THE editorial ‘Raids on media houses’ represents the voice of our civil society. In a democratic country, the people get most of the news and views from newspapers and they hold journalists in high esteem. They strengthen the roots of democracy through their impartial and evidence-based opinions and observations. We can take big strides in the future as a prosperous nation only when our citizens feel encouraged to share their sufferings and genuine grievances with the elected representatives, including the Chief Minister or the Prime Minister. The freedom of the Press is the lifeline of any democracy. Without having a vigilant, patriotic and pro-people media, we cannot have a vibrant and democratic nation.

RAJ BAHADUR YADAV, Fatehabad

Raids on media

Reference to ‘Raid on media houses’; the IT raids on Dainik Bhaskar and Bharat Samachar for tax evasion appear to be the government's bid to intimidate, but they also betray its insecurity and nervousness. The fact is that the BJP government at the Centre has earned itself quite a reputation for unleashing enforcement agencies on dissenters and political opponents. However, the burden of proof of good faith rests on the government, and it will not be easy. There will be few takers for the new I&B Minister's assertions that there is no interference with the functioning of government agencies. When the Pegasus revelations came to light, ministers rushed to call it a conspiracy to malign Indian democracy. It may be possible to recognise the deep anxiety that lies at the core of the government's shows of machismo. But the toll this is taking on the freedom of media and institutions is a cause for concern.

LJS PANESAR, by mail

Puppet agencies

‘Raids on media houses’ is a true and honest assertion of the common concerns which aren’t openly articulated by thinking citizens. The minister concerned has been quoted as saying that the agencies were doing their work and there is no interference. A puppet agency doesn't have to wait for repeat reminders of how must it proceed and in which direction once the suitable software has been fed into the hard disk of the duty-schedule. It seems to be so transparent, that no apologies are required. The universal appeal of liberty, equality and fraternity can never be denied.

LALIT MOHAN SHARMA, DHARAMSALA

Girls at Sainik Schools

Apropos of ‘Girls enter Sainik Schools’, it is heartening to know that all Sainik Schools are now open to girl cadets also. This is a major step towards revolutionising the participation of women in defence forces of the country and will further pave the way for women emancipation. But it is sadly observed that the initiative is not being adequately publicised to benefit girls who may be keen to pursue a career in this field.

JAGDISH CHANDER, JALANDHAR

Behave rationally

Reference to ‘Delhi Govt’s contempt plea against Haryana rejected’; the SC having dismissed the Delhi Government’s plea seeking the initiation of contempt proceedings against the Haryana Government for alleged violation of a 1996 order on water supply to the national capital, must serve as an eye-opener for it. In fact, the apex court's candid observation, ‘Please advise your client not to file application after application’, goes on to spill the beans about the AAP government frequently approaching the court whenever it sees an opportunity to corner the Centre. It’s a different matter that it had also to do a lot of explaining in several cases. One genuinely wishes that it desists from behaving like a habitual weeping child.

Vinayak G, New Delhi

Dodgy data

It is shocking to read the statement of the Health Ministry that nobody lost his/her life due to lack of oxygen. How could such a statement be made in the House? These are unpardonable lapses, far away from the ground reality. Our data collection and verification system is dead. The governments have never ever been able to collect correct data on any issue to date. Covid data is under-reported and this undercounting has led to inaccuracies in the numbers, their treatment and the casualties. India officially puts the tally of deaths in this pandemic at around 4.20 lakh whereas the Washington-based Centre for Global Development has estimated the actual figure could be as high as 50 lakh. The fight against Covid-19 will remain ineffective as long as there is no transparency.

GURPREET S MALHOTRA, KANSAL

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