Twitter controversy

This refers to ‘All a twitter’ (February 14). Twitter CEO not turning up for a meeting with the Parliamentary Committee on Information Technology should not be seen as an insult, as the committee does not have the authority to summon foreign nationals. It is within Twitter’s rights to take down accounts that send abusive messages or content. Rather than taking on social media, it is time when we put out a clearly defined and structured framework, as the editorial rightly suggests. We cannot act like China or Russia, where the latter is even contemplating to disconnect itself from the world wide web. Social media has become an integral part of our lives and it is a good communication tool as well. Like any other technology, it also has its negatives, but that can be addressed.

Noida

This is with reference to ‘A strategy for creating more jobs’ (February 14). Modi romped home in the 2014 general elections by promising more jobs, especially for the youth of the country.

He should not give up on this promise. More than the government, it is the private sector which creates jobs for the educated unemployed of the country and hence the government should chip in with business-friendly policies.

For instance, the Budget should allocate more funds for encouraging entrepreneurs, the self-employed, and labour-oriented industries. We can also create more jobs by revamping our education system, which currently pumps out more job seekers than job creators. Tourism is one sector that has high employment potential and does not require much capital.

Also, encouraging small and cottage industries in rural, tribal and semi-urban areas will create employment opportunities for locals, thus preventing them from moving to already crowded cities.

Thane

In his last speech to the Lok Sabha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the achievements of his government, such as in providing stability and enhancing the status of the country in the global arena. But what he has conveniently forgotten is his government’s alleged role in riding roughshod over the independence and autonomy of democratic institutions.

The authoritarian streak comes through in several of the Prime Minister’s decisions, especially the ones relating to demonetisation of high-value currencies and the passage of the Aadhaar Bill as a money bill to escape the legislative scrutiny of the Upper House. While his doubts over the ability of coalition governments to provide stability is valid and cannot be faulted, seeking a mandate solely on the strength of his being a majority government may not cut ice with voters.

In all likelihood, the major poll plank of the Modi-led dispensation would be on reminding the voters of his decisive leadership and that an ideologically disparate opposition cannot provide a strong and stable government.

Sholavandan, TN

It is raining doles for farmers in the election year. Starting with the Central government many State governments too are following suit, trying to win over the votes of farmers who are a major vote bank. But these are all quick-fixes and akin to cash for vote, but carried out through official channels using taxpayers’ money.

Farmers should be aware that none of the core issues has been addressed and many announcements still remain only on paper. Doubling of farmers’ income, multiplying farm credit, comprehensive specific insurance cover, solution for farm labour shortage and, above all, remunerative and guaranteed prices for the produce.

Though eNam, the online trading platform for agricultural commodities, exits in an handful of locations, distress sale of farm produce is common.

While there is a large demand for quality food due to increased disposal income at urban centres, government intervention to prevent demand-supply mismatch is still a non-starter. .

Madurai

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