Letters to the editor

Refer to ‘Clean-up of pharma firms’; as if what has happened in the Gambia and Uzbekistan was not enough for our pharma firms to follow guidelines, the drug regulator has found as many as 47 pharmaceutical companies manufacturing substandard drugs. Calling it unfortunate would be an understatement. It not only brings a bad name to these companies, but also the sector as a whole. It should not be forgotten that many countries are dependent on us for their medical needs. Such a development will tarnish the country’s reputation. Banning such firms doesn’t act as a deterrent. There is more that needs to be done to make them fall in line.

Bal Govind, Noida

Robust regulation

Stringent regulatory vigilance on pharma firms is the need of the hour (‘Clean-up of pharma firms’). India has no option but to create a robust regulatory structure with a strong enforcement arm so that medicines manufactured are of high quality. The Gambian and Uzbekistan incidents are a big blow to the Indian pharma industry. It happened due to lax drug control authorities in Haryana and Himachal Pradesh, where half the posts of drug inspector are lying vacant with almost no testing laboratories. In Haryana and Himachal, regulatory work is being managed by untrained staff.

Ashok Kumar Goel, Panchkula

Pro-China stance

Apropos of ‘Bhutan’s about-turn’; India has reasons to worry about the change in the stance of Bhutan with regard to the Doklam issue. In an interview with a Belgian newspaper, the Bhutan PM has said the Doklam issue has to be dealt with three sovereign nations, making it clear that China could not be ignored. India is slowly being surrounded on all sides by the Chinese ring. Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal and now Bhutan are leaning towards China. This is not good news for India as it leaves only Bangladesh out of the Chinese sphere of influence.

Anthony Henriques, Mumbai

Rahul’s disqualification

‘Action against Rahul’ discusses Rahul's disqualification and his subsequent eviction from the official accommodation, but it hasn't criticised him for making loose and baseless statements. This was evident in his post-disqualification presser, too, where he indulged in ranting against freedom fighter Savarkar. It is okay to be perturbed over the treatment being meted out to Rahul, but what about the insults heaped upon the Modh-Ghanchi OBC group? The editorial questions the timing of the reopening of the case and ordering maximum punishment, but to a rational, dispassionate and impartial observer, the disqualification is the result of due process followed by the court. Instead of utilising the time given by the court to file an appeal in the higher court, Rahul is wasting time in skulduggery.

Ajay Tyagi, Mumbai

One-sided policy

Reference to ‘Right to Health’; it is a welcome step, but the treating doctors cannot be forced to accept fees which do not even cover the cost of medicines given. The medical fraternity should have been engaged in the decision. Why is the government afraid of a healthy and scientific discussion? And why stop at Right to Health? Let us have right to free legal service, right to free potable water, right to wholesome food, right to prevention of exposure to addictive drugs and alcohol, right to freedom from air pollution, etc. All these are the responsibility of the government through its agencies and establishments with their own resources and not passed on to or thrust upon private individuals or setups.

HS Bedi, Mohali

Voter feels cheated

A 10-hour slot of time allocated specifically for the discussion on the Finance Bill in the Rajya Sabha went unutilised as the Opposition continued its demand for an investigation by a Joint Parliamentary Committee into the Adani issue (‘Parliament passes Union Budget amid Oppn din over Rahul’s disqualification’). The Supreme Court has already formed a committee to look into the matter. As such, without any debate, the Rajya Sabha returned the Bill to the Lok Sabha, wherein the Union Budget of Rs 45 lakh crore was approved in less than 15 minutes without any discussion. The voter, alias the common man, is disappointed and feels cheated.

Krishan Kant Sood, Nangal

Linking PAN-Aadhaar

Linking Aadhaar card with PAN card is creating problems for the common man. The government has records of both PAN and Aadhaar cards. Why can’t it link them? The people are finding it very difficult to link the two.

Rajeev Mukherjee, 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 ‘Action against Rahul’; a humble apology is a gentleman’s trait, and this would have saved the situation from snowballing into a political slugfest. The domino effect started by the mindless utterance at a rally to disqualification from Parliament could have been prevented had Rahul apologised. But the issue refuses to die down with the Congress and the Opposition mulling a motion against the Lok Sabha Speaker, which, obviously, would bring another embarrassment to the Opposition, given the majority the present government enjoys. Rahul and the Congress should file an appeal in the courts rather than mobilising the masses on the streets.

Bharat Mohar, Prayagraj

Partly to blame

Refer to ‘We’re watching: US State Dept on Rahul Gandhi’s case in court’; the statement is a testimony to gross interference in our country's internal affairs. It is unfortunate but more distressing is the threat to our major democratic institutions protected under our Constitution. The government is entitled to lodge a strong protest with the US, but its own style of working against the freedom of expression, political dissent and judicial independence needs to be revisited to create a conducive atmosphere in the true spirit of our Constitution.

JAGDISH CHANDER, JALANDHAR

Disservice to people

Apropos of ‘Parl adjourned amid Oppn uproar’; all Bills are being passed without any discussions in the midst of ruckus and protests. The Speaker decides that ‘ayes’ are more than ‘nays’ when opposition MPs are protesting and not participating in the passing of Bills and their amendments. The Houses are being adjourned after passing the Bills. Both the government and the Opposition are doing a disservice to the people of the country by running Parliament in such a manner.

O PRASADA RAO, HYDERABAD

Bridge the divide

Refer to ‘Digital divide’; the divide is nothing but a reflection of the social divide in the digital world. It is a threat to social and economic justice as well as to education. The lack of existence of infrastructure for connectivity is only the first obstacle, though it often receives an exclusive focus due to the lack of a holistic approach. Schools are a panacea for any societal problem and thus it is important to bridge this gap. The government should strengthen Internet connectivity at the classroom level and modernise multimedia computers in labs, offer low Internet loans for students and organise free web training. Teachers and parents should ensure and improve the quality of online teaching and learning.

Gaurav Badhwar, Rohtak

Digital literacy

There is no doubt that in the era of digitisation, the Internet has become a very important means of communication. Decades ago, access to the Internet was considered a luxury, but now, it has become a necessity for all. The Kerala High Court in the ‘Faheema Shirin vs State of Kerala’ case had declared that the right to access the Internet was a fundamental right, making it a part of the Right to Privacy and Right to Education. The Internet has established itself as a vital tool for self-study. It has given education access even to students living in remote areas. The biggest obstacle in education in the country is its cost, but the Internet has eliminated this hindrance to a great extent.

Rajneesh Rangra, Hamirpur

e-learning essential

Reference to ‘Digital divide’; the state governments need to do a lot of work to provide Internet facilities in all government schools. Compared to traditional classroom-teaching methods, e-learning has a quick mode of delivery. Online learning helps students communicate new ideas. The percentage of Internet accessibility in Punjab, Haryana and Himachal schools is an eye-opener. The Covid pandemic taught us the importance of e-education. The government needs to accord top priority to digital education in government schools. This will also strengthen the socio-academic atmosphere among students. ‘Digital India’ slogan will be successful only if rural areas get Internet facilities.

Mukhtiar Singh, Malerkotla

Diverting attention

Some TV news channels transmitted the live coverage of gangster Atiq Ahmad when he was brought to Delhi by road on March 26. He was shown urinating on the way, as if it was of national importance. Shame on such news channels! They are afraid to question the government and divert people’s attention from the real issues.

Bhupinder Kochhar, 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 ‘Right to Health’; robust health is the key to a meaningful life. All material possessions lose their meaning in the absence of this vital gift. Taking care of the overall health and well-being of the public and patients should be the priority of any government. Any policy and programme framed in this regard is praiseworthy. Our country is overpopulated and the public sector alone cannot take care of the ailing population and provide them with the best services. Therefore, the role of private hospitals becomes all the more significant. Jointly, they can take care of public health. However, the concerns of the agitating doctors need to be addressed by the government to engage them in strengthening the health system and making it further viable.

RAVI SHARMA, by mail

Women boxers

Success of women boxers at the just-concluded World Championship and Mumbai Indians at the inaugural WPL augurs well for the women in general and those looking to make careers in sports in particular (‘Packing a punch’). Putting in perspective, the boxers from the US, Canada, Poland, the Netherlands and Ireland boycotted the championship. Also, the competition among the WPL teams was limited. But that shouldn’t undermine the huge opportunity that these events have opened up for the women in this country. Gone are the days when children were told that if they continued to play, their future would be doomed. Exciting times await Indian sportswomen. They will certainly raise the country’s flag in the coming times.

Deepak TAAK, Panchkula

Warning to China

Apropos of ‘US-China ties in deep freeze’; powerful countries cannot subdue weaker nations by aerial bombing or by the use of missiles. Ultimately, the war has to be fought on the ground. The losses suffered in terms of casualties and costs by the Americans in Afghanistan and the Russians in Ukraine should be a lesson for China if it intends to invade Taiwan. In Ukraine, Russia’s Wagner Group has not been able to take control of Bakhmut, where the battle is being fought on the ground and in the streets. Apart from this, the formation of Quad and AUKUS should deter China.

Ashok Bahl, Kangra

Bilkis Bano case

Refer to ‘Won’t be emotional: SC on Bilkis Bano case’; the court has rightly initiated proceedings on the issue by serving a notice on the Centre, the Gujarat Government and the convicts, which will help avoid the ostensible miscarriage of justice. Politicians are seldom bothered about the propriety and legality of their decisions. The conscience of the nation was rocked when the convicts were released prematurely at the behest of the state government. The way the perpetrators of heinous crimes were greeted on being released with garlands and sweets speaks volumes about the political angle behind such a move. The SC has rightly affirmed that emotions will not be allowed to influence the decision and the case would be decided purely on the legality of the remission of the punishment. The law of the land must decide the fate of the convicts.

Roshan Lal Goel, by mail

Gender ratio

Reference to ‘Gender ratio at birth falls below 400... ’; the declining gender ratio is alarming for the entire country. Unequal sex ratio in India is a silent emergency and must be checked. More than 20 villages in Kurukshetra recorded a lower ratio. The crisis is real. No society can hold its head high until gender equality is established. Despite the legal provisions, the malpractice of foeticide still prevails. Officials concerned must take strict action and focus on spreading awareness in rural areas.

Arshnoor, Mohali

Drop in births

Refer to ‘Gender ratio at birth falls below 400... ’; it is astonishing that Barachpur recorded only 14 births in 2022 whereas the figure was 21 in 2021. The birth rate has shown a substantial fall in one year. One should not only look for the gender ratio, but also the birth rate, antenatal registration and pregnancy outcomes to identify the lacunae. The size of population matters but such a stark difference cannot be ignored.

V Bhushan, Sirsa

Tracking Amritpal

Notwithstanding the Intelligence updates, the police have failed to nab Amritpal. His pictures have been circulated across the country. The Department of Immigration of Nepal has put him on its surveillance list following a request from India. The question is, if his location and activities were easily known, how could he cross the border to reach Nepal? If it is not possible to track him, it does raise a question on the functioning and capability of our Intelligence agencies.

Kritika Thakur, Rajpura

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 ‘NPS review welcome;’ the Central Government’s proposal to review the NPS may be an exercise in futility because all government employees covered under the NPS have upped their ante across the country, with non-BJP-ruled states having already announced the implementation of the OPS. Employees’ demand for the restoration of the OPS is gaining momentum, especially with elections ahead. In Himachal, the BJP lost to the Congress only on the promise of restoring the OPS. The AAP government in Punjab has already implemented it. The restoration of the OPS all over the country is imperative for the Central dispensation and BJP-ruled states, otherwise it may prove a nightmare for the party at the hustings.

Maheshwer Sharma, by mail

Selective action

Refer to ‘Misuse of probe agencies’; targeting politicians belonging to Opposition parties by the CBI, ED and income tax departments is not a coincidence. The rate of conviction has been negligible during the past arrests by these agencies. How is it possible that only politicians and businessmen in Opposition-ruled states are corrupt? These agencies have been constituted to target all defaulters and not only selected ones. The AAP cannot brand its own politicians as ‘kattar imaandaar’ and others as corrupt. Also, the BJP cannot claim that only its leaders are honest. Calling for the autonomy of these agencies when in the Opposition, and using them against opponents when in power has shown that such agencies have only been misused by parties in power. Their use to settle political scores and for political mileage by Central and state governments is not justifiable.

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

Not above bias

With their increasing politicisation, there has been a glaring abuse of investigative agencies such as the CBI, NIA and ED to target political opponents and other dissenters (‘Misuse of probe agencies’). The BJP-led Centre has earned the dubious reputation of causing excessive federalisation of the political landscape. The image of these agencies has been tarnished by allegations of corruption, excesses, lack of transparency and their alleged nexus with the ruling elite. Weaponisation of federal probe agencies and their selective and biased approach must be stopped to restore their credibility. Professional ethics demand that probe agencies must owe their allegiance to the Constitution and the rule of law, and not to political masters. Hopefully, the plea of 14 Opposition parties in the apex court and a parliamentary panel’s recommendations will help ensure the enactment of a new law clearly defining their powers, functions and jurisdiction.

DS Kang, Hoshiarpur

Credibility at stake

In reference to ‘Misuse of probe agencies’; the rising misuse of national agencies is alarming. These institutions are supposed to be unbiased to make people feel secure, but if the current situation persists, the agencies would end up losing their credibility in the eyes of the public.

Yamini Verma, Chandigarh

Arrest guidelines

Opposition parties led by the Congress are seeking pre- and post-arrest guidelines to be followed by the ED and the CBI. These Central agencies strictly follow the standard operating procedure before going ahead either at pre-arrest or post-arrest stages in all sensitive matters. One hopes that the concerns of the aggrieved parties would be addressed by the apex court as it is now seized of this important matter.

RAMESH GUPTA, NARWANA

Not new to controversy

Refer to ‘Martyr’s son called Mir Jafar but no case filed: Priyanka’; Rahul seems to court controversies. ‘Proof of Balakot airstrike’, ‘tearing of Ordinance’, ‘chowkidar chor hai’, ‘all thieves have Modi surname’ or the recent ‘democracy under threat’ etc are some examples. His conviction and sentence was issued by a court. What does the BJP have to do with it? He should take a legal recourse instead of giving it a political colour. Had he apologised in the Surat court, as he did earlier in the Supreme Court, he would not have faced this situation today.

WG CDR CL SEHGAL (RETD), JALANDHAR

Robotics in schools

There are lakhs of unemployed people in Punjab. Seeing the continuous rise of advancement in technology, more skilled employees are essential to cater to the needs of the next generation. Punjab can use this need as a strength to take the lead in technological production. If the study of robotics is made compulsory in schools, the youth could look forward to a career in the IT industry. In this way, the unemployment rate will decrease and Punjab can become the lead exporter in technology.

Jayani Mattu, 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]

‘Relief and revelations’ (Nous Indica) showed the true picture of Punjab’s turbulent situation amid the sudden and dubious emergence of pro-Khalistan activist Amritpal Singh. It is said that Caesar proved to be more dangerous dead than alive. It is perhaps good for the state that the fugitive has not been killed in a fake or real encounter. His killing would have earned him the status of a ‘martyr’ and the state’s troubles would have escalated. His handlers and sponsors must be exposed to end this disturbing chapter.

BALVINDER, CHANDIGARH

Want peace, not Khalistan

Apropos of ‘Relief and revelations’; the analysis of the recent developments is a comprehensive pointer towards the root cause of Amritpal Singh’s rise in the state. The Central and state governments have successfully dealt with this issue that had been blown out of proportion by various political parties. The people in general are relieved because except for fringe elements, the common Punjabi does not have a soft corner for any person or party that threatens his hard-earned peace and prosperity. Countries such as Britain and Canada need to be warned against unwarranted interest in our internal issues.

DV Sharma, Mukerian

Sense of relief

The meteoric rise of Khalistani separatist Amritpal Singh and the clash between the police and his supporters in Ajnala had raised serious concerns over the law and order situation in Punjab that could disturb communal harmony, hamper economic development and threaten national security and stability (‘Relief and revelations’, Nous Indica). Since they have suffered in the past, the Punjabis have heaved a sigh of relief after the somewhat delayed police crackdown on Amritpal. But there is no room for euphoria and complacency. The Centre and the state government should identify and take action against anti-state forces, including asylum-seekers abroad and some international agencies that use religion and money power to promote public discontent and religious extremism in India and abroad. The government should revamp its law enforcement mechanism. Religious, social and civil society organisations and political parties should act as a moral force to save society from secessionist violence.

DS Kang, Hoshiarpur

Vendetta politics

The disqualification of Rahul Gandhi over a defamation case is a setback for Indian democracy as the ruling party is doing everything in its power to intimidate opponents. The recent cases of vindictive action against Congress MP Pawan Khera, CBI action against AAP leader Manish Sisodia, and the needless controversy over Rahul’s Cambridge speech clearly show how the BJP is using institutions to harass rivals to settle political scores. It is trying to set up a tyrannical regime where no one can criticise it for any wrongful practice.

Rishika Kriti, Ludhiana

Rahul’s disqualification

Refer to ‘Rahul disqualified as MP’; how can the Lok Sabha disqualify its duly elected member when Parliament has no power to do so under the Constitution? This view was upheld by the Punjab and Haryana High Court in Hardwari Lal versus State of Haryana. He was expelled from the Haryana Assembly for writing booklets against the then CM. He filed a writ petition and got a stay order against his expulsion. He relied on the historic verdict in which a Supreme Court Bench led by the then Chief Justice of India Subba Rao held that all powers and privileges available to British Parliament as on January 26, 1950, were not available to Indian legislatures. The High Court held that one such power of Parliament or Assembly that cannot be exercised is to reconstitute itself and that the expulsion or disqualification of an MLA or MP amounts to reconstitution of the Assembly or Parliament. His expulsion was held null and void. Rahul’s disqualification is unconstitutional; the court order needs to be reviewed.

RN Malik, Gurugram

CAG report

Apropos of ‘IT payers, pensioners & landless pocketed…’; the CAG report is only the tip of the iceberg. It is not an exception but the order of the day with regard to schemes and a poor reflection on the working of government machinery. During 2011-12 and 2012-13, in Mewat district alone, about Rs 1 crore was fraudulently withdrawn by a government department in connivance with departmental staff and a registered firm under a micro-irrigation programme. The firm has again been allowed to operate in Haryana. The government must ensure exemplary punishment for erring officers and ban such firms across India.

SK Mittal, 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 ‘Living with Covid’; the rising caseload is worrisome. The government is rightly keeping an eye on the situation. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has done well to exhort states and UTs to ensure availability of drugs for influenza and Covid, and has rightly asked people not to panic. We can’t forget the harsh days of the lockdown that wreaked havoc on the economic front and rendered millions jobless. No one wants to revisit those nightmarish times. The vaccination drive made a lot of difference in saving millions in the country. India not only became a pioneer in producing the vaccine and administering it to its people but also helped many countries globally with vaccines. Since the vaccine is a major shield against the deadly virus, the public needs to shun hesitancy, especially regarding the booster dose. As the virus is here to stay, people should follow Covid-appropriate behaviour for their own safety as well as for the safety of others. Remember, small acts — regular hand-washing, using sanitiser, avoiding crowding and observing social distancing — could go a long way in keeping Covid away.

RAVI SHARMA, by mail

Jolt to Congress

The Surat court verdict has come as a jolt to the Congress a year ahead of the Lok Sabha elections (‘Rahul gets 2-yr jail...’). Rahul was also in the limelight for making controversial remarks regarding Indian democracy, inviting a sharp reaction from the ruling dispensation in Parliament. Rahul must introspect and avoid any controversy in future. The Congress should lay more emphasis on raising national issues instead of indulging in personal attacks against opponents.

Ravinder Singh, Jalandhar

Speak with caution

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has been disqualified from the Lok Sabha following the verdict of a Surat court holding him guilty of criminal defamation for his Modi surname remark. It is certainly a lesson in ‘think before you speak’. Leaders across the political spectrum should reconsider what they say, bringing in much-needed sobriety in public utterances against opponents.

Krishan Kant Sood, Nangal

Adani, too, not above law

Ever since Rahul Gandhi raised questions regarding Modi’s role in the Adani row, he is being singled out for attacks from senior BJP functionaries. So much so that some ministers are setting aside their official duties to vigorously troll him. If his words in Cambridge demeaned the nation, as claimed by the BJP, there should be a chargesheet against him under the sedition law. But this should not be an excuse to stop proceedings in Parliament to evade questions on the Adani issue. In a democracy, it is the right of the Opposition to seek answers to any alleged case of money laundering. Adani is a private businessman, why should the BJP come to his defence? The onus of running Parliament is on the ruling party. The Surat court has sentenced Rahul to two years’ imprisonment on ‘Modi surname’ remark. The BJP has rightly said that no one was above the law. Why then is Adani being given immunity from law? The ruling party must do away double standards and serve the nation in the right spirit. The lawmakers must set an example before the country rather than settling personal scores at the expense of the taxpayers’ money.

YASH KHETARPAL, Panchkula

Irresponsible content

Refer to ‘SGPC irked over “anti-Sikh” comments on social media’; the SGPC, for obvious reasons, might be concerned about anti-Sikh comments but the fact is that social media, despite its advantages, is fast becoming a menace. In the name of freedom of speech, divisive, abusive, inflammatory, vulgar, and character-assassinating content must not be allowed. Unfortunately, the government goes after only those posts that are critical of it. As if political and religious shops vitiating the social atmosphere for their vested interests was not enough, the irresponsible and insensitive among the so-called netizens don’t tire of spitting venom, unaware of the consequences. The authorities must act since a divided society means a weak nation and we cannot afford to be so with two hostile neighbours.

Hira Sharma, by mail

Committed doctors

A group of doctors from Anantnag set an example of bravery as well as humanity by continuing with the surgery of a pregnant woman in spite of the fact that a powerful earthquake had struck the Valley. New doctors are administered an oath to attend to their patients in any circumstances and Dr Shabeena Shah truly kept the words of the oath. She and her team did not leave their patient, though there was a risk to their own lives as the hospital building was declared unsafe a few years back. Every doctor must have such attitude.

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 ‘IMF bailout for Sri Lanka’; there is a dire need to be aware of the strategies of China. It traps poor countries in its debt trap by first providing them with loans and then if they fail to pay them back, China grabs the projects. It is increasing its clout with these projects. That is how Beijing is virtually ruling those countries. Smaller countries should stay away from China or at least be more alert about the tricks it employs.

Vidhi Joshi, Jalandhar

Lifeline for Sri Lanka

Refer to ‘IMF bailout for Sri Lanka’; sanctioning of a $3-billion rescue loan by the IMF is likely to prove a lifeline for Sri Lanka. However, there must be an improvement in its governance model. Financial profligacy and misappropriation of funds by the ruling class could affect the flow of the sanctioned loans. President Wickremesinghe will have to take prudent steps to save the country from going bankrupt.

Roshan Lal Goel, by mail

Delay hurts others too

Apropos of ‘SC Collegium flags delay in clearing names’; judges are concerned about the loss of seniority due to a delay of a few months in clearing their names. But, have they ever thought of the irreparable loss to individuals and the country itself due to the piling up of crores of cases in courts — prolonged for decades and decades — due to their delay in giving a decision?

HC Mittal, Chandigarh

Hard to believe

The Punjab Police version of the escape of fugitive Amritpal Singh is like the story of a Bollywood movie. One can hardly believe that he switched at least five vehicles to escape within the first 60 km of his run. It takes time to shift from a Mercedes to a Brezza. He remained in a gurdwara for 45 minutes and rode pillion on a motorcycle, which ran out of fuel. They used a jugaad and a bike, without being noticed by the police. It is hard to digest this version.

Upendra sharma, by mail

No real support

Reference to ‘Police action finds public support’; the crackdown on Waris Punjab De chief Amritpal Singh and his followers has been welcomed by the majority of Punjabis. Life is almost normal and people are engaged in their daily routine activities. People of Punjab have already suffered a lot due to the activities of separatists during the years of militancy. Now, when there is communal harmony, no one should be allowed to disturb it. Unfortunately, some members of the Indian diaspora are protesting unnecessarily. Such people must eschew their uncalled for activities as these are not in the interest of the people of Punjab.

Balbir Singh Kakkar, Jalandhar

Settle farmers’ issue

In response to ‘Farmers warn of stir bigger than Delhi’s’; the Samyukt Kisan Morcha is fighting for a legal guarantee on MSP for all crops based on the recommendation of the Swaminathan Committee. Punjab is already playing with fire. The Centre should come out with concrete remedial measures and reconstitute the committee, as demanded by the SKM, with representatives of farmers. It will be in the interests of the states, the Centre as well as the farmers.

Raj Kumar Kapoor, Ropar

Poor show by India

The deciding ODI match against Australia was disappointing after India had suffered a humiliating defeat in the second match, where it lost to Australia by 10 wickets. The Indian team gave away the final match to the rival team on a platter. After the departure of Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya to the pavilion, other players couldn’t withstand the pressure of tight bowling and gave away their wickets. They played irresponsibly. India should draw a lesson from this poor show and go for course correction before the World Cup later this year.

Maheshwer sharma, by mail

Overhaul team

Australia deservingly won the ODI cricket series against India. If the second match was instant annihilation, the last one had the ‘slow poisoning’ effect. Team India, barring one or two players, looked rudderless and exhausted. Suryakumar Yadav and KL Rahul proved to be our team’s Achilles’ heel. Lately, their lack of efforts is resulting in shifting the equilibrium in favour of the opponents. Rohit Sharma should voluntarily step down as the skipper as he no longer inspires. Demitting captaincy would pave the way for someone with better and proven leadership qualities. A major overhauling is required.

SPS NARANG, NEW DELHI

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 ‘Xi in Russia’; it would be an understatement to say that Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Russia visit, the first after Russia’s Ukraine invasion, is significant. The International Criminal Court has issued an international warrant against the Russian President because of alleged war crimes and other charges. Xi’s visit will be a morale booster for Putin. It also sends a strong message to the western world, which has stood behind Ukraine and Zelenskyy, that its efforts to isolate Putin have fallen flat. One hopes Xi is able to bring about peace between Russia and Ukraine. It is in the larger interest of the world.

Bal Govind, Noida

More than neighbours

Apropos of ‘Xi in Russia’; China and Russia are more than just neighbours. Since the fragmentation of the USSR in 1991, they have maintained a symbiotic relationship that has stood the test of time. China is trotting around the globe like a knight in shining armour with a sword of diplomacy in its hand. For a global bully to act like this is bad news for India. We should perk up our diplomatic skills and be the one to bolster peace and bring about a ceasefire in the ongoing war that has pushed the global economy into an unending quicksand.

Rewant sharma, by mail

Pillars of democracy

Reference to ‘No sealed cover’; law is bound by certain tenets. However, the interpretation of any law is subject to the knowledge, intent and subjectivity of a judge. Also, the court is bound by the evidence before it. The Supreme Court has accepted sealed covers on many occasions. At times, the government of the day has to act as per popular sentiments, and at other times, it does so in its own interest. It is for the judges to decide objectively on the intentions of the government. The judiciary and the executive are both solid pillars on which democracy thrives. They must work together as a team and not transgress into each other’s domains.

Deepak TAAK, Panchkula

Mission not successful

Reference to ‘80K cops, still he fled...’; the HC has rightfully reprimanded the CM of Punjab for failure in nabbing the fugitive, Amritpal. Ironically, the CM is publicly chest-thumping over a ‘successful’ operation, despite the main culprit being on the run. In no uncertain terms, the botched-up operation is a loss of face for the Punjab Government. The entire episode is unnecessarily hogging the media limelight. The outcome is that a handful of miscreants outside India are indulging in vandalism as a mark of solidarity with the Khalistan movement. Interestingly, the Centre is proclaiming that there is no such movement in the country, but during the farmers’ agitation, it asserted that it was backed by so-called Khalistani groups. Such statements provide legitimacy to the non-existent, symbolic groups.

Deepak Singhal, Noida

Stretching it far

Refer to ‘All-party meets by Dhankhar, Birla fail to end Parl logjam’; the onus of smooth running of Parliament lies with the ruling party but it appears that it is not ready to relent to pave the way for the smooth working of Parliament. There seems to be no justification in demanding an apology from Rahul Gandhi and also disagreeing for a JPC on the Adani row. It is unfortunate that despite permission from Dhankhar, Kharge was not allowed to speak by the ruling party. The BJP’s spokesperson calling Rahul ‘Mir Jafar of Indian polity’ is highly deplorable. The BJP is trying to make a mountain out of a molehill to avoid a discussion on the Adani issue. The logjam may send a wrong message across the country.

ROOP SINGH NEGI, Solan

Increase flights

Reference to ‘Help us get Rs 8,304 cr for Jai Ram Thakur’s dream airport project...’; being a hill state, there is a scarcity of long stretches of plain lands. The Kangra valley is thickly populated and people have small landholdings. The extension of the present airport at Gaggal in Kangra to facilitate the landing of big airplanes will uproot a large number of people living there for generations. When the financial condition of the state is very weak, why are both the BJP and the Congress bent upon taking up this costly project? Instead of extending the airport, the number of flights should be increased. The extension will mainly benefit big construction companies and private airlines. If at all the government wants to have a bigger airport, a survey should be conducted to identify barren lands, which could also cater to the adjoining districts of Mandi and Hamirpur.

Ashok bahl, Kangra

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Apropos of ‘Crackdown, at last’; India can ill afford another Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. The security agencies must investigate Amritpal Singh’s links with Pakistan’s ISI. The attacks by Khalistan supporters on the Indian Consulate in San Francisco (US) and the Indian High Commission in the UK are a matter of concern. Rising above party lines, the Centre and Punjab should work in tandem to prevent the situation from spinning out of control.

Gregory Fernandes, Mumbai

Police action

The Punjab Government has finally come out of its dilemma to grab the bull by its horns. The decisive action against Amritpal and his supporters would not have come about without the active support and tacit understanding with the Centre. However, the invisible hand of the ISI, vandalism by Khalistan sympathisers in the US and UK, moral support and funding by Indian diaspora abroad continue to be a matter of concern mandating effective countering. Punjab desperately needs peace and harmony. Disproportionate publicity of police action should not make unnecessary headlines, as it makes such people heroes overnight and leads to the disruption of normal life and causes inconvenience to the law-abiding public.

GP CAPT JS BOPARAI (RETD), by mail

Double-faced West

The blatant laxity shown by the UK and US governments in launching a crackdown on Khalistan sympathisers attacking the Indian High Commission in London and Indian Consulate in San Francisco exposes their duplicity with regard to taking action in favour of their so-called friends. It is not tough visualising how these nations and their police would have acted against Khalistan sympathisers had the latter stormed into their government offices and buildings. These powerful nations ignored Vienna Convention rules.

Upant Sharma, Una

Arrest Amritpal first

Refer to ‘Punjab Govt not afraid of taking strict measures to curb criminal activities, says Kejriwal’; the Punjab Police has launched a major crackdown against the radical preacher, Amritpal Singh, and members of his outfit Waris Punjab De. Kejriwal proudly claimed that strict action being taken against criminals by the government had shown that ‘AAP is a hardcore patriotic party’. However, Amritpal continues to escape the police dragnet. It may be too early for the government to pat its back till he is arrested.

Vinayak G, by mail

No further division

The demand for Khalistan is not justified as India cannot be further broken into pieces. But equally wrong are those who want India to be declared a ‘Hindu rashtra’ since people do not want India to become a ‘Hindu Pakistan’. India is a secular country and cannot be based on a religion. Action should also be taken against those who raise such obnoxious demands.

Vidwan Singh Soni, Patiala

Protest vandalism

The acts of vandalism by Khalistan supporters at Indian missions abroad is a matter of serious concern. It was obligatory for the authorities in London and San Francisco to provide security to the Indian missions and the staff in anticipation of threat. The host nations not only dishonoured Vienna Convention guidelines, but also remained a mute spectator. The sovereignty of the Indian republic has been compromised. India must issue démarches to the host nations as they have failed in the past too. India should show its global prowess during its G20 presidency.

Anil Vinayak, Amritsar

Collapse of banks

The collapse of two banks in the US and Credit Suisse in Switzerland speaks volumes about the regulatory mechanism prevailing in these countries. India’s RBI Governor has been claiming that all is well in India, but he inspires little confidence. Firstly, the Adani shares collapsed by mere publication of a Hindenburg report, despite having so-called robust watchdogs — Sebi and the RBI. Secondly, in the early Covid days when people were badly hit in the US and EU, we were made to believe that Indians have immunity and all Covid protocols were thrown out of the window. The rest is history. Lastly, the ripple effect of financial instability is already being felt at the bourses and there is flight of capital as FIIs are aggressive sellers. Many branches of foreign banks exist in India and have large chunks of deposits. The RBI does not have the requisite wherewithal to bail out Indian banks.

Deepak Singhal, Noida

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 ‘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

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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

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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