Refer to ‘Ready for talks if farmers raise logical objections to laws: Tomar’; it is pointless asking the farmers again and again to raise logical objections. They want repeal of the laws. So what is the way out? Here is a suggestion. The government suspends the farm laws for a year; farmers suspend the agitation for the same period. Meanwhile, draft new farm laws in consultation with the farmers and agriculture experts. Replace the old laws with the new ones. Also, consider giving MSP a legal sanctity. Though, even without this, procurement of wheat had gone on smoothly on MSP. There has been no entry of corporates in the procurement process. Farmers’ fears on this score are, therefore, misplaced. Both sides should be sincere, reasonable and flexible. If required, PM Modi may personally intervene to end the impasse.

WG CDR CL SEHGAL (RETD), JALANDHAR

Conditional talks

The proposal by the Central government to resume talks with farmers is a good step towards ending their agitation. However, putting conditions before the beginning of talks shows the rigid stand of the Centre. It has signalled its intentions of not repealing the agri laws despite the fact that the talks will be held for the 12th time. However, talks must resume and satisfactory agreement be reached which doesn’t cause any loss to farmers.

Vikramjit Singh, Amritsar

Digital India?

I have a savings account with the SBI. I went to the bank at around 11 am to withdraw some cash. I took a token slip from the bank’s machine installed there and waited for my turn. When even after 45 minutes my turn did not come, I requested the branch manager to help me withdraw cash because I am a senior citizen and a cardiac patient. Astonishingly, the date and time printed on the token slip was 30.06.2020 and 20:02:30. The error was brought to the manager’s notice, but he took it lightly and also seemed helpless to help me. Is this digital India?

RK Arora, Ambala City

Orphaned children

Children who have been rendered orphans consequent upon the death of their parents caused by Covid face a dismal future. Whereas it is the duty of their kith and kin and the state to stand by them, couples with no children can also come forward to bring them out of these perilous times by giving them familial care and supporting their studies. In the absence of such a gesture, many meritorious children will be left in the lurch.

Chaman Arora, Ferozepur

Fuel prices and GST

The prices of petrol and diesel are continuously increasing in the country. At this point when the economy and micro units are in depth of recession, and public transport being restricted, it has become worrisome for households and industries to manage fuel expenses. The cost is not much affected by international compulsions but by the taxes imposed by the government. The Centre should reduce the excise duty and states should also try to provide relief in VAT. The government announcing packages to revive economic sectors should also provide deduction in taxes to control inflation. If it is not possible to reduce tax, the Centre should rethink considering petrol and diesel under GST. This will decrease the prices considerably, boosting the manufacturing industry and relieving the common people.

Navjot Singh, Amritsar

QS rankings

Apropos of ‘QS Rankings: 3 Indian universities in top 200’, India cannot strive to become a global power without having the requisite academic underpinnings. It is disheartening to see one of the largest populace not in the reckoning. World-class institutions dish out disruptive talent, who, in turn, are the new-age entrepreneurs creating a large number of jobs required for adjunct talent. The resultant economies of scale and scope are required in our country to overcome the conundrum of quality jobs. We must have a strategy in place very quickly.

Gurjyot Singh, Shimla

Where will they go?

Refer to ‘Will lose place we call home for 20 years, say Aravalli migrants’; the residents of the Basti are poor migrant families who are engaged in odd jobs of arduous nature. Many women work in Faridabad sectors as maids. The livelihood of these poor families is already in jeopardy due to the pandemic. Construction of small houses has consumed the earnings of their lifetime. The SC decision is not wrong, but it has certainly lost sight of the humanitarian angle. Where will these families go? All political parties are silent on this issue. The court should have given three months before the start of the demolition drive and the state should have been directed to make arrangements for the rehabilitation of the families. The SC should have also taken strong action against the land mafia.

RN Malik, Gurugram

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