coloured ‘critical faculty’. He finds nothing positive in the present-day political dispensation, whether ruling or the Opposition. The insinuation is a reflection on the wisdom of the country’s people at large. It reminds one of Nirad C Chaudhuri, who found nothing praiseworthy in this ‘Continent of Circe’. In a democratic setup, the people get the government they deserve by exercising their right to vote. Everybody has the right to differ but that does not mean mocking at the cost of people’s wisdom.

DV Sharma, Mukerian

Hasty proposal

The UGC proposal to hold a common entrance test would be a decision taken in haste. Already in the field of education, a lot of experimentation has been done by various agencies. All this has created unnecessary confusion for teachers, students and institutions. Such critical decisions ought to be taken after detailed deliberations, debates and studying the model of reputed global education institutions. Academicians and experts must be consulted before implementing the proposal.

VK Anand, Chandigarh

Target supply chain

Apropos of ‘Punjab Govt to end drug menace in six months’, to eliminate the supply chains, it is important that intelligence network be shored up along with ensuring independent action by the police. The state can also follow ‘gramrakhi’, the village policing system of Odisha. As the drug cartels are inter-state and international, cooperation with the police forces of other states and the BSF would also be needed. To reduce the drug demand, the state should ensure that there is an anti-drug discourse in society. Special education should be imparted in schools and colleges to highlight the side-effects.

Prateek Bansal, by mail

Out of reach

Refer to ‘Edible oils, incredible prices’; the middle class is finding it too exorbitant to afford. It could be due to the wheat-paddy cycle but there is an endless supply chain bottleneck, and traders are making hay by jacking up the prices in the local markets. Food security and better supply management should be undertaken for robust food chains domestically. Covid-19 and the Russia-Ukraine conflict have wreaked havoc on the budget of middle class homes. The government must step in.

RAMESH GUPTA, NARWANA

Letters to the Editor, typed in double space, should not exceed the 200-word limit. These should be cogently written and can be sent by e-mail to: [email protected]

Apropos of ‘AAP may pick Prof Pathak, Raghav Chadha, Bhajji’, the names of probables doing the rounds suggest that AAP is treading cautiously to nominate its candidates for the Rajya Sabha elections. Rajya Sabha, the Upper House of Parliament, should be adorned with persons of eminence in their respective fields. Though its members are elected on the principle of proportional representation, the right candidates of a party should get elected unanimously.

Vijaya Sharma, by mail

Pension plan

Reference to ‘One MLA, one pension’, our elected representatives have treated themselves lavishly at the cost of public exchequer. Can there be a better example of betrayal of trust of the common man by whom our lawmakers swear day in and day out? The hapless employees have to strive for their pensions and the soldiers for the OROP. But the lawmakers have no qualms of conscience in granting themselves numerous concessions, forgetting gracefully all the differences and bickerings. Is it not amusing that national interest can’t unite them but multiple pensions and perks against all canons of appropriateness bring them on one platform?

Gp Capt JS Boparai (retd), Bhadsali

Cong’s poll debacle

Apropos of ‘Congress must reform’, after its debacle in assembly elections in five states, the Congress has lost its power to attract voters. Though with nearly about 700 MLAs, nationally Congress still has a considerable footprint, but it just hasn’t the political will and leaders to make use of this large presence. The Nehru-Gandhi family has been unable to pull off a win while the irony is that without them the party gets splintered. Leaders in the G-23 offer not much hope, as most of the members aren’t much relevant electorally. The Congress needs a clear ideology and practice of adroit realpolitik by pointing to the dangers of divisiveness.

Lal Singh, Amritsar

Clean drinking water

Access to clean drinking water may not seem a luxury for us but for one-fourth of the world’s population, it is still something which they cannot afford. Nearly 2.2 billion people are hankering for a clean drop of water. Clean drinking water is crucial for a disease-free life. On the occasion of World Water Day (March 22), I can only hope for a world which is quenched with clean drinking water. All eyes will be on the developing nations for their contribution in solving this problem.

Noopur Baruah, Tezpur

Russian oil deal

This refers to ‘Europe too buying crude from Russia, says MEA’; India must go ahead with the Russian oil deal despite US warning. There won’t be any violations of American sanctions against Russia, as many European nations are continuing to buy Russian energy, even after the war in Ukraine. India has the right to buy Russian oil at discounted price. We have to keep in mind that sanctions by Trump on Iran and now by Biden on Russia has made India rejig its trading patterns and also its partners. Though Russian invasion of Ukraine is not justified, India should not be seen compromising its strategic autonomy.

MS Khokhar, by email

In complete contrast

The middle ‘The power show in politics’ displays the contrast between the American President and the Indian Prime Minister. Bush had attacked Iraq on the pretext of ‘weapons of mass destruction’ (WMD). Saddam Hussein did not accept Bush’s hegemony and was eliminated. Could an Indian PM do that? Remember, how Indira Gandhi treated Pak PoWs after the 1971 war.

LR Sharma, Sundernagar (HP)

Kashmiri pandits

If Me Too allegations of harassment or worse can be made and investigated decades after the alleged incidents, why should the more serious issue of Kashmiri pandits, with both contemporaneous, current and credible evidence available not be investigated and the guilty booked?

Meet Malhotra, by mail

Train stoppage

Northern Railway is running a daily train between Hoshiarpur and Delhi which runs via Ludhiana, Mohali and Chandigarh. But this train doesn’t have a stoppage at Mohali. Mohali, an upcoming metro of northern India, requires better connectivity with Delhi. People have to unnecessarily travel up to Chandigarh to catch this train, which causes inconvenience. The Railways should give a stoppage of this train at SAS Nagar (Mohali) station for ease of passengers of Mohali and Kharar.

Maninder Pal Singh, Mohali

Letters to the Editor, typed in double space, should not exceed the 200-word limit. These should be cogently written and can be sent by e-mail to: [email protected]

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann’s cabinet-forming exercise must leave a message of total break from the past. No MLA should appear to be sulking for having been left out and those getting cabinet berths must not overplay their jubilation. Cabinet formation in any of our states, unfortunately, appears akin to sharing of the booty. Political heavy-weights get plump portfolios and many of the sulking left-outs are accommodated by making them chiefs of various state boards or corporations. Since the AAP believes in zero-tolerance towards corruption, any post whatsoever must be seen as a specified responsibility, over and above, that which every elected MLA has towards the state and its people. Punjabis have been promised self-rule by the AAP. Now, it must ensure that all ministers and MLAs along with all bureaucrats become servants of the people and not their masters.

HL Sharma, Amritsar

Official machinery

It is good to see that the newly elected AAP MLAs in Punjab are assuring proper office timings for the employees to facilitate the public. But this is not the optimum way to improve work efficiency. Until and unless the departmental structure is improved, the execution of work can’t be smooth. First, the distance of postings should be taken into account. The official concerned needs to be posted within home district or nearest possible station to be readily available. Secondly, contractual and outsourced employees need to be regularised. Lastly, there are various departments in which due to lack of recruitment, one official is given additional charges, that too at distant points, thus reducing efficiency. So recruiting regularly for the vacant posts and regular training of the officials for new technology is a must.

Harsimranvir Singh, Patiala

New govt in Punjab

Apropos of ‘As big as it gets in Punjab’, for the AAP in Punjab, implementation of Delhi model of education and health won’t be difficult. However, on the front of depoliticisation of the police, unquestionably, some hurdles may be there. The hard reality that in the Assembly, a majority of MLAs are first-timers, so it won’t be difficult for the CM to wean them away from interfering in police functioning. To give practicability to election promises, it will be pertinent to rope in capable bureaucrats. The new CM can then hope to show positive results.

vk anand, Chandigarh

Verdict on hijab

Reference to ‘Karnataka hijab verdict’; though the ban like the one on wearing hijab is denying the individual’s right to dress, but in schools and colleges, a uniformity in dress helps in the idea of parity of all. The High Court of Karnataka has rightly upheld the state government’s order mandating that prescribed uniforms by schools and colleges must be adhered to by all the students. The court has further clarified that wearing of hijab is not a religious practice under Islamic law and thereby a ban on its wearing in educational institutions is not an unreasonable restriction. The HC has also rejected the contention that right to freedom of expression by the hijab-wearing students is being violated. The court has held that a uniform didn’t discriminate between students and those in other qualified public places like schools, courts and defence camps etc; the freedom of individuals as of necessity, is curtailed consistent with their discipline and decorum and function. The verdict will help put public focus on political and communal perceptions of the issue.

PL Singh, by email

Role of social media

Congress supremo Sonia Gandhi has rightly pointed out that social media is not playing fair game in election time. It only helps in disinformation and it cannot be brushed aside as the Opposition has to bear the brunt of it. And it would be in the fitness of things if the social media mend its ways and plays a neutral role for betterment of democracy.

Subhash C Taneja, Gurugram

Surrendering pension

Before former CM Parkash Singh Badal, at the age of 94, publicly declared to surrender his pension as an ex-MLA/MP, few could imagine that the likes of him were getting over a whopping Rs 5 lakh every month. When pensions for long-serving employees are trending to be a contributory post-retirement benefit (slashed on re-employment), life-long hefty pension, multiple for every term of mere five years, speaks volumes of public-spirited law-makers robbing the public purse at their whims. Negating the legislation to provide free accommodation for life to ex-CMs, the Supreme Court held that they were common citizens once they demitted office. The whole gamut of handouts to holders — elected or nominated — of public offices needs a fair and equitable review and overhaul.

Lalit Bharadwaj, Panchkula

Letters to the Editor, typed in double space, should not exceed the 200-word limit. These should be cogently written and can be sent by e-mail to: [email protected]

Though Bhagwant Mann has taken over the reins of Punjab as CM, only time will tell if he succeeds in making the state prosperous once again (‘Audacity of hope’). People’s expectations are astounding. To deal with this burden of hope, and for achieving their own promised and desired vision and goals, his team will have to be pragmatic and prudent. The state will also have to be subjected to acute economic austerity. By squandering crores on his victory rally, Mann has lowered himself in the eyes of the public. Getting the state on track will indeed be a gigantic task. The state urgently needs a meticulously prepared roadmap and not a hastily scrawled strategy with easy or volatile gains.

Sunil Chopra, Ludhiana

Value of vote

The outcome of the recent polls has confirmed that the people of Punjab, or the country at large, have realised the value of their vote. They were so desperate for change that almost everyone has voted setting aside party affiliation, religion, caste, etc. The old stalwarts of traditional parties fell like a pack of cards. The people have learnt to use their vote in a way that benefits society, instead of addressing the concerns of a particular section. This is a good sign of transformation and revival of a democratic society. The new government should honour the massive mandate and strive to meet the expectations.

SATNAM SINGH TOKHI, LUDHIANA

Downhill for Congress

Reference to ‘Electoral losses leave Congress at crossroads’; the recent electoral losses are not new for the Congress. It has been in this mode since 2014, and there are no visible signs that it will come out of it in the foreseeable future. The party is on way to self-destruction at a steady pace and with firm determination. Which political party will reduce itself to zero to prop up other parties, like the Congress did in Delhi, West Bengal, and now in Punjab? There are no crossroads, only one way. It is functioning like a private limited company, where only family members can become CEOs, in spite of being incapable. Other members are merely employees. Every party should have a strong opposition. But parties that function like kirana shops can never be expected to keep the ruling party under check. They may create problems during the elections, but can never pose them any serious challenge.

Suman Kuplish, LUDHIANA

Not all lost

Refer to ‘Infighting blamed for Congress poll debacle’; the party which was once a dominant force in the country’s political space is finding it difficult to stay relevant. The recent election results indicate that the Congress is on a downward curve, but there is still some hope for the party. Senior party leaders like Ghulam Nabi Azad, Digvijaya Singh, Manish Tewari and Shashi Tharoor can play a constructive role in giving a direction to the Congress. The next elections are due in 2024. The party has time for course correction.

Devendra Khurana, Bhopal

Peace deal

Apropos of ‘Talks with Ukraine progressing, says Russia’, the on-going talks between Russia and Ukraine, despite military activity on the ground, could be an early indicator of a likely breakthrough, which could result in a peace deal. However, the deal must include a ceasefire and Russian withdrawal if Kyiv renounces NATO membership ambitions and accepts the Austria-Sweden neutrality model. Both sides should tone down their strident views and show a willingness to reconcile differences for a better tomorrow. They have to set an example by reconciling their differences and closing an unsavoury chapter that threatens to blow up normalcy in a crucial part of the globe.

Gregory Fernandes, Mumbai

Common connect

The middle ‘The power show in politics’ reminds me of an incident. I lived in the Afzal Gunj area in Hyderabad. Since this was the main road of the city, every dignitary of India or abroad passed through this area. I was 10 years old in the mid-’50s when Pandit Nehru visited Hyderabad. Since he was the hero of free India, there was huge rush to see him. His car was moving at a slow pace and I had the opportunity to reach it and greet him. He responded and blessed me with his hand on my head. I had the opportunity to see Dr Rajendra Prasad, Maulana Azad, Marshal Tito, etc., from a close distance. Those days, our leaders had spotless image and had no threat to their lives. Can we say that now!

Gurdev Singh, Mohali

Letters to the Editor, typed in double space, should not exceed the 200-word limit. These should be cogently written and can be sent by e-mail to: [email protected]

What a start to the journey of ‘change’ in Punjab! The Rs 2 crore set aside for the swearing-in ceremony could have been avoided by having a low-cost function. The hard-earned money of the people is being wasted. Is this change? Can Punjab afford it, with its debt-ridden farmers and depleted treasury? People expected a low-key ceremony that would have kickstarted a journey of change and reforms, but the expectations seem to have crumbled under the pandals of Khatkar Kalan. Politicians cannot be trusted with welfare. For them, welfare begins with themselves and ends with themselves.

Navreet Kaur, Abohar

AAP’s mega show

It is astonishing that Rs 2 crore was allocated for the Khatkar Kalan oath-taking ceremony of AAP’s newly elected CM. This amount is being paid by the taxpayers. Earlier, the entire fleet of PRTC and roadways buses were rolled out for the victory march in Amritsar. It not only caused a huge loss to the exchequer and harassment to people, but was also a misuse of public transport for personal and political purposes as are the full-page advertisements in newspapers and ads on TV channels. Crop on nearly 150 acres stands razed and relief is being offered to the affected farmers. That will also be accounted for by the taxpayers. It is not expected of the Aam Aadmi Party to go for such mega shows.

Jagjit Singh, Bathinda

Not what people wanted

The AAP using state transport buses to carry its supporters for the Amritsar roadshow has provided an opportunity to the Opposition parties to criticise it. Does the AAP consider people to be naive? The controversial style of working will only tarnish the party’s image and it should take care to avoid this.

Ravinder Singh, Jalandhar

Challenge for AAP

Spending crores from the exchequer for the victory rally, swearing-in ceremony at Khatkar Kalan and print and TV advertisements, it seems as if the AAP is still in election mode. People have been inconvenienced due to lack of buses and change of route. How will the AAP be a party with a difference? This wasteful expenditure must be stopped. Let people keep a vigilant eye on the siphoning of public money during such political functions. The new government should win the hearts of taxpayers by changing the style of working in sharp contrast from the previous governments. It must focus on job creation, setting up agro-food processing units which will engage rural youth, drug and sand mining mafia, pollution of rivers and the dwindling forest cover. The fulfilment of promised freebies should not derail its focus on the real development agenda.

Brij B Goyal, Ludhiana

‘Cong-mukt’ a reality

The meeting called by the Gandhis to ponder over the reasons for the humiliating defeat in the Assembly elections was designed in a way that nobody would challenge their authority. Kapil Sibal dared to call a spade a spade, and the result is that Congressmen are calling him a traitor. At this rate, after the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, this country may really be ‘Congress-mukt’.

RAMESH GUPTA, NARWANA

Gandhis must make way

Refer to ‘Gandhis should step aside from leadership role: Kapil Sibal’; the Congress has not been able to take on the challenge of the BJP. It lacks the will and the right leadership to win, though it is still the only party with a national footprint. The G-23 leaders must debate on the need for change in leadership, as did Indira Gandhi when she engineered a divide in the party in 1969. There are many young and capable next-generation leaders who can lead and rejuvenate the party. Mamata Banerjee’s call to Opposition leaders to form a common platform needs serious consideration. India needs an effective and responsible Opposition, and not ‘Opposition-mukt Bharat’.

HN Ramakrishna, Bengaluru

BJP performance in UP

‘Four reasons for BJP’s triumph in UP’ offers some solid arguments. People had no better choice than the BJP. The fragmented Opposition was no match for the BJP. Hindutva was not the only force responsible for BJP’s victory. The writer has given fewer marks to the development UP has witnessed under Yogi’s tenure. If religion was a binding force, why could Owaisi’s outfit not open its account even in Muslim-majority areas? The SP’s Muslim-Yadav combine too failed. Mayawati had literally rested her oars, alluding to some internal problem, or to extract benefits from the BJP. The improved law and order situation, highways, free ration and infrastructure were some parameters on which the BJP scored better.

LR Sharma, by mail

Letters to the Editor, typed in double space, should not exceed the 200-word limit. These should be cogently written and can be sent by e-mail to: [email protected]

THE issue of accidental missile firing should not be swept under the rug. A transparent probe must be undertaken for all the parties involved. The missile posed a serious threat to the air space through which it travelled — there could have been another Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 or Ukraine International Flight 752 tragedy. What if it had hit a dense civilian area on either side of the border? Had this accidental firing been done by Pakistan, there would have been a hue and cry in Indian media. This case should also be viewed with the same intensity as it could affect foreign relations. India is a responsible nuclear power, and by conducting a fair probe, it should show to the world that it does take such accidents seriously and is making every effort to avoid such a mishap in the future, thus protecting its image from getting tarnished.

Ishan Hastir, Gurdaspur

Serious lapse

Refer to ‘Missile row’; Pakistan’s reaction to the explanation offered by India regarding the accidental firing of a missile cannot be construed to be exaggerated or far-fetched, coming as it did from a hostile country. In fact, the rather lame explanation being offered, in an attempt to play down the incident, is on a par with the ham-handed handling of the weaponry itself. Steps must be taken to avert the recurrence of such lapses in a nuclearised weapons environment.

SS Paul, Nadia

Biased analysis

Instead of gracefully accepting people’s verdict in UP, the writer harps on the narrative of BJP’s bigotry, communalism, majoritarianism etc (‘Four reasons for...’). The track record of any state government, including West Bengal, regarding employment, public health, education and industrialisation has been more or less on similar lines. If voters can return TMC to power, despite the none-too-impressive performance on these parameters, why read too much into BJP’s win? It is blandly claimed that communalism was the ideological driving force and nearly 44 per cent of those who voted approved of this slant, without citing any empirical evidence in support of the assertion. Terror is a real threat in India and the BJP can rightfully claim credit for keeping secessionist movements in Kashmir and elsewhere in check. Similarly, voters credited the BJP with ensuring bribe-free last-mile delivery of government schemes without any discrimination or favouritism and rewarded the Yogi administration with another term. Her description of the BJP as a ‘party of Far Right’ is perplexing, keeping in mind huge welfare programmes undertaken by the Centre and various BJP state governments.

Ajay Tyagi, New Delhi

AAP new favourite

Apropos of ‘Many ex-ministers, MLAs join AAP’, it speaks volumes about their quest for greener pastures. Such a need-based ‘migration’ of these turncoats belonging to the Congress, BSP and also the BJP, comes soon after the AAP’s splendid Punjab victory. The AAP has already got busy in carrying out the necessary groundwork as a prelude to the forthcoming elections to the Haryana Assembly. However, it would be interesting to see whether Kejriwal would eventually be able to win over the hearts and minds of the voters of Haryana too.

Kumar Gupt, Panchkula

Know candidates

A large number of MLAs in UP have criminal cases registered against them. Being responsible citizens, it is our duty to choose the right candidate. We should be aware about our candidate details before casting vote. The app launched by the Election Commission of India, ‘Know Your Candidate’, should be installed by every voter. Full advantage should be taken of this app to choose a candidate who will help the nation grow.

Bhavya Vig, Ambala City

Tainted MLAs

It is disturbing that around 50 per cent of elected MLAs in UP and Punjab, who have made it to the Assembly, have criminal cases registered against them, with 39 per cent and 20 per cent, respectively, booked for heinous crimes of rape and murder. This is despite the tall claims made by all political parties, including the BJP which is in saddle, to field only those candidates who are transparent, honest and have no criminal antecedents. But, election results show that all politicians are chips of the same block. No party is interested in decriminalisation of politics. Therefore, the only option left is to carry out an amendment to the Representation of People’s Act to ban the parties from fielding such candidates. It is also crucial to expedite such cases in a time-bound manner.

Maheshwer Sharma, by mail

Letters to the Editor, typed in double space, should not exceed the 200-word limit. These should be cogently written and can be sent by e-mail to: [email protected]

Apropos of ‘122 Punjab politicians lose security cover’, even before the newly elected AAP government is administered oath of office, a major decision has already been taken to withdraw security to 122 former MLAs and ministers of Punjab. Claiming and getting armed police personnel in the guise of a security threat has become a fad with politicians, resulting in unnecessary burden on the state exchequer. In most of the cases, there is no real threat to the politicians and security is procured on flimsy grounds to be used only as a status symbol. CM-designate Bhagwant Mann has made a good beginning of his innings by taking this bold decision. However, it is expected that he applies the same yardstick to all the newly elected MLAs and ministers of his own party, as charity begins at home.

Balbir Singh Kakkar, Jalandhar

Expenditure inconsistent

Reference to the report ‘Rs 2 cr for ceremony, but park’s power bills unpaid’; though the non-payment of pending bills is a serious matter, it cannot be linked with the new Chief Minister’s oath-taking ceremony. However, the decision of spending such a huge amount is inconsistent with the AAP’s strategy towards public extravaganza. Nothing could have been more meaningful and celebratory than a landslide and historical win for the party. The proposed event could be perceived as a low-profile ceremony after witnessing the party’s overwhelming roadshow in Amritsar. The delay in taking over the reins of the government to mean business is also intriguing.

JAGDISH CHANDER, JALANDHAR

Use party fund

Demarcate where public purse or party should foot the bill (‘Rs 2 cr for oath-taking...’). The Constitution provides for swearing-in of the CM and Cabinet by the Governor and the sprawling premises in the Governor’s house are officially provided accordingly. Every deviation smacks of political connotations at huge public cost. Crores go down the drain on self-glorification to derive political mileage by dispensations in power, which in all fairness ought to be borne by their party. The whole gamut of propagating and advancing political/party interest at public cost needs thorough scrutiny and overhaul.

Lalit Bharadwaj, Panchkula

Build new Punjab model

Driving away decades of entrenched bipolar polity, the AAP has created history, garnering 92 out of 117 seats in Punjab. Its slogan of ‘Ik mauka Kejriwal nu, ik mauka Bhagwant Mann nu’ has found resonance with voters disenchanted with the traditional two-party politics of the Congress and the SAD. To build on its victory, the AAP must construct a Punjab model that responds to the strong desire for change that has propelled it to power with such a large mandate.

Shivani Sharma, Panchkula

Covid data

Refer to ‘Covid death data’; concealing the data is counterproductive, rather it should be shared with all departments to analyse it and find a resolution. People also have a right to be informed because they are the real sufferers of the lack or mismatch in figures. The underreporting of Covid-19 deaths is already causing problems for the rehabilitation of Covid orphans. Recipients of ex gratia are also struggling. What is the benefit of such welfare schemes when the beneficiaries are not getting any benefit due to the shortcomings in official data collection? The government is the mainstay and it should take responsibility. By providing credible and correct data, and helping the people, it can rebuild their trust. The reports of those surveys can play an important role in analysing the real figures. The daily figures of hospitals can be evaluated. The government should speed up the process to curtail the ordeal of those affected. Being the guardian of the people, the Supreme Court can take up the matter and order the government to expedite the process.

Asha Rani, Yamunanagar

More seats won’t help

In reference to ‘Make medical education affordable, accessible’, the Russia-Ukraine war has diverted our interest towards the exorbitant MBBS fee in India. Government colleges have more aspirants than seats. Is producing more seats the solution? No, we should, instead, work on the root cause of this problem, which is population. No matter how many institutes we build, they will always be inadequate. As David Attenborough stated, instead of controlling the environment for the benefit of the population, perhaps it is time we control the population for the survival of the environment.

Sanchit Gupta, by mail

Letters to the Editor, typed in double space, should not exceed the 200-word limit. These should be cogently written and can be sent by e-mail to: [email protected]

Refer to ‘Congress must reform’; it is futile to believe that the party has any intention to reform itself. The main reason for this downfall has been admitted by Ghulam Nabi Azad. Majority of Congress leaders are accustomed to luxurious lifestyles and they stay and dine in five-star hotels. They don’t want to meet common people and rarely visit their constituencies. The inevitable has happened finally. The meeting called by G-23 politicians carries no meaning as they all are responsible for this downfall.

Ramesh Gupta, Narwana

Vote for good governance

The AAP victory in Punjab is the outcome of the people of Punjab voting for governance. Sikhs did not vote for the SAD and Hindus did not vote for BJP, which could get only two seats. Dalits did not vote for BSP. People voted for good governance and good education for their children and health. Voters rejected farm union leader Balbir Singh Rajewal. The people did not repeat the folly of 2017. The rest of India must learn a lesson from Punjab and vote for good governance and not for religion, caste, etc.

Capt Amar Jeet (retd), Kharar

Plain and simple

Apropos of ‘Day after, AAP legislators keep it simple’, it is heartening to see the symbolic gestures of departure from the past VIP culture by the CM-designate and the newly elected AAP legislators. But there is a long way to go before these gestures of simplicity, honesty and sincerity become a way of life and come to stay as a permanent feature of our democratic society. The new dispensation now needs to walk the talk. In the mad pursuit for power, the motto of service to the people was discarded and the common man was totally forgotten and left to fend for himself. The challenge ahead is colossal and only sincerity of purpose and focus may redeem the present dismal scenario.

GP CAPT JS BOPARAI (RETD), BHADSALI

Look within

The humiliating defeat of the Congress and the SAD calls for soul-searching by the astute veterans whose ill-conceived policies and apathetic attitude paved the way for their ignominious rout. The message is clear — never take the common people for granted; choose the right time for retirement from active politics; and dedicate yourself to the amelioration of the condition of the common masses.

Vimal Sethi, Kapurthala

New era dawns

The SAD and the Congress ruled Punjab for decades because there was no third alternative. They looted the people and the state exchequer and neither dared to speak against the other, since both were corrupt. People of Punjab have ushered in a new era. The tsunami has washed away the bigwigs. The voters reposed full faith in the AAP. Now, the party should respond accordingly.

Bansi Ram Rahul, Garhshankar

No end to corruption

Is the BJP government in Haryana oblivious of the rising corruption? The BJP government has been boasting of running the state with zero corruption, but arrests in bribery cases are on the rise. Every other day someone is in the trap of the vigilance team. Incalculable cash and documents of properties were recovered during search of the residential premises of a District Town Planner. When there were frequent complaints against him from the public, why was immediate action not taken? Also, why was he given additional charge of Gurugram, the most lucrative construction hub? This smells foul. It could not have happened without the complicity of politicians and senior officers. The Haryana Government should stringently bridle such corrupt officials.

Baljeet Singh Deep, Hisar

All-women panchayat

The decision by residents of Rohillan village, Bhiwani, to not have an all-women panchayat is an example of male chauvinism in our society. The reason for this decision is that the women have not been able to come up to the expectations of the villagers. What a ridiculous reason! The reason is that the women were not given a cordial atmosphere to work. It is true that working women cannot do justice with their jobs as they have to take care of their households too, but this doesn’t mean that they are inefficient. As for the other reason of their being less educated, for that too we all are to be blamed. Why these women were not given equal education opportunities? In no way are they responsible for the poor performance of the panchayat. The villagers must ponder over the reasons for the failure of the panchayat and come up with solutions. Banning an all-women panchayat will only suppress the women and will discourage others to come forward.

Bir Devinder Singh Bedi, Sangrur

Letters to the Editor, typed in double space, should not exceed the 200-word limit. These should be cogently written and can be sent by e-mail to: [email protected]

Apropos of ‘Kejriwal as contender’ (Nous Indica), fed up with the misrule of the traditional parties, the Punjabis, rising above party, caste, creed, religion and ‘derawad’, voted en masse for a change. They have given a massive mandate to AAP to uplift the common man from miseries. They have voted on the basis of real issues affecting the general public — unemployment, corruption and drug menace. They have pinned high hopes on the new government. As for Congress decimation, Priyanka Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Navjot Sidhu are solely responsible. 

Tarsem S Bumrah, Batala

Big win for democracy 

The people of Punjab have exhibited wisdom and maturity by giving a fair chance to a new political entity (‘Kejriwal as contender’; Nous Indica). The AAP has successfully followed the original concept of the Congress, which is still relevant and needed in the country. The people of Punjab deserve praise for believing in justice and democratic setup. The TMC, AAP and Samajwadi Party, which have accepted the challenges and improved the image of their parties to a great extent, can form a solid opposition at the national level. The hardliners and separatist forces among the minorities must do some introspection. The BJP has achieved  success in UP by reviving traditional  values and providing security umbrella to the women, poor and  the weaker sections. 

Nirmal Kumar, Panchkula

The mighty have fallen 

The AAP has won with a thumping majority and has also sidelined the well-established, mighty political parties. People of Punjab are rejoicing at the outcome of the election. But this opportunity to form the government cannot be taken as an indication of the love and enchantment of the people for the AAP, rather, it is proof of their pent-up wrath against old political parties. Mafias were allowed by the government to plunder with impunity the wealth and resources of the state, for their own benefit and that of those in power. The economy of the state was made to nosedive, agriculture, industry, trade and business were shattered. The common man was trampled by poverty, inflation, unemployment, and was left to face his fate. People are now anxiously  waiting to see whether the new government also follows the same path or creates a new path and proves its mettle by improving the conditions of people and turning Punjab into a model welfare state. One thing is clear from the pattern of voting in Punjab — this time, selfish and corrupt political parties were decimated. This would have ramifications on future elections in other states too. 

SS Chahal, Amritsar

Bringing in change 

The AAP’s victory clearly shows how unhappy the people of Punjab were with the Congress government, how they didn’t want the SAD to come again and ruin Punjab’s youth with drugs and alcohol. And the dislike for the BJP due to the farmers’ protest paved the way for the AAP. Even the former CM, Capt Amarinder Singh, lost from his constituency, a seat he thought he would win for sure. Punjab’s people wanted a change, and they brought one.

Khushnaseeb Kaur, Patiala

Political tsunami 

The political tsunami created by the AAP in Punjab was expected. The people of Punjab were sick of the drama enacted by the main political parties for one-upmanship. The main actors were senior leaders who were fighting election not for the party, but for themselves. Now, the result is before them. People want action on the ground, which the ruling party failed to deliver. 

Manjit Singh, Ludhiana

Power of common man 

The people of Punjab have voted for change, irked over the promises which were never kept; departments where the files never moved;  and the costliest state as far as electricity is concerned, to name some. The mandate has shown the power of a common man when pushed to the edge. We  hope for better days in the future. 

Manveen Mann, Jalandhar

Hike in school fee 

After a long tussle, the Chandigarh administration has finally given nod to private schools to hike school fee up to 8 per cent, which has raised eyebrows. The administration has favoured the strong and influential private school bodies. This decision is biased and partial and has shaken the faith of the common man in the system, especially the education wing. Private schools are already making huge profits and charging hefty admission and tuition fee. If they are facing losses, as claimed, why are they not ready to disclose their balance sheets for transparency? 

Karan Singh Vinayak, Chandigarh

Letters to the Editor, typed in double space, should not exceed the 200-word limit. These should be cogently written and can be sent by e-mail to: [email protected]

Punjabis have done it! They have finally seen through the tricks that the greed-filled and ever-scheming politicians play on them during every election and have refused to be taken for a ride yet again. They have rejected the politics of the past, and with AAP’s Delhi performance in mind, they have voted for the promised honest and pro-people politics. They have furthered the ‘swachh rajneeti abhiyaan’ to check the abuse of democracy. This long-awaited awakening will herald the beginning of a political revolution in the country. The new government is now duty-bound to be the change people have voted for.   

Hira Sharma, by mail

Congress history now

The Congress once ruled the country uninterrupted for three decades, and now after losing the state of Punjab, it stands restricted to less than a total of the three states and stands on a par with the AAP in terms of the number of states ruled by it. What to talk of winning, the party seems to be reluctant even in contesting the polls seriously, and is giving in states to ally partners to contest, just as it did it to the AAP in Delhi, TMC in Bengal and RJD in Bihar. The people associated with the party seem to rely on the simple calculation that just as the BJP managed to rise to the magic number, why should it not hope to get to the mark from a number which is more than 22-25 times that. They forget that there have been parties like the Janata party and Janata Dal that once ruled the country and are now nowhere. 

SL Singhal, Noida

Victory processions 

Apropos of ‘EC bans victory processions’, the decision must be hailed as processions are not only violative of Covid-safety norms, but also pose a threat to the law and order position in the state. Consumption of liquor is a major charm for supporters of the winning candidates, and often, they indulge in fights with supporters of rival candidates. ‘Pedestrian zones’ is another wise step by the EC.

Upendra Sharma, by mail

Model act 

Refer to ‘Cong, SAD bonhomie at display in Gidderbaha’; they have set a decent example of bonhomie by arranging preparation of laddoos at a common place. It will go a long way in creating communal harmony in other areas of Punjab. Seasoned political leaders always have relations of ‘roti-beti’ with one another. However, they create bitterness among the general public during elections. A common man is a soft target of such games. 

Vijaya Sharma, by mail

Monster teacher 

In reference to ‘Skewed social mindset’, no matter how much you try to change it, instances still pop up from somewhere. The irony in this case is that the one who claims to educate people is the one who needs to be educated. This crime is a disgrace for the position of a teacher, who is revered in society. Adolescent girls who silently tolerated this monstrosity represent the conservative fashion in which society treats such delicate issues. Let us raise our girls to be bold and free from this deep-rooted regressive mindset.

Ridhi Gupta, Bathinda

Perverted mindset 

Apropos of ‘Skewed social mindset’, it is painful to learn that a principal-cum-owner of a private school and his friends have been sexually assaulting students. It is a chilling reminder of how widespread this abuse is in different organisations. The primary reason why they were able to carry on for a such a long time is obviously because of threats of failure in exams and also because girls are taught to suffer in silence due to social stigma. Despite the POCSO Act, lax law enforcement and low importance given to sexual violence as a crime has contributed to the skewed mindset of such men. Had not a social activist reported the matter, the students would have suffered endlessly.  

Chetana Vaishnavi, Panchkula

Failed experiment 

Apropos of ‘Medical teaching out of sorts’, medical education has been commercialised and is the net outcome of the short-sighted wrong policies of the past. Things were not always so. I passed pre-medical which used to be a base class to be eligible for MBBS and BDS in 1967. There used to be no entrance exam and no coaching classes. Government Medical College, Patiala, Amritsar and Rohtak, and private institutions Dayanand Medical College, Ludhiana, and Christian Medical College were the only medical colleges in joint Punjab. Criteria for admission was simple, based on the marks secured in pre-medical exam. If one didn’t stand anywhere in merit, one could pursue a two-year course of BSc (medical). No one had to run to foreign lands for admission. With passage of time, there started experimentation in curriculum, conduct of exams and criteria for entry in medical colleges, and the outcome is for all to see.

VK ANAND, Chandigarh

Letters to the Editor, typed in double space, should not exceed the 200-word limit. These should be cogently written and can be sent by e-mail to: [email protected]

With crores of rupees left unpaid as arrears of revised pay and pension of state employees and pensioners and divesting state university and college teachers of UGC scales and harming the career prospects of hundreds of new entrants and research scholars into higher education jobs by availing the UGC junior research fellowship scholarships, it is time to call the Finance Minister’s bluff of leaving zero pending bills (‘From empty coffers to zero pending bills)’. Do the pending arrears of revised pay and pension from 1.1.2016 to 1.1.2021 not amount to pending bills? Let the minister with a poetic disposition read this Punjabi couplet: ‘Yaar meray nay bhaji bheji which bheji kasturi; jay tolan tan ghatdi javay, na tolan tan poori.’

Kulwant Singh, Mohali

Why were funds not used? 

Refer to ‘From empty coffers to zero pending bills’; the rosy picture may look encouraging, but the increment in revenue through allotment by the Finance Commission and other collection sources have hardly shown any development in the state. Farmers, industrialists and employees were on roads till the last day of the election code of conduct. The figures of revenue given by the Finance Minister may be correct, but its expenditure for the welfare and development of the state and the people was missing. The announcements of various projects, schemes and freebies during the past three months of tenure have also created doubt that either the funds were available and not spent on time, or were kept aside to announce just before the election to get political mileage. The highly qualified minister could have done much better than offering justification at this stage.

Wg Cdr Jasbir S Minhas (retd), Mohali

Not always accurate 

Refer to ‘Exit polls: 2017 on mind, Punjab wary’; there have been several instances in the past when exit polls went way off the mark and proved wrong. Owing to the growing interest in electoral results, exit polls have become quite popular. Experience suggests that exit poll predictions of some pollsters are generally right when there is a direct contest between the two parties, but when there is a multi-cornered contest, the chances of predictions going wrong is high. But before the actual count starts, exit polls do give some discussion points to the people and are a great TRP for media debates for the next few days.

K Kumar, Panchkula

Troops under stress 

Refer to fratricide in the armed forces; the recommendations made by the Defence Institute of Psychological Research are relevant to relieve mental stress of troops, who are always ready to sacrifice their life for the safety of the country. It is the mandatory and moral duty of the authorities concerned to ensure the implementation of these recommendations in true spirit to save the lives of our soldiers. 

NK Singhal, Panchkula

Care for soldiers

Gunning down of own colleagues in Amritsar by a BSF jawan without any direct provocation is shocking. Recommendations of the study of the Defence Institute of Psychological Research must be followed for the psychological wellbeing of our forces, particularly in lower ranks. Society too should take care of the families of soldiers back home. Job reservation as well as school/college admission priority to the children of serving soldiers must be increased and ensured. There must be a dedicated helpline at the district level for their families. 

Brij B Goyal, Ludhiana

Unhealthy food 

Children are the future of our country, but sadly, the fast food they eat takes a heavy toll on their health  (‘Junk food ads & kids’). We must make all efforts so that they do not choose junk food over homemade food. Junk food is very oily, spicy and full of calories. Adding to their waistline, it makes them fat and lazy. Advertisements promoting junk food should be banned on TV and in magazines, and parents and teachers should discourage kids from savouring them. School canteens should not sell junk food. 

Sunil Chopra, Ludhiana

Uncertain prospects

Refer to ‘Cost-benefit study of MBBS degree abroad’; uncertainty looms large on the minds of students studying medicine in Ukraine. Commenting on the request to absorb them in local medical colleges, the IMA vice-president says that since they had low ranking in NEET, it would be an injustice to local students. Many foreign degree holders are unable to clear FMGE. This shows the poor standards of medical education there. This lays bare the use of pursuing MBBS in countries like Ukraine. India’s first priority is to safely evacuate all students. A way should be found to help them so that their career is not ruined. 

WG CDR CL SEHGAL (RETD), JALANDHAR

Letters to the Editor, typed in double space, should not exceed the 200-word limit. These should be cogently written and can be sent by e-mail to: [email protected]

THE armed forces face an embarrassing situation when incidents of fratricide occur in their units (‘Curb fratricide’). It appears that the implementation of remedial measures leaves much to be desired. Soldiers come from a diverse social and economic background and have issues back home. Though they are trained to be physically robust, yet mental toughness is not always possible. Strenuous duty schedules add to the stress. Frequent counselling, close interaction and camaraderie are needed to prevent such incidents.

SUBHASH VAID, NEW DELHI

Junk that food

With reference to ‘Junk food ads & kids’; fast food is becoming a part of our life in modern society. Due to convenience, many of us are now dependent on fast food for our meals. Junk food looks attractive and tasty and is liked by people of all age-groups. But in reality, it is very harmful for health. For healthy living, it is important that one should eat healthy and hygienic food. The government should completely stop such advertisements.

Sikandar Bansal, Shimla

Partition tales

Refer to ‘Our house in Daska’; what happened in the wake of the Partition was perhaps the goriest of gory happenings in the world. Gandhi said that Pakistan would come into being on his dead body. It, however, came into existence on the corpses of a million people. Ethnic cleansing on both sides of the Ravi shattered the age-old communal harmony. About two crore people were uprooted. Thousands of women were abducted. Before a mammoth mob of armed Muslim marauders raided our village at midnight, my Muslim classfellow, his father and grandfather, at the risk of their lives, escorted us to a distant safe camp. Because of many old and ailing people, small children and torrential rain, our qafila headed for India at a snail’s pace. Some Muslims attacked the caravan many a time. The Ravi was in spate. A Muslim boatman named Manha ferried the people across the river without charging any fare.

BHAGWAN SINGH, Qadian

War will be disaster

The unprovoked invasion by Russia of Ukraine is shocking and uncalled for. The Russian President has threatened European countries to keep away. The appeal by the UN Secretary-General has been ignored. The knee-jerk reaction of the UK, France and Germany will not suffice. The world economy is undergoing a slump due to the pandemic. A full-blown war between Russia and Ukraine will be a disaster for the European economy. The NATO leadership cannot afford to wait and watch what unfolds. War is not a solution. Sahir Ludhianvi condemned war in his nazm: Khuda-e-bartar teri zamin par zamin ki khatir ye jung kyon hai/Zamin bhi teri hai hum bhi tere, ye milkiyat ka sawaal kya hai/ Ye katal-o-khoon ka riwaj kyon hai/Ye rasam-e-jung-o-jadaal kya hai/Jinhen talab hai jahaan bhar ki, unhin ka dil itna tang kyon hai.

RK SHARMA, Kurukshetra

The right education

Reference to the article ‘There’s no just war’; it is rightly said that qualification is just a piece of paper; education is reflected in your behaviour. The question is, have the leaders all over the world got the right education? The Ukraine President was educated in the US and he is not able to take the right decision for his country at this critical juncture. He is behaving like a puppet in the hands of the US and the European Union. His education is being reflected in his obstinacy in the present war scenario. No doubt, the obstinacy of a child to achieve a goal in his life is good, but a wise man gives up his obstinacy if he finds it fatal and destructive. If a country like the US is not imparting the right education, what can we expect from the rest of the world?

Baltej Singh, Bathinda

Elected criminals

Reference to crime-politics nexus; it is disturbing to read that by 2050, our country could be headed by a mafia don. When Modi became Prime Minister, he made an encouraging statement that within a year, all criminal cases against elected members would be brought to a logical conclusion. Unfortunately, 2019 data shows an increase of criminals in politics by 26%. The Election Commission has forgotten its existence and is meant to only take note of complaints, without taking any action. It is not that the three pillars of democracy are not aware of corrective measures, there is simply a lack of will, and vested interests are dragging the country back.

SL Kataria, Patiala

Letters to the Editor, typed in double space, should not exceed the 200-word limit. These should be cogently written and can be sent by e-mail to: [email protected]

Reference to ‘Power and responsibility’; while justifying SC reprimand of the high court, Ashish Mishra’s bail case has been quoted, which has no parallel with Saini’s seemingly politically motivated case. It is reported that Saini’s judgment, if read carefully, clearly aims only at refraining the Punjab Government from filing politically motivated cases, one after another, with a single aim of putting him behind bars under some or the other pretext. The court has not given Saini, now having no official authority, blanket bail from every kind of his future offences, if any.

BALVINDER, Chandigarh

Medical education

Apropos of ‘Medical education needs urgent cure’, for decades, Indian students have been going abroad to study. Lack of quality educational institutes, demand-supply gap and the high costs of medical education are the major factors. Earlier, students preferred English-speaking countries, but now, newer destinations are becoming popular because international education has become more affordable. Many non-English speaking countries are focusing on potential students from India. Medical education in India has moved to the private sector, making it unaffordable. Unless we set up more medical colleges, like it happened with engineering, and with competitive tuition, things will not change.

HN Ramakrishna, Bengaluru

Not the perfect remedy

‘Medical education...’ points to the malady of the fee structure in private medical colleges in India, forcing students to go to substandard foreign universities, but the remedy suggested can culminate into a bigger disaster. District hospitals have no academic dimension, and owing to their mid-level role in healthcare, they cannot be of much use in training human resources in specialities. Only an increased budgetary allocation for academic and research activities can lead to increase in number of doctors who get to graduate from state-of-the-art medical colleges. A doctor who has not been trained in academic environs cannot be expected to be up to the mark.

Vikrant Sharma, Dharamsala

Beyond years

Refer to ‘Of old & new’ (Reflections), what happens when old and young meet? The untapped resource of older adults and unmet needs of youth — this combo can do wonders, with appropriate means. Intergenerational connection can benefit both stakeholders. The advantages of a caring mentor are many. Not only do youngsters benefit from the experiences of the elders, but also the elderly feel happier imparting what they have learnt. It leads to emotional belongingness, especially for the elderly.

Anita Kataria, Patiala

Farmers’ welfare

Debt burden and lack of alternative job opportunities are the major problems farmers are facing (‘Easing debt burden the key to farmers’ welfare’). Banks have a well-defined scheme of kisan credit card (KCC) that is available to owner farmers. Tenant peasants, share croppers and farm labourers are not covered as they lack ownership. KCC funds are diverted and used to meet consumption and showy events and the crop proceeds not circulated in the account. Every crop cycle leads to the levy of higher rate of interest, which is mandatory to get the benefit of interest subvention. Banks should devise a general credit scheme to cover the expenses of general needs. It will discourage expensive credit from non-institutional sources.

GS MANN, NAYA NANGAL

At home, same as before

As the world celebrates Women’s Day, in India too, the achievements of women will be lauded and steps taken towards gender equality will be highlighted. The theme this year is ‘Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow’. Education and financial independence have ensured gender equality and improved the lot of women, yet inside the house, the woman faces the same discrimination and exploitation. Strict division of labour based on traditional gender roles is here to stay. Men are not willing to let go of their pedestals to help their better halves by sharing the burden of household work. Most women have been raised in a patriarchal culture, wherein they are expected to endure and adjust.

Aswant Kaur, Tarn Taran

Replace ‘Mrs’ with ‘Ms’

Despite women’s emancipation, why no umbrage is taken by votaries of gender equality over addressing a woman as her husband’s ‘mistress’, abbreviated as ‘Mrs’? Husbands occupied a better status socially, physically and financially in the era gone by, but no more, as there are instances where we have a reigning queen and many a women president/PM or corporate CEO. Imagine the oddity if Queen Elizabeth-II is referred to as Mrs Philip! ‘Mr’ for both boys and men conceals age and marital status. It is time to popularise a common prefix for women — Ms, instead of Miss or Mrs.

Lalit Bharadwaj, Panchkula

Letters to the Editor, typed in double space, should not exceed the 200-word limit. These should be cogently written and can be sent by e-mail to: [email protected]