Apropos of the editorial ‘No quota beyond 50%’, the Supreme Court has put the Maharashtra government in its place by quashing the law granting quota beyond 50% to the Maratha community in admissions and government jobs. Even the ceiling of 50% is unreasonable as the very concept of reservation is against the essence of the Preamble to the Constitution which professes the equality of status and opportunity. The existing quotas deny the eligible the opportunity they rightly deserve. The quota system has become a huge political enterprise in pursuance of vote bank politics. It should be given to the deserving ones on the basis of their financial and economic status so that the benefits reach the grassroots.

Tarsem S Bumrah, Batala

Dearth of jobs

With reference to ‘No quota beyond 50%’, the Supreme Court’s order is most welcome and a tight slap on the face of political parties which habitually use reservations in jobs and educational institutions as a tool to get votes. The 50% cap reflects an attempt to strike a balance between the state’s prerogative to try to correct historical injustices suffered by some groups and the right to equal opportunity for all citizens. Communities that are considered socially dominant have begun to demand reservation in the backdrop of a weak economy that is not creating enough jobs. A durable solution lies in a coherent set of measures to create more job opportunities for the youth.

N Sadhasiva Reddy, Bengaluru

Affordable credit

The RBI has stepped in to ease the Covid-19 burden. Cheap and affordable credit is crucial for a country’s development. With income dwindling amid the second wave of the pandemic, RBI’s measure to mitigate financial stress is praiseworthy. It would ease the process of taking loans and help people who are reeling under the exorbitant health expenditure. This step has raised hope among innumerable people that healthcare would become accessible to them.

Aanya Singhal, Noida

Farmers’ woes

It’s unfortunate that lack of demand for capsicum in Mansa district has forced farmers to destroy their crop in distress. There is a wide gulf between agricultural production and consumption. As a result, both farmers and consumers are suffering. There is a dire need to fill this void and this job cannot be left to the state. All stakeholders should work hard to ensure that the farmers get adequate remuneration for their produce and the consumers get some relief.

Ravinder Mittal, Ludhiana

Phased lockdown

The second wave of Covid-19 has devastated the country. The healthcare system is in tatters. In Punjab, hospitals and dispensaries are short of trained staff, especially to operate ventilators that are lying unused. All parties should rise above politics and join hands to handle the situation. Putting the entire state under lockdown or curfew is no solution as the daily wagers will be hit the hardest. The lockdown should be imposed in a phased manner so that there is as little disruption of livelihoods as possible. The public needs to cooperate with the district administration, the police and the health department by following Covid-appropriate norms.

Raj Kumar Kapoor, Ropar

Covid profiteering

In this hour of crisis, some people are busy making a quick buck through unscrupulous means. These are black marketeers, hoarders and greedy traders dealing in pharmaceutical equipment, oximeters, gas cylinders, etc. Two days ago, I purchased an oximeter at a price four times higher than the normal price. Fleecing pandemic-hit people is a sign of vulturous behaviour. The government should not remain a silent spectator to the plight of the masses who are being exploited. To mitigate people’s woes, it should take strict action against black marketeers, hoarders, pharmaceutical dealers and retailers.

Vinay Kumar Malhotra, Ambala

Be prepared

Even though the second wave of Covid-19 is wreaking havoc, we see that many people are neither wearing masks nor following the standard operating procedures. The wearing of masks should be made mandatory for all; those found without the same should be fined heavily, even if they are ministers or other VIPs. We should be prepared to tackle the third wave so that it doesn’t hit us hard.

Jubel D’Cruz, Mumbai

Belated decision

The BCCI’s decision to suspend the IPL amid the Covid pandemic is a belated one. At a time when the country is bearing the brunt of the lethal virus, holding the cricket tournament was not a wise step to begin with. With economic activity drastically scaled down, there was no point in conducting this annual extravaganza.

Ajay S Kumar, Trivandrum

Letters to the Editor, typed in double space, should not exceed the 200-word limit. These should be cogently written and can be sent by e-mail to: Letters@tribunemail.com