This refers to ‘Economy picking up momentum’; PM Modi's exhortation to India Inc to promote ‘Brand India’ and step up investments, especially in R&D, sounds prudent, though oft-repeated. Woefully, despite the Modi dispensation being at the helm for over seven years, red tape bedevils the business ecosystem. The rigmarole of conducting ethical business is a deterrent. Corruption is rampant in departments entrusted to provide statutory approvals for operation. The flippancy on GST rates is stock-in-trade of the government of the day. Why only a handful of magnates are able to corner the lion’s share of wealth and effortlessly gobble up the small players? Why are many concerns on the brink of bankruptcy and winding up businesses? Potential investors shall develop appetite for risk only when the extant players are thriving.

Deepak Singhal, Noida

Caring for the elderly

The ranking of Punjab on number eight on the quality of life for the elderly index is no surprise. There are many factors behind this. The Punjab youth is mostly interested in migrating abroad to earn their livelihood. This leaves the ageing parents alone, to fend for themselves. Even women prefer to marry NRIs. It is common to see many houses lying vacant or occupied by senior citizens only, especially in rural areas. The government must make efforts to stop youth migration by providing suitable employment opportunities.

Vikramjit Singh, Amritsar

Crime and politics

Refer to ‘Cleansing politics’; though the apex court is leading in curtailing the participation of criminal politicians in elections, it is a fact that political parties remain reluctant to expose their candidates’ criminal activities because most of them are owners of vast moveable and immoveable properties and help mobilise funds for elections. All police stations now upload the particulars of every FIR registered. The Election Commission may suo motu scan reports in the particular area from where a candidate files his/her nomination and get the desired information.

RL Bansal, Kurukshetra

Unlocking schools

Physical attendance in schools with Covid-appropriate behaviour cannot be delayed. The health and education departments must take civil society into confidence. The health department should actively be linked to schools and stay alert. Teachers and parents should be given priority by holding vaccination camps at schools. We need to try different ways of opening schools. Timings can be staggered, instead of holding the school the whole day they can be opened on alternate days.

Anju mohan, Panchkula

Unproductive session

Parliament’s monsoon session was adjourned early due to repeated disruptions. The session saw the opposition leaders gathering at the well of the Houses and demanding action on the Pegasus controversy, farm laws and the rise in fuel prices. While it was a good session in terms of legislation, it was accompanied by turmoil. It is high time that rules and regulations are followed in the upper and the lower House. Only then will the sessions be productive, both by time and legislation.

Khyati Kataria, Chandigarh

Afghanistan muddle

India should keep silent and watch till the Afghan turmoil settles on its own. Many big guns have burnt their fingers there (‘Afghan peace process a challenge for India’). Local landlords in Afghanistan are unmanageable. The British left Afghanistan earlier than they did India. On both sides there are Muslims, who are against one another. Like Israel, India should keep a distance from them. Resources reserved for Afghanistan should be used for development of our own security at the borders.

Ashok Kumar Goel, Panchkula

Whither education?

According to Guru Nanak, reflecting on education is a favour — Vidya veechari, ta parupkari (‘Absence of real education’). But right now, when most parents are worried about the career of their children, it is time to question the value of extending obligatory schooling to all, particularly when we find neither any worthwhile learning nor any learning outcomes other than denying all learning opportunities to students in favour of a graded training in ‘success’. This view of the business of education thrives on instructors, principals and directors, but aims to do without the teacher, the ‘guru’. You hardly ever see youngsters busy in any discussion or process except listening, that too now only virtual listening without any tangible speaker before them. Obviously, our pathological obsession with examinations, marks and certificates does away with individuals endowed with enlightenment, wisdom and a feeling for social good.

MOHAN SINGH, AMRITSAR

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