In a speech to mark the foundation stone ceremony of the new Parliament building, PM Modi noted how India has proved those naysayers wrong who had doubted whether democracy would be successful here. Parliament — where the nation’s elected representatives sit, deliberate, debate and pass laws — embodies this central attribute of democracy. As the new parliament building rises, subject to litigation in SC, the government should also take steps to make democracy more meaningful. The passage of far-reaching instruments without adequate scrutiny bypasses necessary public debate. Most recently, we have seen how promulgating farm reforms as ordinances and then rushing them through Parliament has proved to be a recipe for unrest. The failure to convene Parliament’s winter session is a missed opportunity to take MPs into confidence on the pandemic and economic crisis trajectories, vaccine delivery plans and economic revival packages.

Sanjay Chopra, Mohali

Be sympathetic

Our Central leadership must understand the basic difference between democracy and authoritarian rule. Democracy gives a healing touch to hurt feelings whereas authoritarianism simply toughens the attitude. In the past, a provision in the Indian Constitution for making Hindi the national language was changed keeping in view the feelings of the people. Likewise, the Central Government should lend a sympathetic ear to farmers’ grievances and try to solve them.

Naresh Mohan Johar, Amritsar

All-party meeting

It is unfortunate that due to the delaying tactics of the Centre, the agitation by the farmers is getting prolonged. In view of their long-pending demands, it would be pertinent for the government to call an urgent all-party meeting and come out with remedial measures. The PM should personally intervene to resolve the situation. It would be proper if the government reconsiders the laws in question by calling a session of the parliament to tide over the problem. Being obdurate is not going to help in such a situation.

Raj Kumar Kapoor, Ropar

Mamata’s stance

Apropos of ‘Mamata govt defies MHA summons over Nadda attack’, the recent action of the West Bengal CM proves that she is a past master at such tactics. We remember the role of the police commissioner of Kolkata, in stopping senior officers of the CBI, from carrying out their legitimate duties and facing flak. She has now refused to send the Chief Secretary and the DGP to Delhi in compliance with the MHA summons, in the wake of a mob attack on BJP chief JP Nadda. Mamata should realise that she has some duties to perform, being the CM.

Upendra Sharma, via email

Kasauli’s problems

The notification for Kasauli subdivision means adding more congestion and pollution to this historic place with limited area and resources, whereas there was a drive to decongest it by removing encroachments. It is surprising as why there is a need for creating an additional subdivision in this era of advanced technology and communication while public money can be utilised for better priorities.

RS Kishtwaria, Palampur

Electricity inspection

This refers to the news item that the UT Administration has decided to dispense away with electrical inspection of up to 250 kWp solar power plants. This is in clear violation of the Indian Electricity Act 2003 and the Central Electricity Authority Regulations 2010 (erstwhile Indian Electricity Rules 1956). Inspections by the Chief Electrical Inspector (CEI) of the state/UT are mandatory to ensure that any installation is safe for human beings, property and for the equipment itself. It becomes all the more important if the power plant is grid-connected for the safety of entire system of the town. Chandigarh has a very small electricity network and it takes hardly 15 minutes to carry out any inspection. It would be prudent not to do away with statutory provisions which otherwise the administration is not empowered to do.

Adarsh Jain, former CEI and Electricity Ombudsman, Haryana

Dearth of doctors

Apropos of ‘Non-Covid patients hit’, the problem would not have occurred had the government utilised institutionally qualified ISM ayurvedic doctors, taught and trained in modern medicine in OPDs and other abandoned healthcare services — chronic and non-emergency diseases. There are an equal number of ISM doctors to MBBS doctors in the country. As per CCIM syllabus and curriculum, they are taught modern pharmacological agents and methods. Their services should have been availed at least as de facto primary healthcare service providers. They are under-utilised.

Naresh Dalal, via email

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