Betrayal by MPs

Starting with the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A in 2019, there has been an aura of secrecy till the passing of an Act by Parliament. The CAA was passed and people against it started protesting only after its clearance by Parliament. Recently, three Bills relating to agriculture were approved by Parliament and most stakeholders came to know about these only when these were being passed. The agenda of Parliament is circulated well in advance to all MPs, but they don't bother about it. They don't study it and don't discuss it with voters and stakeholders in their constituencies. That is why the current trend of protests after passing of the legislation. It is a great failure of MPs, whether ruling or the opposition! It's nothing but betrayal.

Vinay Kumar Malhotra, Ambala

Cut out politics

One wonders where the intelligensia of the country has disappeared. We have the best brains, yet there seems to be an absence of seriousness in handling important problems which the nation is facing. Sadly, it’s the health sector which is being neglected. How is the country unable to muster resources to help the farmers overcome the parali problem? It should be taken up as a national or, and cut out the politics.

Col Kulbir Singh (retd), Chandigarh

Impossible cutoffs

Every year, Delhi University sees a spike in cutoffs for admissions. But this year, the cutoffs have shot through the roof, with its many colleges releasing a 100 per cent cut-off. Being a DU aspirant myself, I perceive this trend as an unfavourable indicator of our education system. The massive surge in cutoffs is attributable to the fact that our system gives more importance to marks instead of knowledge and the holistic development of a student. Even students who get over 90 per cent are left with few options. I hope that the National Education Policy-2020 will emerge as a game-changer.

Harshita Sharma, Sonepat

Out of line

The scathing remarks by Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray against Himachal Pradesh are neither warranted nor acceptable. It appears he is a novice and inexperienced politician. He must preserve the dignity of his constitutional post and avoid talking like a local party worker. Recently, his controversial stand on some policy matters has damaged his public image.

Deepak, by mail

Daughters are a blessing

I am a proud father of two daughters and strongly feel that daughters are the most adorable gift of God. When a daughter is born, I don’t think that any couple has a feeling of regret, but orthodox people in our society make them feel time and again that it is a sad thing. They sympathise with you, consoling that it is God’s will. Due to all this, in many cases even the happy parents start thinking that something bad has befallen them. My wife and I had ourselves experienced this bitter situation. But I am really happy that daughters are accepted whole-heartedly by the families. I may offend people in saying so, but daughters are far more loveable than sons.

Bir Devinder Singh Bedi, Sangrur

Positive change

Reference to ‘Acceptance of daughters growing, shows survey’; it is a welcome change which will improve the sex ratio in northern states. Couples with one or two daughters only is also a good change to see, as traditionally, many couples would go for more children in the hope of having a son. Hopefully, it will reduce the population growth and discrimination against the girl child. One must accept any child as a blessing of God, irrespective of the gender. Every child is special and unique.

Vikramjit Singh, Amritsar

A chance bond

I was shocked to learn about the demise of Kuldip Singh Dhir (Obituary, October 18) and was reminded of Allama Iqbal’s verse: ‘Kalba-e-iflaas mein, daulat key kaashaaney mein maut/Dasht-o-dar mein, shaihr mein, gulshan mein, veeraaney mein maut.’ Dhir was a great admirer of my letters published in The Tribune and often asked me over the telephone to explain the meanings of difficult Urdu and Persian words. He appeared to be very gentle, polite and polished. Everytime, he asked me to see him when I visited Patiala, I recited the couplet: ‘Milti hai kab ijaazat-e-deedaar dekhiey/Ab tak to telephone pe guft-o-shuneed hai.’ Once, when I went to see him, he was not at home. May God bless his soul.

BHAGWAN SINGH, QADIAN

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