Letters to the editor

Refer to ‘Himachal budget’; the ever-rising debit burden of Rs 75,000 crore in Himachal is the cumulative effect of a mismatch between expenditure and revenue since the mid-1980s. It cannot be attributed to a single political party at the helm of affairs over the years. It is good that the government now seems serious about a solution. Imposition of water cess on hydel projects and cow cess on the purchase of liquor is a welcome step. Earlier, the government had initiated austerity measures by stopping MLA-LAD funds, but had to step back following walkouts by the Opposition in the present budget session. Presentation of the green budget shows the commitment of the government towards making Himachal a green state by 2026. The moot question is: how will the commitments be executed before the next budget?

Virender Sharma, Shimla

BJP must introspect

Apropos of ‘Rahul overstepped democracy: BJP’; one is amused to see the BJP talk of democracy when its unabashed aim, and that of its mentor, the RSS, is the establishment of a ‘Hindu rashtra’. The BJP government and its leaders are after Rahul Gandhi for saying that democracy in India is under threat. But they are not acceding to his request to allow him to speak in Parliament, which shows that they have got scant regard for democratic principles. Opposition leaders are being hounded by Central agencies, thus curtailing their fundamental right to freedom of expression. An ordinary Indian is a witness to the withering of our democracy.

Beant Singh Bedi, Mohali

Ruckus in Parliament

Refer to ‘Lok Sabha adjourned amid uproar over Rahul’s democracy remarks’; the Budget session has been a washout, with the BJP demanding an apology from Rahul and Opposition members seeking a JPC probe into the alleged stock manipulation by the Adani Group, thus both sticking to their guns. Despite the LS Speaker repeatedly urging the members to allow the House to function, they refused to relent, forcing him to adjourn the proceedings. Did people elect them for creating ruckus or for fulfilling their constitutional responsibilities? It is better to dissolve the Lok Sabha and hold fresh elections.

Kumar Gupt, by mail

G20 presidency

Apropos of ‘Project India as strong & united country’; India has always been a secure and stable country, notwithstanding the internal and external upheavals experienced by it since time immemorial. Contemporary India is no exception. Only the leaderships at various levels need to understand the value of moderation, simplicity and straightforwardness of policies and objectives. People of India as a whole are never confused. They have more than once demonstrated a sound understanding of the prevailing conditions by voting out erring leaderships. For India, the G20 presidency should be fortified with fresh ideas to maintain global peace and prosperity.

Jagvinder Singh Brar, Patiala

Mobile phones in jails

Every other day, mobile phones are found in one jail or another. If the government can’t control cellphones, cigarettes and drugs in jails, which is a small area with limited people, how can we expect it to check crime, drug mafia and corruption? It is not easy for a common man to go and meet any relative in jail. They have to undergo several formalities before entering the gate. There is also a net between the visitor and the prisoner. Hence, there is no chance of handing over anything. It is an open secret that all such things can’t happen without the involvement of the jail staff. Why not dismiss the persons concerned on the spot and put them in jail?

Sukhwant Bhullar, Chandigarh

Internet services

The blocking of Internet services in Punjab is a major concern for residents. Putting restrictions on the Internet is not a solution as it only disrupts the everyday functioning as a large number of people rely on the Internet for their livelihood. Students also suffer when the blocking of the Net services is extended. Despite this, there has been no arrest of the man in question — Amritpal Singh.

Sharya Lall, by mail

Meritorious schools

The AAP government in Punjab has shortlisted 117 schools for the flagship ‘Schools of Eminence’ scheme. It is a noble concept. The schools will focus on Classes IX to XII. Children will get admission on merit through an entrance exam and then be provided free education. Every government wants to start something new and neglect the earlier good concepts instead of improving them further. This attitude needs to be arrested. Why can meritorious schools not be taken under the same scheme and brilliant students from poor families be admitted to existing schools, which are fully residential?

Col RC Patial (retd), 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]

Apropos of ‘Minorities & democracy deficit’ (Nous Indica); why single out minorities vis-a-vis democracy deficit that is tangible across the political spectrum, with divisions, subdivisions and sections galore even in a minority? Our democracy should aim at people-centric polity sans discrimination, but it has been hijacked by dirty vote-bank politics that thrives on dividing people on the basis of caste, region or religion. Sadly, our democracy is the loser with the dwindling fortunes of the only pan-India Opposition party, the Congress, where talent and merit continue to be eclipsed. The BJP’s inclusivity, or the lack of it, has only been reactionary. Yet, the majority mandate at the hustings puts the onus on the ruling dispensation for ensuring welfare, development and justice for all and appeasement of none — not even the minorities.

Lalit Bharadwaj, Panchkula

What is Rahul’s vision?

Apropos of ‘Minorities & democracy deficit’ (Nous Indica); while making his speech in London, Rahul could have used the opportunity to highlight the broad framework of his own political vision and philosophy on how to revamp Indian agriculture, industry, education, health and provide jobs to millions of Indian youths, instead of spending most of his time talking about PM Modi’s style of functioning. The Congress does not have a grassroots-level ideologically cohesive cadre. Many a time, its top brass and state-level leaders are not on the same page on issues of national importance. No single party can monopolise power for long in a multi-lingual and multi-ethnic country like India. If the masses can vote the Congress out of power, they can vote the BJP out, too. But at present, a weak Congress and a divided Opposition seem to pose no serious challenge to the BJP.

RAJ BAHADUR YADAV, Fatehabad

Let them speak

It is unfortunate that the proceedings in Parliament were muted for several minutes last week. It is also rare that the ruling party has not allowed Parliament to function for a few days. Being a four-time MP, Rahul has every right to speak in Parliament and give a clarification on the allegations levelled against him. He had aired the same grievance during his UK visit that he and other Opposition leaders were not allowed to speak in Parliament and that their mikes were muted. A new trend has emerged over the last nine years that whenever someone opposes or criticises the government, he/she is branded as ‘deshdrohi’. Why is there silence on the Adani scam? The government should answer the questions raised in Parliament and come clean on the issue. What is the problem in constituting a Joint Parliamentary Committee? There have been many instances in the past when probes were conducted by JPCs. In a democracy, people have the right to know the truth.

Bhupinder Kochhar, Panchkula

Rajasthan districts

Reference to ‘In poll year, Rajasthan CM announces creation of 19 new dists, 3 divisions’; Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot is in a habit of issuing statements without considering their impact on the state exchequer. Perhaps he is not aware of the huge expenditure involved in the creation of so many new districts and divisions. He did not create even a single district during his last two tenures. The CM should seek solid advice on this vital issue.

vijaya sharma, by mail

River water cess

Refer to the news report ‘HP water cess on hydropower generation...’; the flow of rivers is a natural process, from high to low-lying areas. Punjab should not pay the cess. Can Himachal Pradesh stop the natural flow of rivers towards Punjab? How can it have property rights over water flowing in its territory? Punjab should also impose a levy on all Himachal vehicles entering the state, considering the entry tax being collected by HP over the past many years.

Tarwinder Cheema, Chandigarh

State funds

Every successive government in a state decries the hefty loans taken by its predecessor and babus have to justify the stand of the government of the day. The fact remains that in a state like Himachal Pradesh, where expenditure outmatches revenue, the government has to resort to market borrowings. It is vital to plough these borrowings into productive assets. The HP budget reflects that 13 out of 23 PSUs are suffering losses worth over Rs 4,900 crore. The government has been contemplating to reduce the number of PSUs by way of a merger, but these should be disbanded. What is the need of boards and corporations when government departments exist to deal with the subjects? Further, we need to enhance our own sources of income. Hydel power, horticulture and tourism, if fully exploited, can redress the state’s financial woes.

KR Bharti, Shimla

[email protected]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:

Apropos of ‘Governor’s ambit’; given the partisan political culture in vogue, neutrality of the office of the Governor assumes greater relevance. In order to meet the challenge of alleged partisanship, the party and its government need to be more democratic, just and efficient to nip the evil in the bud in the larger interest of the state. In an era where political expediency, electoral politics and personal ambitions take precedence over constitutional imperatives, expecting apolitical conduct by political appointees sounds naive. Given the transition the Indian democracy is passing through, confusions regarding expected roles, duties and functions need to be understood.

Jagvinder Singh Brar, Patiala

Governor’s powers

Refer to ‘Governor’s gambit’; Governors were meant to be a bridge between the Centre and the states. Unfortunately, they have been acting more as an agent of the Centre to destabilise the states where a party other than the one ruling at the Centre is in power. All governments have misused the office. The former Governor of Maharashtra, BS Koshyari, is now under the judicial scanner for his role in bringing down the MVA government. Hopefully, the judgment in the case will be clear on the powers of the Governor — what they can or cannot do.

ANTHONY HENRIQUES, MUMBAI

House disruptions

Disrupting the proceedings of Parliament is an unacceptable act in any democracy. In India, where the legislative body holds great importance, it is crucial that parties do not engage in behaviour that jeopardises the functioning of Parliament. The Constitution empowers the Speaker of the Lok Sabha and the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha to maintain order during the proceedings. Disruptions hinder the ability of MPs to debate and discuss issues of national importance, which can impact the welfare and development of the country. All parties must respect the rules and engage in constructive discussions. Furthermore, disruptions create a hostile atmosphere and send out a message to the public that politicians are incapable of working together for the betterment of the country.

Arvind Sharma, Dharamsala

No work, no pay

With reference to ‘Cong-BJP slugfest intensifies’; it is disappointing to note that the proceedings in Parliament are being stalled. The cost of running Parliament is a whopping 2.5 lakh per minute! Do we expect such abominable conduct from our parliamentarians? Generally such a ruckus is caused by the opposition parties, but strangely this time, it is the ruling party which is obstructing the smooth functioning of the House. The BJP is demanding an apology from Rahul Gandhi for his critical remarks made in the UK. He is not the first politician to criticise his own country on foreign soil, nor will he be the last. The PM himself had been critical of Indian democracy during his visit to Seoul in 2015. He went to the extent of saying that prior to his rule, Indians were ashamed of being born in India! The BJP has a brute majority and it is using it to stifle the voice of the Opposition. It is obvious that the ruling party doesn’t want any discussion on the Adani issue and the demand for an apology from Rahul is just a ruse to avoid this. It is time that a law was framed for our representatives on the lines of ‘no work, no pay’.

Arun Hastir, Gurdaspur

Zoji La reopens

Refer to ‘Strategic Zoji La reopens for traffic in record 68 days’; the pass can be kept open to traffic throughout winter, if tried, by floating global tenders. Canada, China, Russia, Mongolia and the US, etc. experience more snow, but roads are kept open throughout the year by way of regular clearing. The authorities should take up the challenge for the sake of national security.

Ashok Kumar Goel, Panchkula

Fix Aadhaar glitches

Refer to ‘UIDAI makes Aadhaar...’; the update system is turning out to be a nuisance. When holders submit card updation request, they receive a message that the request has been rejected due to ‘technical reason’ or ‘data quality error’. The updation system should inform the applicant about the nature of the mistake or error in the request, so that it can be rectified.

RK Arora, Mohali

Back-door recruitment

In Himachal Pradesh, teachers are recruited in a way which shows that the authorities have no concern about our education system. Ad hoc teachers are drawn from PARA, PTA, GVU, PAT, SMC etc., in violation of recruitment and promotion rules as well as the roster system. There should be a proper agency to recruit the nation-builders. The right channel of recruitment will help improve the education system. It will also help us in the effective implementation of the New Education Policy.

BALDEV CHAUHAN, 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 ‘Dangerous provocations’; Russia’s enmity with the US is not a new thing. Its relationship with the US has always been tense, be it the Ukraine war or World War II. Even during the Second World War, there was tension between the Soviet Union and the US. Two camps were formed in the world at that time. Basically, it is a battle for supremacy. It has been more than a year since the Russia-Ukraine war started and both countries haven’t yet thought of ending it. America’s support to Ukraine is also an important factor behind this war. Unfortunately, the world will suffer due to the enmity between the two nations.

Rajneesh Rangra, Hamirpur

Stop provocation

The direct confrontation between big powers, whether it be the US, Russia or China, is a cause for concern. The earlier incident of a Chinese spy balloon in US airspace had not been completely settled. Now, Washington’s UAV was found moving towards Russian territory. Whether the US is deliberately doing it or not, it will trigger a war-like situation. The world is already reeling under economic slowdown, poverty and increase in food prices due to the Ukraine war. It’s time for major players to step in and stop this dirty game of provocation and retaliation. There are international laws that define space, marine and territorial boundaries of countries. One should not violate those in order to maintain international peace.

Asha Rani, Yamunanagar

Where is rule of law?

Refer to ‘Lawless vigilantism’; that Hindutva politics remains soft to dominant groups is one of the biggest fault lines in our society. Justice to ‘lower’ castes, women and minorities continues to be elusive and the perpetrators remain at large, as in the Bhiwani murder case. It is painful to witness how the police, bureaucracy and the dominant groups or ‘upper’ castes shut their eyes to the victimisation of ‘others’. Religious divides, caste equations and power opportunism are deliberately and astutely intertwined, regardless of the death of the rule of law and social justice.

Abhimanyu Malik, Jind

EC appointments

Refer to ‘Panel on EC appointments’; the SC verdict on EC appointments will go a long way in loosening the grip of the political executive in choosing persons to be appointed to the commission. The ruling will address the conflict of interest inherent in the current selection process as it will maintain transparency in the appointment of Election Commissioners. The ECI is one of the most consequential constitutional bodies as it is entrusted with the important task of supervising the elections. One of the advantages of this ruling is that the EC’s credibility won’t be damaged by allegations of partisanship. This will help restore faith in the electoral process.

Mona Singh, by mail

Real ‘Ram-rajya’

The news ‘Sunak, wife told to put dog on leash’ had a tremendous impact on the common man’s mind. An ordinary policeman reminds the Prime Minister of a powerful nation to follow rules and put his dog on a leash. In the true sense this is ‘Ram-rajya’, where rules are the same for every citizen, irrespective of stature. Can any policeman dare do so in India? If not, let us introspect about the nature of our democracy.

VK Anand, Chandigarh

Discuss basic issues

Elected representatives of the nation are duty-bound to discuss and resolve the issues being faced by the citizens. Unfortunately, the functioning of Parliament has come to a standstill for the past three days due to Rahul Gandhi’s London remarks and the Opposition’s demand for probe into the Adani scam. Both the ruling party and the Opposition have taken a stance with scant respect for the citizens of the nation. The average cost of running Parliament is Rs 2.5 lakh per minute. However, many valuable hours are wasted because of the ego clashes among parliamentarians, with no willingness on either side to defuse the situation. The ruckus must stop as there are several basic issues like price rise and unemployment that must be discussed.

Yash Khetarpal, Panchkula

Mass migration

It is a bitter truth that the youth from the region, especially Punjab, are migrating to other countries for green pastures. Brain drain is affecting the economy of states suffering from it. There is a dire need for skill-based education. Also, parents must realise that there are professions beyond being a doctor or an engineer. The youth must not blindly follow in the footsteps of their friends and cousins abroad. They should minutely study the outcomes of their migration. The rosy picture painted by friends in the form of photos and videos might have a bitter truth hidden behind them. The joint efforts of the government and the parents can put a full stop to this trend of mass migration.

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]

The financial relief provided to the Faridabad flat owner for delay in possession of the flat could at best be an isolated case as there are thousands of buyers who are waiting for their dream homes to be either delivered to them or they have not been able to get the registry done after being allowed to move into their flats (‘Regulating real estate’). Their ordeal doesn’t seem to end. No doubt RERA is a big relief, but there is still a lot that needs to be done to win the common man’s faith in under-construction projects. The data on building projects should be in public domain so that there is complete transparency between the buyer and the builder. Buyers should know every detail of the project as their hard-earned money is at stake.

Bal Govind, Noida

Builders’ tricks

Refer to ‘Regulating real estate’; builders are so clever that they find every trick under the sun to loot innocent customers by bypassing RERA laws. For example, builders can’t sell flats, plots or SCOs before they get a RERA number. Only last week, the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority auctioned eight sites and successful builders have already sold most of their units clandestinely. The owners of such lands hardly meet their customers. The quality and amenities in their projects are generally substandard, whereas the prices keep rising every month.

Ramesh Gupta, Narwana

Why no to probe?

Refer to the headline ‘Parliament disrupted for 2nd day over Rahul’s remarks, BJP firm on apology’; politicians have become insensitive to the public/world opinion about our country and democracy. Not only abroad, whatever they say or do within the country has a bearing on the country’s image. Rowdiness in place of debate in Parliament and frequent disruptions give a poor impression of our country and democracy to the world. It is Rahul Gandhi this time, but top leaders from the ruling party have also been making irresponsible remarks about the country’s internal affairs abroad. Instead of asking for an apology, the ruling dispensation should debate over the remarks in Parliament and let the Congress defend these. If the countrymen find his remarks derogatory and condemnable, it would be far better than an apology. Also, if nothing foul has happened, as the government appears to be believing, where is the harm in a JPC probe into the Adani issue? Without a working Parliament, we cannot claim to be a working democracy.

HL Sharma, Amritsar

Restore decorum

The ruling dispensation’s continuous insistence for an apology from Rahul Gandhi is uncalled for (‘Parliament disrupted for 2nd day...’). This session may be washed out if the current face-off continues. It would hamper the important business of the House. The government should display a sense of responsibility and try to ensure decorum in Parliament. The opposition parties, too, should stop behaving like amateurs and act responsibly. The nation wants parliamentarians to ensure proper functioning of Parliament and avoid disruptions over petty issues.

Ravinder Singh, Jalandhar

Bank collapse

Apropos of ‘The big bank collapse’; it is the nemesis of capitalism that ultimately wrecks the system. In India, the closure of even a cooperative bank will have a cascading effect. New capitalist adventurism initiated by the government can give a big jolt to the economy. There will be many rescuers for US banks and Biden’s assurances may bring big relief to depositors. In India, if it were to happen, its political and economic ramifications will haunt our system for a long time. It is vital to not create more Adanis and Vijay Mallyas. There must be strict control over the functioning of the banking system by the government and the RBI.

Jeevan VK, Pathankot

Need strong agri policy

Apropos of ‘Plunder of natural resources must be curbed’; a strong agriculture policy covering all aspects like depletion of natural resources, soil health and environmental changes affecting food production, is the need of the hour. Farmers, especially with small landholdings, who stick to traditional farming of wheat and paddy because of assured remuneration, should be convinced to practise diversified farming. Production of crops like millets, maize and barley can help conserve groundwater. With assured price mechanism and purchase system, small farmers can switch over to vegetable production. The Department of Agriculture and institutions involved in research should come out with climate-resilient varieties to help the farmers. Besides, the government should come out with a strong sale-purchase mechanism policy conducive to farmers’ needs.

Darshan Singh Bhathal, Nangal

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 the editorial ‘Drones from Pak’; the frequency of drones being sent by Pakistani terror groups has been accelerated, as evident from the increased interception of unarmed aerial vehicles carrying arms, drugs and explosives. Strangely, the nefarious designs are not affected by the poor state of that country’s economy. It is imperative that jammers and advanced technological apparatus are pressed into service to bring down such drones and prevent the payload from going into the hands of anti-national elements.

Subhash Vaid, New Delhi

Exam goof-up

In a major goof-up in the recently conducted Punjab State Teachers’ Eligibility Test, in which over one lakh candidates appeared in centres across the state, candidates were bewildered to find most right answers in the Social Studies paper marked in bold. Taking a quick decision, Guru Nanak Dev University cancelled the paper and announced it would reconduct it at the earliest without charging any fee and the government suspended two senior teachers of the university. But what about the loss of time and money incurred by the candidates? lt has put their career in jeopardy.

NK Gosain, Bathinda

PSTET fiasco

Educational administration in Punjab has been under the scanner for long. The recent PSTET fiasco is along familiar lines and highlights the demand for revamp in attitude as well as accountability. It is not about paper leak alone, it is about the dire state of carelessness. The government has done nothing appreciable by arresting professors labelled guilty without thorough investigation. Lakhs of candidates had to bear the brunt of this lapse. Things need to be fixed. There is a serious need for professionalism at all levels of the system.

Navreet Kaur, by mail

Chip agreement

Reference to ‘Chip pact with US’; India can become a semiconductor manufacturing hub, but it would require huge investment in building R&D capabilities. It will surely boost a larger role for India in the global supply chain. As of today, the US leads the world in semiconductor designs and India is at the top in the field of semiconductor design talent. Both nations must cooperate to benefit from this.

Kuldip Thakur, Zirakpur

Steel wall

Reference to the news report ‘Will build military into Great Wall of steel: Xi’; it is an open threat by the Chinese President to the world, and India. Although our government has started strengthening borders, the speed is not a match to the adversary. We do not have roads and rail lines to reach the borders in time of need. Air support will get blocked due to modern-day missiles and drone attacks. We need fast rail and road transport immediately to reach the remotest border area. These should be built speedily.

Ashok Kumar Goel, Panchkula

Oscar delight

Reference to ‘Oscars won, Indian cinema poised for greater glory’; it is a proud moment for India that we have won two Oscars. We have waited for long and finally achieved it. It was a result of the hard work and dedication of the movie crew. It is indeed a historic moment in the history of Indian cinema. Watching the performance of Naatu Naatu by Indian actors at the awards ceremony was heartening. The best short documentary award bagged by The Elephant Whisperers was inspiring. It was a moment of pride as two Indian women were standing on a global stage.

Jayani Mattu, Patiala

India shines

Refer to ‘Oscars won, Indian cinema poised for greater glory’; India’s glory has risen in the world’s most prestigious film award ceremony. Recognition of Indian cinema has increased worldwide. From story to technique, songs to dance, every small and big thing is being paid attention to.

Sikandar Bansal, Shimla

Missing deadline

India remains the world’s top arms importer. That as many as 23 DRDO projects have missed the deadline should be a matter of grave concern for all those sitting at the helm. The recent display of our war machines has proven beyond doubt that our indigenous technology is second to none. Time, energy and foreign exchange spent on importing these weapons, if utilised on indigenous technology, would yield more dependable results and will be a step forward in making India lead the rest.

RS Kishtwaria, Palampur

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 ‘Misuse of Central agencies...’; rowdy disruptions and walkouts by MPs have become routine rather than an aberration, leading to a complete washout of a session, at times. Citizens expect serious discussions from elected members leading to the framing of laws that are for the welfare of the public and the country as a whole. The role of opposition parties is as important as that of the party in power. A strong Opposition is the cornerstone of a thriving democracy. It should question the government on any flaws in Bills to be passed and implementation of policies. The Opposition is the watchdog appointed by the people. Members from both benches should engage in serious discussions, rising above personal animosity and not resorting to name-calling. Members from the ruling party are expected to lend an ear to issues raised by Opposition parties and work out ways to settle and compromise. Neutrality of the Speaker should be clearly evident.

Yoginder Singhal, by mail

Restore order

The allegation by the Opposition that for the first time in Parliament’s history, the treasury benches were not letting the august Houses work, is not without substance. Presiding officers are vested with enough power to curb disruptions in case self-regulation fails. Adjournments smack of shirking responsibility to restore order. Taxpayers have every right to seek accountability for time and resources wasted but paid for by them through their nose.

Lalit Bharadwaj, Panchkula

Cut in allocation

The AAP government has reduced the budgetary allocation to Punjabi University by Rs 36 crore, with an assurance that it will make amends later. The Vice-Chancellor initially showed courage and questioned the surprise cut in the grant, but later relented and accepted the decision, probably under pressure. Nonetheless, there is widespread resentment against the decision among students and the faculty, both in-service and retired. For long, salaries to all employees have been inordinately delayed, leading to financial and mental distress.

BHUPINDER SINGH, Patiala

Political expediency

Apropos of ‘A sudden change of heart’; Biden’s intent to strengthen bilateral ties with India could be interpreted as a policy of modus vivendi. It cannot be attributed to Putin’s change of heart, nor can it be regarded as a victory of India’s foreign policy or America’s magnanimity. Policy being adopted by the US in relation to India accrues from cold politico-economic calculations, geopolitical considerations, intra-party wranglings and unalloyed pragmatism. Liberal Democrats are a force to reckon with, and they want Biden to shun Modi’s India due to rights violations, non-existence of free press and attitude towards the minorities. India’s formidable position in the global hierarchical order may have compelled the US not to precipitate a fight against India, which it wants to use for the containment of China. Politics of expediency and pragmatism with no consistency and adherence to any principles is driving the two countries to enter into a marriage of convenience.

Roshan Lal Goel, by mail

Poor comparison

Refer to ‘India is not Ukraine’ (Nous Indica); Rahul Gandhi has the stature of a national leader by virtue of being a member of the Gandhi family. Equating India with Ukraine and Russia with China is an insult to the might and pride of our nation. In 1971, India thrashed Pakistan, which had the support of the US, the UK and China, and cut Pakistan to size and formed Bangladesh. Foreign media takes advantage of such statements and tries to denigrate India. Rahul must refrain from issuing such statements which downgrade India’s image internationally.

Bhupinder Gupta, Shimla

Neutral stance

Reference to ‘India is not Ukraine’; being a poor nation, India cannot annoy superpowers, nor can it compromise with its defence-preparedness. The Non-Aligned Movement and Panchsheel were evolved in the larger interest of the nation. Indira Gandhi had proved herself right in internal and external affairs. She did not compromise the domestic economy while taking a loan from the IMF. Pakistan’s Zia-ul-Haq, a former dictator, had to confess that the then government of Pakistan was primarily responsible for the creation of Bangladesh. Indira set aside principles of free market economy in the interest of the poor. The Congress should follow in the footsteps of its erstwhile visionary leaders.

NIRMAL KUMAR, 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]

Apropos of ‘India is not Ukraine’ (Nous Indica); there is little or no effect of Bharat Jodo Yatra on the prevailing political atmosphere, which is evident from the results of the recently held elections in three northeastern states, where the Congress failed to mark a respectable presence. Few people in the country are taking seriously whatever Rahul Gandhi is speaking abroad. However, it does show the hollowness and naivety of the Opposition leader regarding foreign and domestic affairs. One should be careful while commenting on sensitive issues of international importance, which may cause irretrievable loss to the country. Comparing Ukraine with India is illogical and undesirable, as India is a force to reckon with. Its powerful military is competent to deal with aggression or misadventure by any inimical country.

Deepak, by mail

Not entirely untrue

The article ‘India is not Ukraine’ (Nous Indica) tries to trash the comparison made by Rahul that India is like Ukraine and China is like Russia, a villainous aggressor. The comparison may not be totally true or acceptable, but it is not preposterous either. Is China not regarded as India’s enemy, posing a threat to our economic growth and national sovereignty as well as integrity? Did China not attack India in 1962, betraying Nehru’s trust? Isn’t India relying on help from Quad, a sort of mini NATO, to counter China’s aggression? Does the West not want to pursue its policy of China’s containment by exploiting India’s precarious ties with China? China’s approach to India is not much different from that of Russia towards Ukraine. It is another matter that India, being much more powerful than Ukraine, cannot be trampled upon by China. Russia has, no doubt, been a time-tested friend, but its aggression against Ukraine is indefensible. Our decision to abstain from UN resolutions against Russia is justifiable in terms of our well-calculated national interests, but not on moral grounds. It cannot be equated with our adherence to the policy of non-alignment expounded by Nehru.

Roshan Lal Goel, by mail

Chalk and cheese

That India is not Ukraine is as obvious as the difference between chalk and cheese (‘India is not Ukraine’). Rahul’s flippant statement violates India’s time-tested policy of Panchsheel and non-alignment. Only self/business interests rule the roost in strategic partnerships today and the US has a tendency to ditch its ally when the latter’s ‘utility’ wanes. New Delhi can take forward Moscow’s efforts to bridge the India-China trust deficit as the Modi government has the wherewithal — military and diplomatic — to thwart any misadventure.

Lalit Bharadwaj, Panchkula

Be wary of China

Refer to ‘Xi tightens grip’; China has been India’s rival for long. However, since Xi Jinping’s arrival on the scene, tensions have increased between the two countries. China also uses Pakistan against India and also defends Pakistani terrorists in the UN. It has also helped in getting Pakistan out of the grey list of the Financial Action Task Force. Pakistan is buried under debt. In such a situation, Pakistan can increase its activities at the behest of China to destabilise India in the coming times. During his third term, his focus will be to make China’s economy more powerful, build a strong army and use aggressive diplomacy. India needs to be careful.

Rajneesh Rangra, Hamirpur

H3N2 deaths

Reference to ‘Alert after two H3N2 deaths’; the issue is being discussed at various forums, including TV debates, but in a suppressed voice. An advisory has also been issued, though its content is the same as it was during the Covid days. There are around 100 cases in the country, with one death each reported from Karnataka and Haryana. It is vital to spread awareness among the people. Social and political gatherings are being held without observing any protocol of mask, use of sanitisers and social distancing. In no way should the situation be allowed to go the Covid way.

GIAN P KANSAL, Ambala City

Not enough security

The recent incidents of crime, including robberies and drug-trafficking, have highlighted the need for greater police presence and better law enforcement in Punjab. As a resident of the state, I have noticed that there is a shortage of police personnel in many areas, which makes it easier for criminals to operate without fear of being caught. There are not enough police stations, and those that exist are often understaffed and ill-equipped to deal with the rising crime rate. The lack of police security is particularly worrying for women, who are often victims of crimes such as sexual harassment, assault and kidnapping.

Abjith Ajith NK, 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 ‘India is not Ukraine’ (Nous Indica); there is little or no effect of Bharat Jodo Yatra on the prevailing political atmosphere, which is evident from the results of the recently held elections in three northeastern states, where the Congress failed to mark a respectable presence. Few people in the country are taking seriously whatever Rahul Gandhi is speaking abroad. However, it does show the hollowness and naivety of the Opposition leader regarding foreign and domestic affairs. One should be careful while commenting on sensitive issues of international importance, which may cause irretrievable loss to the country. Comparing Ukraine with India is illogical and undesirable, as India is a force to reckon with. Its powerful military is competent to deal with aggression or misadventure by any inimical country.

Deepak, by mail

Not entirely untrue

The article ‘India is not Ukraine’ (Nous Indica) tries to trash the comparison made by Rahul that India is like Ukraine and China is like Russia, a villainous aggressor. The comparison may not be totally true or acceptable, but it is not preposterous either. Is China not regarded as India’s enemy, posing a threat to our economic growth and national sovereignty as well as integrity? Did China not attack India in 1962, betraying Nehru’s trust? Isn’t India relying on help from Quad, a sort of mini NATO, to counter China’s aggression? Does the West not want to pursue its policy of China’s containment by exploiting India’s precarious ties with China? China’s approach to India is not much different from that of Russia towards Ukraine. It is another matter that India, being much more powerful than Ukraine, cannot be trampled upon by China. Russia has, no doubt, been a time-tested friend, but its aggression against Ukraine is indefensible. Our decision to abstain from UN resolutions against Russia is justifiable in terms of our well-calculated national interests, but not on moral grounds. It cannot be equated with our adherence to the policy of non-alignment expounded by Nehru.

Roshan Lal Goel, by mail

Chalk and cheese

That India is not Ukraine is as obvious as the difference between chalk and cheese (‘India is not Ukraine’). Rahul’s flippant statement violates India’s time-tested policy of Panchsheel and non-alignment. Only self/business interests rule the roost in strategic partnerships today and the US has a tendency to ditch its ally when the latter’s ‘utility’ wanes. New Delhi can take forward Moscow’s efforts to bridge the India-China trust deficit as the Modi government has the wherewithal — military and diplomatic — to thwart any misadventure.

Lalit Bharadwaj, Panchkula

Be wary of China

Refer to ‘Xi tightens grip’; China has been India’s rival for long. However, since Xi Jinping’s arrival on the scene, tensions have increased between the two countries. China also uses Pakistan against India and also defends Pakistani terrorists in the UN. It has also helped in getting Pakistan out of the grey list of the Financial Action Task Force. Pakistan is buried under debt. In such a situation, Pakistan can increase its activities at the behest of China to destabilise India in the coming times. During his third term, his focus will be to make China’s economy more powerful, build a strong army and use aggressive diplomacy. India needs to be careful.

Rajneesh Rangra, Hamirpur

H3N2 deaths

Reference to ‘Alert after two H3N2 deaths’; the issue is being discussed at various forums, including TV debates, but in a suppressed voice. An advisory has also been issued, though its content is the same as it was during the Covid days. There are around 100 cases in the country, with one death each reported from Karnataka and Haryana. It is vital to spread awareness among the people. Social and political gatherings are being held without observing any protocol of mask, use of sanitisers and social distancing. In no way should the situation be allowed to go the Covid way.

GIAN P KANSAL, Ambala City

Not enough security

The recent incidents of crime, including robberies and drug-trafficking, have highlighted the need for greater police presence and better law enforcement in Punjab. As a resident of the state, I have noticed that there is a shortage of police personnel in many areas, which makes it easier for criminals to operate without fear of being caught. There are not enough police stations, and those that exist are often understaffed and ill-equipped to deal with the rising crime rate. The lack of police security is particularly worrying for women, who are often victims of crimes such as sexual harassment, assault and kidnapping.

Abjith Ajith NK, 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 ‘India-Australia rapport’; that joining hands to promote higher education in both countries by way of recognition of college degrees and setting up campuses could help the moribund education sector is anybody’s guess. It is missing the wood for the trees. Our primary and secondary education is in a shambles. Education is becoming commercialised and the cost of elementary education is sky-rocketing. In tandem, the quality of education is heading south. Many government-run schools don’t even have a playground. The setting up of foreign campuses shall surely help politicians to deploy their ill-gotten wealth in these ventures and make a killing. If indeed the government is serious about bringing a perceptible change in education, it ought to regulate and hand-hold it from the foundation level and not just indulge in cosmetic changes. Even students from top-notch institutes within the country, possessing duly recognised degrees, are unable to secure gainful employment.

Deepak Singhal, Noida

Equal opportunities

Apropos of the editorial ‘Woman in command role’; this gradual change in the working of the defence services would inspire many young girls out there. For them, leading and fighting for their country would certainly be more than a mere dream. This is the sole way to celebrate women — by giving them equal opportunities and working conditions.

Yamini, Chandigarh

Women in lead role

It is remarkable that a woman officer is given the command of a frontline combat unit. Women often have to face gender disparity, but this step by the Air Force has shuffled the tradition and channelised it in a positive direction. Women have faced challenges in recruitment and getting permanent commission, but now, things are gradually changing for the good.

Ankita Bhutani, Chandigarh

Politics of vendetta

Reference to ‘The CBI’s fishing expedition’; for about a decade, under the forces unleashed by the powers that be, political rivals arrested in a case or a scam are invariably branded as ‘criminals’ to carry out their character assassination politically. This is followed by raids, searches and investigations in a concerted manner by the investigating agencies which invariably allege that the ‘criminal politician’ is neither cooperating nor giving satisfactory replies to prolonged questioning. The conclusion is inescapable that it is all part of vendetta politics. This is done assiduously to impress upon the people at large that Opposition leaders are corrupt and the leaders of the ruling dispensation alone are honest.

PREM SINGH DAHIYA, ROHTAK

Not without evidence

Reference to the article ‘The CBI’s fishing expedition’; it appears that the CBI did not have concrete evidence against Manish Sisodia and is trying to extract some information to confirm its suspicions after his arrest. Politicians having divergent views should not be arrested without reasonable cause and evidence. The AAP leader is experienced, mature and knows the legalities of the actions of party members by virtue of his background and previous government service. Such arrests may reflect poorly on the functioning of the law enforcement agencies and may seem like political vendetta. Investigating agencies should follow standard norms and ethics.

Subhash Vaid, New Delhi

Politics of convenience

While campaigning during the Meghalaya elections, Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah had declared that the Conrad Sangma government was the most corrupt government. However, after the elections — in which the BJP won only two seats — the party conveniently joined Sangma to form the government. What doublespeak!

Bhupinder Kochhar, Panchkula

Medical faculty

Reference to ‘44% faculty posts vacant at KCGMC, studies hit’; this is the situation in most government medical colleges in the country. There are many reasons for it. The number of government and private medical colleges are nearly equal. Private colleges pay more salary, allow private practice, the number of patients to be dealt with per day is less, and they have better infrastructure that enables doctors to give better treatment which improves their rating and gives job satisfaction etc. Further, the number of doctors is inadequate to provide healthcare to 1.4 billion population, so almost all doctors produced in the country get absorbed in hospitals, leaving a few for teaching. Bureaucratic and political interventions also discourage doctors from joining the government sector.

O PRASADA RAO, HYDERABAD

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 ‘Ahead of US official’s visit, China slams “Asian NATO”’; suggesting that Asia should be the stage for win-win cooperation rather than a chessboard for a geopolitical contest is a selfish rant against Quad. China should look inwards towards its own expansionist designs and its border issues with its neighbours. India should dismiss such suggestions outright. If China is sincere, why can’t it resolve the border demarcation issue with India right away?

Col Sajjan kundu (retd), Hisar

Bolster military might

Reference to ‘China ups defence budget’; China’s increased military spending is a cause of concern for India. China is cosying up to Russia to stop its formidable bete noire, the US, from carrying out military exercises in the South China Sea which it considers its monopoly. China’s increased spending on defence is aimed at emerging as the greatest power in the world with a powerful military well-equipped with the state-of-the-art space technology and artificial intelligence. Since China’s continued belligerence on the LAC poses a grave threat to our national security, India must bolster its military might to counter any Galwan-like misadventure.

CS MANN, UNA

Actor of many shades

The sudden demise of Satish Kaushik — actor, director, producer, comedian and screenwriter — has caused a big loss to the Indian film industry. An alumnus of the National School of Drama and Film and Television Institute of India, Kaushik will be remembered for his comic roles which won him the Filmfare Best Comedian Award twice. His sudden departure from the scene has caused an irreparable loss to the film industry. His fans will cherish his smiling face, his humorous dialogues, his punch lines and his unique style of dialogue delivery. He will be remembered for his jodi with actor Govinda.

NK Gosain, Bathinda

Women fighter pilots

Refer to ‘IAF pilot from Ludhiana 1st woman to lead combat unit’; shattering yet another glass ceiling in the overwhelmingly male-dominated environs of the armed forces, Gp Capt Shaliza Dhami has been selected to take over the command of a missile squadron. Since their induction in the early 1990s, the number of women officers in the armed forces today is nearly 3,950 (1,700 in the Army, 1,650 in the IAF and 600 in the Navy) in their 65,000-strong officer cadre. Women pilots in the IAF mainly fly helicopters or transport planes but some of them are now flying fighter jets. But what if they happen to eject in enemy territory? The Army has not yet allowed women officers to join its Infantry and Armoured Corps for good reason. The IAF should reconsider its policy.

WG CDR CL SEHGAL (RETD), JALANDHAR

Peace at stake

Refer to ‘For Punjab’s sake’ (Nous Indica); in view of national interest, communal harmony and the diminishing influence of the traditional Akali Dal, it was imperative that Capt Amarinder Singh should have been given another term as the CM of Punjab. In a sensitive state like Punjab, experience and competency matter the most. Now, greater responsibilities lie on the shoulders of the present Chief Minister to act as per the law. His ability is being put to test. All developments, prosperity and concessions will become meaningless if peace remains at stake.

NIRMAL KUMAR, PANCHKULA

Profit matters

Constant prodding of the PM to India Inc. to invest more in India is quite unfortunate. For all their professed nationalism, hard-nosed business people will only invest if there is a better chance of making profits. The best the government can do is to provide an enabling environment. Though the government has tried to streamline permissions, there are many obstacles in the way for business to be free of interference. When living costs are so high, nobody is going to demand bills if it means paying even a bit more. Mere exhortations to demand bills will never work.

ANTHONY HENRIQUES, MUMBAI

Undeclared emergency

We are going through an undeclared emergency where the BJP is unleashing the ED, CBI, income tax and other agencies to arrest leaders of the Opposition to destabilise elected governments. Television channels are launching their own trial even though cases are under investigation. When opposition leaders go abroad and criticise the BJP government and the PM, it is termed as ‘defaming’ the nation. The narrative of the BJP’s IT cell through the media is that there is no leader who can challenge Modi. The Supreme Court has questioned the selection and appointment of members of the Election Commission. Our largest democracy has been made a farce. No political party and leader can remain in power forever. The BJP must realise this truth.

Capt Amar Jeet (Retd), Kharar

Reference to ‘China ups defence budget’; if China spends the money it is investing in its military in other fields, there will hardly be any dearth of food, education facilities or livelihood in China. China has a habit of getting involved in every controversy. All it does, it seems, is to snoop on other countries, and hence, is on the radar of every other country. If it desists from its antics, it can achieve great heights in other sectors as well.

Vidhi Joshi, Jalandhar

Neutral India

Apropos of ‘India must revisit its position on Ukraine crisis’; the current stance of neutrality on Russia-Ukraine war is indeed a diplomatic antidote for India, saving it from being perceived as a supporter of any party. A principled stand stemming out from Panchsheel and NAM is what India stands by. Its policy of neutrality is carefully crafted and time-tested. It is for the West to stop offering ‘blank checks’ to Ukraine for winning or rather prolonging the war just for the sake of ‘geopolitical high-headedness’. India, at best, can bring the warring parties to the negotiation table.

Bharat Bhushan, Gurugram

Disorder in House

Apropos of ‘CM, Bajwa spar over vigilance action’; the ugly war on Twitter has reached the august Assembly, resulting in a heated verbal duel between the CM and Bajwa. Instead of a meaningful discussion, both have chosen the floor of the House to score brownie points, violating the decorum enshrined in the Constitution during the conduct of such proceedings. Instead of a discussion on the deteriorating law and order in the state, the lawmakers themselves are creating disorder, leading to wastage of precious time and taxpayers’ money. Politicians should refrain from cheap gimmicks and take the business of the House seriously.

Anil Vinayak, Amritsar

Coaching business

Apropos of the article ‘The teaching shops of Kota’; coaching has become a flourishing business. Suicides by students in many top institutes of technical and medical education are being reported often. Even before the season of competitive examinations is upon us, the coaching conundrum becomes too intense. These coaching hubs in Kota and elsewhere have deprived students from the lower strata a chance to gain entry into top institutes as their parents cannot afford exorbitant coaching fees. Often, students are forced by their schoolteachers to join a particular coaching centre where the same teachers are employed. There should be a national policy on this matter and the coaching industry should be brought under strict surveillance. Many students’ suicide cases, even after joining IITs and top medical institutes, have come to light as even after managing coaching expenses, the students are unable to cope with academics, their peers and the high expectations of their parents. The Supreme Court has rightly observed that private coaching institutes cannot be shut down, but they can be regulated by the government. It will help if due weightage is given to Class 12 result.

SK SINGH, by mail

Revenue generation

It is good that the Himachal Government has decided to auction liquor vends to generate profit. It will certainly generate revenue, which is needed since the state is reeling under financial crunch. However, it may not suffice. The government has to think out of the box to generate more income to meet its committed liabilities by levying cess on luxury items. Strictly adhering to austerity measures, instead of spending lavishly on unproductive items may also boost financial viability. The present dispensation should take a cue from Shanta Kumar’s stint as CM, who took hard decisions and managed the finances in such a manner that when he took over the reins, the government was under heavy debt, but he left with zero-debt liability. It is a high time that the policy of appeasement is done away with.

Maheshwer Sharma, by mail

Domestic abuse

Reference to ‘Confronting domestic violence’ (Spectrum); the article mentions that drug addiction, illiteracy and alcohol abuse among men are the prominent reasons why women suffer domestic violence. While this may be true to a large extent, what about couples who are highly educated and belong to the upper stratum of society? Those women also hesitate to come forward to report the crime or go for counselling. The apparent physical signs of violence are either blatantly ignored or brushed off as an act of passion or accident. As a society, we need to alter the patriarchal conditioning that domestic violence is a norm rather than an aberration.

Arshnoor Singh, 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]

Refer to ‘Proactive civil society vital for healthy democracy’; it is true that the G20 looks after the unequal monetary system that serves the interests of global capital and the political elite. G20 president India’s 40% wealth is shared by 1% population and the lower 50% of population gets only 3% of the total wealth. This unequal distribution pattern cannot do justice to the poor. How can G20 justify its existence if it cannot look after the interests of the vulnerable people across the globe? India has to make drastic changes in the system of wealth distribution for the wellbeing of its poor.

Wg Cdr (Dr) JS Minhas (retd), Mohali

‘Akhand Bharat’ bogey

Refer to ‘Misguided policies bane of India’s neighbours’; there is little we can do about the policies of our neighbours which have landed them in the present financial mess. A better level of cooperation would have ensured smaller defence budgets. This would have enabled a better spend on other developmental activities. The reasons for their economic distress must also serve as a warning and a lesson to us. This near-collapse of our neighbours has once again rekindled the dreams of ‘Akhand Bharat’ in some quarters. It would be better if we protect what we have rather than hanker for some idea which is not possible or relevant!

ANTHONY HENRIQUES, MUMBAI

Nefarious games

Refer to ‘For Punjab’s sake’(Nous Indica); the article exposes the nefarious games being played by the Central and Punjab governments in deliberate capitulation before separatist forces spearheaded by Amritpal. The silence of the SGPC and other political parties against the rising tide of violence is disturbing, as is the capitulation by the Punjab Police. The DGP should not have become a tool of the government for the sake of the honour of his police force. A pertinent question is: who helped Amritpal’s hassle-free entry into India from Dubai?

RN Malik, Gurugram

Rise of separatists

It started with farmers’ stir which was supported by all parties, including the Congress and AAP (‘For Punjab’s sake’). The support was not based on any principles of merits or demerits in farm laws. All parties were united to defeat their common enemy, the BJP. It was negative politics. The withdrawal of the farm laws was seen as a victory against the Centre by separatist elements who had sneaked into the agitation. It emboldened the separatists to further pursue their agenda. Amritpal’s rise and the incidents at Mohali and Ajnala should be viewed as part of this agenda.

Ashok bahl, Kangra

Women cricketers

With the launch of Women’s Premier League, women cricketers will get their share of name and fame. Now, parents of young girls would be more willing to send their daughters to play the sport. Women’s cricket has gained a new momentum with the achievements of our girls. In 2021, the ICC gave List A status to it, aligning it with the men’s game. It is a matter of immense pride for India. The victory of the Indian women in U-19 T20 World Cup final against England, and the launch of WPL will certainly generate new success stories.

Arti Sood, by mail

Debate issues

Reference to ‘Debate, discuss with humility’ (Spectrum, The Sunday Tribune); the article has tried to present a lucid picture of political affairs in the country with special mention of ugly scenes witnessed in Parliament and the Vidhan Sabhas. The politics of today is different from the earlier decades when the decorum of the House was maintained. All MPs and MLAs are bound to follow the Constitution that provides them to resolve issues through debates. A majority of the politicians is now either incompetent or immature, and they cause a commotion. No concrete resolution for the welfare of people is undertaken. Crores of rupees spent on these proceedings go down the drain. Healthy discussions are essential. One-upmanship should be avoided.

Raj Kumar Kapoor, Ropar

Early summer

The early onset of summer is an alarming portent of a long haul in terms of braving the heat as well as water scarcity. To offset the problem of global warming, conducting long-winded meetings and setting commissions is unlikely to bring about the desired outcome. Schemes and plans made in air-conditioned setups don’t percolate down to the poorest man. Reviving empty and dried up traditional water bodies, be it ponds, wells and bowlis, is the need of the hour. Afforestation drives on a war footing are imperative. Apart from the government, common citizens, too, should plant saplings and plants in their gardens.

Upant Sharma, 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]

Apropos of ‘For Punjab’s sake (Nous Indica)’; the police committed a blunder by agreeing to the demand for the release of radical leader Amritpal Singh’s aide. The state government under the leadership of Bhagwant Mann should have shown guts and tackled the case in a firm way. The authorities simply capitulated before the violent mob. This only showed lack of courage. It is a welcome sign that the Central government is keeping an eye on all incidents taking place in Punjab. Besides, all political parties in the state should come together and play a constructive role so that such anti-national elements do not run riot in future.

Ravinder Kumar Jain, Ludhiana

Save Punjab

Refer to ‘For Punjab’s sake’; the article shows that Punjab is in a mess. It has rightly pinned the blame on the Central and state governments. Why Amritpal is being treated with kid gloves both by the Central agencies and the state police? No action by the Central agencies lends credence to the suspicion that Amritpal is the Centre’s stooge planted to destabilise the AAP government. There is no reason to treat Amritpal with such unusual leniency when his acts of insurgency make out a fit case to invoke the UAPA and the sedition law which are generally invoked against political adversaries to settle scores. The Centre and the state government should work in tandem to save Punjab.

Roshan Lal Goel, Ladwa

EC appointments

Refer to ‘Panel on EC appointments’; strangely, these important appointments are not governed by any law enacted by Parliament. But the same selection procedure that has come under attack has thrown up some eminent men of immense integrity and uprightness as CEC like TN Seshan. Holding free and fair elections in a large democracy like ours is a gigantic task that has been accomplished by the Election Commission quite satisfactorily, if not excellently. The SC verdict favouring a committee to select the CEC and ECs also seems to suggest, at least by implication, that even the HC and SC judges be appointed by such a committee. If the appointment of the CEC and ECs cannot be the exclusive right of the executive, the judges’ appointment too cannot be the exclusive right of the judiciary. A judicial commission, comprising all stakeholders, should, therefore, be set up to appoint judges.

Wg Cdr CL Sehgal (Retd), Jalandhar

Nepotism in judiciary

The panel on EC appointments will increase transparency in appointments, paving the way for a democratic polity. A similar process should be adopted for judicial appointments on the lines of the NJAC system. When the judiciary can look into every matter, there should be some kind of check on the judiciary too. Nepotism in the judiciary must be curbed. The judiciary derives powers from the Constitution and thus, it is also subject to the will of the public. There is an urgent need for a specialised system to appoint judges on merit. The collegium system is an opaque system of appointment.

Abhimanyu, Chandigarh

Delay in justice delivery

Refer to ‘Hathras verdict’; there is an alarming increase in crimes against women, especially rape cases, in India. One of the main reasons for this is lack of apt punishment for the accused. Besides, the slow pace of justice delivery by the courts exacerbates the problem. In the Hathras case, the judgment took more than two years, and even then it was biased. Despite being a gangrape, only one perpetrator was sentenced to life imprisonment, while others were acquitted. Such biased judgments send a wrong message to criminals and embolden them to continue committing crimes. Furthermore, due to the lengthy legal process, people often forget the case. Quick and decisive judgments would serve as a deterrent to criminals and help reduce the crime rate.

Saheli Chatterjee, West BengaL

Contract farming a boon

Refer to ‘Ensure price guarantee under contract farming’; according to the article, the companies provide chicks, feed, medicines and veterinary and technical advice. Another major input is missed, that is marketing. When a company is doing so much, the only thing left for farmers to do is to manage day-to-day operations. It gives them ample free time. If they are not happy with the pricing, they are free to sell their goods elsewhere. It is mainly the secure sales and returns on money that draw farmers to contract farming. Contract farming is a big boon for farmers. The government can only assure a fair deal to farmers so that they are not exploited by unscrupulous elements.

Suman Kuplish, Ludhiana

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]

IT was only to be expected that the Times would fall foul of Colonel Wedgwood for proposing in the House of Commons that the royal assent should be withheld from the Indian States Protection Act, but the particular ground on which this denunciation is based is too bad even for the Times. It is said that “the motion is calculated to re-awaken racial bitterness and to reinforce political agitation in India at the very moment when there are signs of a general improvement in the situation.” What racial bitterness has to do with a matter which, apart from its constitutional aspect, solely concerns the Indian States and their Indian critics is not clear. Nor is it easy to see how Colonel Wedgwood’s motion can reinforce political agitation which, what with the majority and minority programmes, the activities of Mrs. Besant and her colleagues of the National Conferences, and the general discontent and dissatisfaction due to the presence of the unsolved problem vitally affecting the peace, happiness and liberties of the people, is already high. If the writer is thinking only of certain famous items in the non-co-operation programme, his statement is intelligible, but then non-co-operation has never been anything else than a symptom, and it is absurd to pretend that the motion of Colonel Wedgwood can aggravate this symptom. As a matter of fact, the orthodox non-co-operator attaches too little rather than too much importance to activities of this kind, whether in Parliament or in the Legislatures in India. The Times is good enough to say that Colonel Wedgwood lacks imagination and political sense. This is the exact reverse of the truth. So far from lacking political sense, he and his friends are the only persons in England who possess these gifts in a marked degree in relation to Indian affairs.

Reference to the article ‘Lurking menace in Punjab’; the government should consider the pertinent suggestion that National Security Adviser Ajit Doval should be consulted immediately before the newly self-styled ‘radical preacher’, Amritpal Singh, gets a chance to deepen his roots in Punjab. The Ajnala incident should be taken as a warning sign for lawmakers to act upon before the horrors of the 1980s are repeated. Both the Centre and the state government need to act on the issue together before it endangers the security of this border state, and consequently, of the entire country.

Simran Saini, Patiala

Reformative measure

The verdict of the apex court on the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners is indeed a historic one. This was a long-pending reformative measure in the arena of the Election Commission. This 73-year-old practice where the Centre had absolute authority over the appointment on these posts was seen with suspicion by all. The Supreme Court Bench deserves mass appreciation for this ruling.

VK Anand, Chandigarh

Merit, not pliability

Reference to ‘Historic order: Top court says President to appoint CEC...’; this move was needed to restore the credibility and reputation of the EC as an independent body. Opposition parties have often accused the EC of giving in to pressures of the ruling party. The main essence of democracy is free and fair elections. For this, the EC needs to be insulated from executive influence and political pressures. Even today, people fondly remember TN Seshan’s tenure as the CEC because he gave a visionary direction to the democratic polity and independent working of the commission. Meritocracy, not pliability, should matter during appointments to such posts to ensure that institutional integrity is not compromised. When autonomous bodies forget their statutory role, it becomes the duty of the SC to make a course correction through such judgments.

K Kumar, Panchkula

Saffronisation of news

The argument of opposition parties over the renewal of the contract between Prasar Bharti and Hindustan Samachar, a RSS-backed news service, is valid. The ruling party is infamous for manipulating the flow of information to aggressively promote its Hindutva ideology. In a scenario where raids have been conducted on prominent media houses like the BBC and journalists are being arrested for shedding light on issues, it is judicious to be sceptical about such a development. The government should address the legitimate concerns over saffronisation of news. It should unveil the criterion on the basis of which the PTI, the largest news agency in India, has been replaced with Hindustan Samachar. Is it rational to replace a highly credible and proficient agency like the PTI with a less experienced one?

Rishika Kriti, Ludhiana

Protect investors

The Supreme Court has constituted an expert panel to investigate the recent volatility in the market under the watch of SEBI and to recommend measures to safeguard the interest of investors in a window of two months. This may not expose the chinks in the armour of the regulator. First, all the inputs shall be furnished through a watchdog which is likely to be curated and redacted. Second, it is naive to expect that committee members would be able to evolve a fool-proof mechanism to avert such a meltdown in stock prices in future. The equity market can be likened to gambling where the majority of investors lose money. What about gullible retail investors who have already lost money in the Adani Group shares? Recently the top court castigated the government on the practice of ‘sealed cover’ and now it is demanding an investigation report to be submitted in a sealed cover.

Deepak Singhal, Noida

Problem of NPAs

It appears that no Chief Executive Officer (CEOs) of public sector banks is working towards the growth and welfare of customers. Rather, the CEOs are working to please the Ministry of Finance for the ‘uplift’ of big guns and those known to ministers. Bank money is being looted by big business houses in the form of non-performing assets (NPAs). When the CEOs are getting salaries from the hard-earned money of depositors, they should be accountable to the public. The Supreme Court should intervene so that billions of rupees are saved by checking the growth of NPAs.

SC Dhall, Zirakpur

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 the editorial ‘Paper leak’; this is a poor reflection on our education system. It is a matter of concern that such cases keep coming to light from one state or the other. By resorting to unfair means, students won’t be able to acquire capabilities and hone their skills to perform in real time. In today’s competitive times, an individual’s calibre and potential to deliver are much needed. One can’t built a successful career by passing exams through cheating. This is nothing but self-deception. Since such incidents can’t occur without the involvement of unscrupulous staff, who intend to make quick money, they too need to be dealt with sternly. The menace of paper leak does not bode well for our education system. The real purpose of acquiring education gets defeated. The major sufferers are those who toil throughout the year and wish to take the exams honestly.

RAVI SHARMA, DHARIWAL

Punishment harsh

Refer to ‘Paper leak’; it is a matter of great concern and must be stopped. However, harsh punishment is objectionable. All middle-class parents want their children to clear a competitive exam and get a government job. But it’s not everyone’s cup of tea so some aspirants choose the ‘cheating’ way. Our society is also responsible for this because from the time a child is born, he or she is told that life is a race. Come first or else you’ll be left behind. It doesn’t mean that a culprit shouldn’t be punished. Those guilty must face the consequences, but the punishment should not be so harsh that it destroys the career and life of a student. A person is not born a culprit; his circumstances make him commit mistakes.

Vidhi Joshi, Jalandhar

Take stern action

At this point when technology is at apotheosis, leaking of papers is a matter of concern. Undoubtedly, these activities have decreased as compared to the past, but it is imperative to consider stern action such as imposing heavy fines and a jail term. Punishing the guilty is the only solution to overcome this problem. Otherwise, it will embolden the perpetrators and indolent students.

Tarunjot Kaur, by mail

Curious rise of Amritpal

Apropos of ‘Lurking menace in Punjab’; the incident raises two questions: one of policing or the lack of it, and the other of the curious rise of a young man, Amritpal, who was clean-shaven until a year ago, but is now claiming to be ‘amritdhari’. He and his supporters brandish swords and guns, even though the government has banned public display of weapons. What was the local intelligence unit doing? Surprisingly, senior police officers gave in to their demand. The government’s failure to enforce the rule of law will only embolden such elements who want to create unrest in Punjab.

RAMESH GUPTA, NARWANA

Ruling on EC members

The SC decision that members of the Election Commission will be selected by a panel which will comprise of the Leader of the Opposition and the Chief Justice is indeed welcome. It will lead to impartiality and acceptance of the orders of the EC by all political parties. The EC has been mired in unending controversies, like announcements of poll dates and favouritism. A vibrant democracy needs fair elections. The existing EC members must also either be ratified by the new panel or substituted by fresh members within a short period of time to build the credibility of EC.

GDS Banga, Panchkula

Resolve Ukraine conflict

Refer to ‘Focus on all global priorities, not just Ukraine conflict, says India’; international bodies like the UNGA, UNSC, European Union, G77 and G20 have imposed sanctions on Russia and repeatedly urged Russia and Ukraine to stop the war and resolve the issues through dialogue, but it has not yielded any result. At the same time, the US, Australia, Japan and many more countries are providing military aid to Ukraine. How will the conflict end? Let all top world leaders convince Russia and Ukraine to call for ceasefire. Mere statements don’t mean anything. The Ukraine war should be given top priority and resolved urgently.

O Prasada Rao, Hyderabad

Violence on campus

The loss of life of a student during a clash at Punjabi University is heart-wrenching. It is a grim situation when a young student loses his life on the campus in such incidents. Violence among students must not be taken lightly. Both the authorities and the students must try and maintain peace and work together. Prevention of violence and protection of youth will decide the future of the country.

Shaheen Choudhury, Guwahati

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 ‘Much ado about names’; the term unity in diversity perfectly describes a heterogeneous democracy that India is. Where there is Prayagraj in one state, there is Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar in another. A government rest house is still called a circuit house. Malerkotla was given the status of a district on Eid. India is India because people are different but still manage to live in communal harmony unless someone pits them against each other to further a self-serving agenda. Religion is supposed to be a unifying force, not an anchor. So, the sooner the leaders stop taking political mileage from this petty renaming and start looking at actual issues, the sooner we will progress as a nation.

Rewant Sharma, by mail

Why change names?

Issuing a timely warning, the Supreme Court has put its foot down and made it clear that by changing the names of places, which were under barbaric invaders, the country won’t be able to forget the past invasions. This caravan of changing the names of various cities, roads and even gardens has become the stock-in-trade of the votaries of identity politics who are obsessed about ‘outsiders’, ‘invaders’ and ‘looters’. Giving a new name doesn’t solve any purpose. In fact, it raises a question if this spree of name-changing is really about restoring the names before the invasions or one more step towards making Hinduism the religion above all.

Maitri Chahal, by mail

Tied to the past

When the country is making rapid strides in science and technology, repeated attempts to nullify history can further aggravate social tension rather than calm frayed nerves. The Supreme Court’s warning against renaming places is timely. Renaming places is a complicated business. The dream of building a New India will remain a dream as long as divisive attempts are made to rewrite our past. A country that is fast emerging as a global leader cannot afford to let this practice cast a shadow on our future.

Gregory Fernandes, Mumbai

Throwing a spanner

It is strange that Opposition leaders are demanding President’s rule in Punjab. They are the ones who were voted out and are now licking their wounds. They are trying hard to corner the AAP government. Let us give some time to this government to find a footing in the state, which has been in a mess. The Opposition should play a positive role in the revival of Punjab and Punjabiat. People of Punjab need mature leaders; otherwise, the federal structure will be endangered. Irresponsible statements should be avoided. The Opposition should not claim the moral high ground on a subject on which it has erred in the past and was found wanting.

Sachin Kaushal, Patiala

Violence breeds violence

Reference to ‘Pbi University engg student stabbed to death…’; it is unfortunate that young students get involved in fights. The victim lost his life in a scuffle between two groups. Violence is never a solution to any situation; it questions the foundation of our law and order on a basic level. Campus fights have become common and must be dealt with properly. Normalisation of violence is one of the biggest threats to society. Students must follow rules as they are the future of our country. Youth violence is a public problem and must be treated with seriousness. Prevention of violence requires an extensive solution.

Arshnoor, Mohali

Clash on campus

The unfortunate incident leading to the death of a student in a clash at Punjabi University paints a horrifying image. Educational institutions are places where one goes to secure a future. It is unfortunate when life is cut short on the campus. Why should students become enemies, especially when they study together as peers? Violence among students in university must not be taken for granted as just 'boys being boys'. The police are investigating the matter but the damage has already been done. Youth is the future of India and must be raised with responsibility and sincerity. They should not engage in violence.

Shaurya Lall, Zirakpur

CM-Guv imbroglio

In the ongoing imbroglio between Punjab’s Chief Minister and Governor, unfortunately, both have been unmindful of the constitutional propriety and grace and decorum of their coveted positions. The basic discourse, which was reduced to a street fight, has made a mockery of the system. The matter could have been resolved amicably by displaying maturity and forbearance. The Governor holds a constitutional position and should act as mentor, and not as a fixture of the ruling party to promote its agenda. It is time that the sinecure ostentatious post is abolished.

Bakhshi Gurprit Singh, 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]

Apropos of ‘Sisodia’s arrest’; his arrest is but the culmination of efforts of the BJP government to dent the clean image of the AAP. All know that the ED, CBI and NIA are the watchdogs of the Central Government. The most striking fact is the large number of liquor shops in Delhi’s markets. Perhaps the liquor excise policy has been liberalised to a doubtful extent. And what about the preferred sale of liquor in Delhi during Covid? Just for revenue, so many liquor shops were opened. That time the Centre was unmoved.

Rajendra Prasad Singh, New Delhi

Congress’ stake

‘Congress prepares for 2024’ and ‘Challenge for Congress to reinvent itself’ are in themselves a realistic summing up of the potential ifs and buts that foretell the party’s stake and stock in the 2024 General Election. The electoral challenge boils down to the simple fact that the seemingly insurmountable BJP citadel can be conquered only if the Congress awakens to the realities of the national political ground realities and readies itself to play a constructive role as one among equals. The Opposition parties’ call demands the Congress-glue to remain united in the face of the NDA’s brutal onslaught, provided the Congress readies itself for politics of adjustment.

DV Sharma, Mukerian

Question BJP, too

Why is the Congress alone under media scrutiny, and not the BJP? What is the party agenda; what are its leadership and organisational plans; who would be the prime ministerial candidate, etc., these are part of the war plans and tactics of the Congress. Has the media questioned the Prime Minister in connection with Adani? Those who criticise the PM and his policies are arrested to create terror. Is it not undeclared emergency? Why is the PM not refuting the allegations which Rahul Gandhi has levelled in Parliament? These are very serious questions of public concern which the media must ask. What is Congress strategy and how strong and popular PM Modi is, only elections will tell. The BJP has conducted many fouls of serious nature, but since it has captive umpires who ignore the fouls, no one can stop it. The media must rise to the occasion and question the government on its various failures and favours.

Capt Amar Jeet (Retd), Kharar

Negotiate ceasefire

Refer to the article ‘A long-drawn-out conflict’; the Ukraine war has resulted in the killings of a large number of innocent civilians. It has destroyed world peace and caused incalculable harm to the global economy. The prices of essential items and fuel have skyrocketed. Also, it is adversely affecting the ecology and environment, which is resulting in climate change. With G20’s rotational presidency, India’s intervention, at least for a ceasefire, can prove to be a silver lining.

Maheshwer Sharma, by mail

India must do its bit

Apropos of ‘A long-drawn-out conflict’; New Delhi should act as a good Samaritan by negotiating a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine. Although India has frequently abstained itself from casting a vote in the UNGA and in the UNSC against Russia’s invasion, it has been vocal in highlighting the importance of the UN Charter, international law and respect for the territorial integrity of states. At least 8,000 non-combatants have been killed since the invasion last year. Nearly 18 million people are in dire need of humanitarian assistance, with 14 million people displaced from their homes. Building stronger ties with Russia without hurting the sentiments of the West has always been a challenge part for our foreign policy. Since India can ill afford to hamper its diplomatic ties with none of the two powerful blocs with whom it shares vested interests, it will be intriguing to see how PM Modi convinces the Russian President for an armistice.

Tushar Anand, Patna

Support students

The editorial ‘Suicides by students’ was alarming. Often when a serious call for help is ignored, students resort to suicide. The need of the hour is for teachers to become real mentors. Parents should also not be overambitious as far as the future of their children is concerned. Suicides can be prevented if the opinion of a counsellor or a psychologist is sought to tackle mental illnesses. Asking for help is a sign of strength and not weakness. The key to suicide prevention lies in being able to recognise the symptoms and warning signs well in time.

SOURABH BAMBA, Ferozepur

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]