Less equal than others

The editorial, ‘Aadhaar frailties’ (March 19) rightly points out the lacuna in the Supreme Court’s interim order and of the tragic consequence that might befall the poor by way of denial of subsidised foodgrains or other benefits. As the ultimate defender of people’s fundamental rights, there is expectation that the Supreme Court might rectify this lacuna while pronouncing its final judgement on the validity of Aadhaar.

Kochi

It is a clear case of complicating a well-meant scheme without rudimentary planning. In a country where illiteracy is widespread, unilateral executive orders and subjective rules will inflict more harm than achieve the intended benefits.

The deadline of March31 will leave many of the marginalised in the lurch. Even evidence of enrolment application will have poor acceptance as has been proved by the denial of rations in PDS, rebuff of subsidy reimbursement, rejection of ambulance/hearse services, refusal of cremation and burial of the dead, admission under the RTE, registration/transaction of properties and legitimacy in various channels including journeys.

When constructive criticism of the scheme was offered, the Government responded by coming down on the people with a draconian hand, instead of rectifying the issues.

The UIDAI must take the responsibility for protecting the people’s right to privacy. Further, the linking of Aadhaar is not synchronised due to the topsy-turvy incorporation of names and surnames in the various rolls.

Bengaluru

This refers to ‘The right to die is a tough act to follow’ by Udaya Kumar Maiya (March 19).The decision by the Supreme Court to allow passive euthanasia is morally not justified.

The right to live with dignity cannot be compared with the right to end life with dignity. The state needs to adhere to its own cultural boundaries and enhance facilities to save lives or else mind its business instead of interfering with people’s faith and lives.

Gulbarga, Karnataka

This refers to ‘E-wallet will address GST refund issue of exporters: Prabhu’ (March 19). Eexporters are in trouble on many counts. Banks hesitate to extend timely pre and post shipment finance, refuse to open letters of credit, deny timely and adequate working capital finance.

The Government does not give refunds to exporters on account of GST. The Government must accelerate the process and pace of delivery otherwise exporters will get discouraged and this will affect the inflow of valuable foreign exchange.

The Government could issue a notional credit voucher for GST refund due to exporters and banks may be persuaded to finance against them on a short-term basis so as to augment their working capital finance. It is time to support exporters with a high sense of commitment and conviction.

Chennai

SEBI’s proposal to allow inter-operability of clearing houses will reduce trading costs and total margin requirements for traders, besides rendering flexibility to settle/clear trades at any location. It can also optimise capital usage and mitigate the potential impact of trade disruption due to system outages. While this may reduce revenues for individual clearing houses and create an uneven playing field for exchanges, the relaxation will facilitate higher profit retention on account of lower allocation to the settlement guarantee fund.

With a unified exchange for equities and commodities, inter-operability promises to reduce systemic risk and post-trade costs. The move would align the risk management framework with industry best standards and pave the way for inter-exchange risk management, besides rationalising margins across exchanges and products. This can eliminate monopoly and expedite the consolidation of clearing corporations.

Delhi

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