Take precautions

A propos of the news report ‘India tops global recoveries (Nov 3),’ our country is mainly agricultural and a majority lives in the villages. They work hard and generally lead a healthy lifestyle with strong immunity. That is why our country tops in global recoveries and the death rate is low compared to the density of population. But people have a tendency to become negligent, especially because of the festive season. Respiratory problems are common during winter. So, people need to take precautionary measures to prevent a recurrence of the coronavirus infection.

Ravinder Kwatra, Shahabad Markanda

Reviving economy

This refers to the editorial ‘GST fillip (Nov 3)’. The rising GST collection is primarily on the back of pent-up demand, festive season and the performance of the rural economy. Any spurt now in Covid caseload or exacerbating of geopolitical tensions shall have an adverse bearing on the economy. It is important that the government does not indulge in a lockdown rerun or steps that are detrimental to the revival of the economy. The situation is fluid and how the economy performs in the foreseeable future is anybody’s guess. What is noticeable, however, is that the disposable income of the common man is declining, and poverty and unemployment are rising while the government continues to maintain silence on these issues.

Deepak Singhal, Noida

Path of agitation

Present-day rulers appear to be far removed from the ground realities. Carelessness, callousness and corruption are evident and proving to be an impediment in good governance. It is the frustration that is manifest. It may be justified, but will prove to be detrimental for everyone, if it gets prolonged. The Gurjars in Rajasthan have also now taken to blocking rail traffic while demanding reservation. While it is everyone’s right to air his grievances and demand resolution, damage to public property should be avoided.

Bakshi Gurprit Singh, Jalandhar

Separate capitals

In reference to ‘Dushyant for separate capitals for Pb, Hry’, changing the existing set-up can prove to be an unaffordable burden on the depleting coffers of these states. The need of the hour is to have a common governor for small adjoining states as also new norms for the economy and other benefits. To maintain our unity in diversity, creation of states with concentration of ethnic or other loyalties should be discouraged.

Lalit Bharadwaj, Panchkula

US presidential elections

Refer to the ‘Battle for US presidency set for close finish (Nov 2)’, it’s remarkable that the US, possibly the most diverse nation, is choosing between two elderly white men to lead it out of the tailspin that the Covid-19 has caused. This is the time America and the rest of the world need leadership, and if America doesn’t choose wisely, China is waiting to dictate a new world order. Should the US vote for a man who has been divisive and broken ethical and moral values, even though he did correctly call out China’s hypocrisy? Or should the US vote for a man who by all accounts is a nice guy, but has clear signs of age-related degeneration? American voters are caught between the devil and deep sea. It’s electoral system is deeply flawed because of the concept of electoral college, where a candidate can lose the plurality of the nationwide vote by a massive margin and yet win the right to sit in the White House.

N Sadhasiva Reddy, Bengaluru

Dept handover

The decision to hand over the UT electricity departments to private players, even if they are in profit, may lead to chaos and monopoly. Private entities are bothered only about profit. It is feared that hefty electricity tariffs will be imposed and the end user will suffer. It should be ensured that the rights and salaries of the staff are protected.

Karan Singh Vinayak, Chandigarh

Bihar polls

Apropos of the article ‘Youth on political landscape (Nov 3)’, the issues in Bihar are numerous, but this time the elections seem to be centred on CM Nitish Kumar, who is under scrutiny despite his claims of having undertaken unprecedented development works. Also, post-poll alliances are not ruled out in case no party emerges a clear winner.

Rajiv Boolchand Jain, Zirakpur

Batala’s problems

Development work is in full swing in Batala. Storm sewers are being laid, but all this is creating problems too. The roads have been dug up to lay sewer pipes, but the dust on the roads and the traffic are polluting the air in the town. In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, the authorities should take steps to keep the situation under control.

Kulbir Saggu, Batala

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