The article ‘Reforms must reduce economic disparities’ has sounded the alarm bells. The world’s top 1% population adds twice the amount of emissions that half the world generates! The top 1% population in India is holding more than four times the wealth possessed by 73% of the population. It shows that poverty is a misnomer for unequal distribution of wealth. Figuring at 94 on the list of 107 hungry nations and ranking 168 on the EPI among 180 countries indicates there is something fundamentally wrong with the way we are moving forward as a nation. The time has come to introspect if our development model and economic reforms address the eradication of poverty and hunger, and consider issues of health, education and ethos. Economic reforms must sprout from the seeds sown in our soil, instead of soil borrowed from outside. Only then progress will sustain.

HMS Nagra, Faridabad

Why ape US?

‘Reforms must reduce economic disparities’ rightly points out the root problem of India. We live in a country where shifting from its USP, i.e., agriculture, to US-dictated agenda has been perceived as a sign of development over the years. This is actually a psychological defect. ‘The Golden Bird’ has a very bright heritage. Please stop ruining it over some dictated agenda of another country. It is often said ‘Be yourself’, then why are we copying others?

Sanjay Kumar, Jalalabad

Motivating players

‘United colours of sports’ has presented the plight of the Indian social fabric. Our players put up a good fight and showed the right spirit in the Olympics. The women’s hockey team also displayed a courageous spirit, but some people ashamed the country by making casteist remarks against a woman player belonging to the so-called lower caste. The government should take strict action against these culprits and set an example, at least in favour of those who brought glory to the country. Politicians should avoid taking political mileage and should provide better facilities to the players for giving even better performance in future.

Jaswant Rai, Chandigarh

Stonewalling Oppn

Refer to ‘Pandemonium in Parliament’; the government brought out a battery of ministers to accuse the Opposition of ‘anarchy’, a premeditated bid to derail proceedings. This does not bode well for an elected government that is supposed to be answerable not only to the people of this country, but also to the elected representatives. Parliament is also a space from which Opposition parties — and the people they represent — demand accountability from the executive and apply a check on its powers. Its letter and spirit stand violated when the government stonewalls the Opposition.

SS Paul, Nadia

Dangerous trend

After seeing the developments in Parliament during the last session, and the overall scenario in the country, one can conclude that absolute majority of any party is very dangerous for democracy. It results from arrogance in the minds of ruling members that they can do anything and nobody can question them. Important Bills were passed within minutes and without any discussion, what to say of referring them to the select committee. Parliament is not only for passing Bills, but also discussing issues of public importance. Opposition leaders are also elected by the public and if they want discussion on some important issues, the Chair should allow them. It is the responsibility of the ruling party to conduct the proceedings in a cordial atmosphere.

Bhupinder Kochhar, Panchkula

Showdown likely

Refer to the showdown in Punjab politics due to the rift between the newly appointed PCC chief and the CM, it is sad to see the current state of affairs in the state, despite a truce managed by the Congress high command between the two. The incidents of the past few days are an indicator of things to come in future. Whereas the Chief Minister has avoided any controversial statements, the PCC chief has been openly criticising the government on various issues. With the elections approaching, it shall be in the interest of the leaders to work together as a team and provide effective governance for the welfare of the people.

Dinesh Kumar Verma, Panchkula

Name change won’t help

Recently, the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award was renamed after Major Dhyan Chand. But it will not serve any purpose in uplifting sports in the country. Only political mileage is drawn from such moves. If some other political party comes to power in the coming years, will changing the name of the Gujarat cricket stadium serve any purpose? Instead of indulging in these gimmicks, politicians should focus on developing sports infrastructure. It will bring a good name to the country and also the party.

Rajesh Goyal, by mail

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