In reference to CM Channi proposing a domicile-based quota for jobs, this is the need of the hour as the recent past has witnessed many non-Punjab domicile candidates getting jobs in different government departments. In many esteemed universities of Punjab, the number of local employees, especially professors, is small, creating a communication gap with students. A similar situation is seen when in a government office, a non-Punjab domicile struggles to work under the Punjabi script. It is easy to get a job with the basic knowledge of language, but is difficult to work in it. As it is in the admission criterion for graduation, an 85-15 per cent split must be established to accommodate Punjab domiciles. Government jobs involve public dealing, a local is more aware about the area, the language and the challenges of the public, and hence can bring optimum output in the working.

Harsimranvir Singh, Patiala

‘Yellow’ shines

Refer to ‘Kingaroos’; Team Australia finally got their hands on their first-ever T20 World Cup trophy. In fact, Australia was nowhere close to the tag of ‘favourites’ to win the tournament this year. However, known for their indomitable spirit and never-say-die attitude, the Aussies proved everyone wrong as they gave back-to-back brilliant performances to win their maiden T20 World Cup. There is something that supplements and energises the Australians, especially in knockout games, which encourage them to rise above themselves to unearth heroes for each stage and each event. Finally, it seems ‘yellow’ has a special affinity with T20 tournaments in Dubai, as within a month, two yellow brigades (CSK and Australia) won two different titles here.

Ranganathan Sivakumar, Chennai

Well played, Australia

Apropos of ‘Finch’s men break T20 World Cup duck’, kudos to the Australian team for emerging victorious in the seventh edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Having won the 50-over World Cup five times and the Champions Trophy twice, this was their only unclaimed title. The victory is also a general reminder how the team quickly shifted from the legendary era of Ricky Ponting and Glenn McGrath to Finch’s and Starc’s without losing even a bit of lustre. For India which faced a pathetic setback in the tournament, there are lessons to learn. A well-composed squad with a fearless approach plays a decisive role in T20 cricket. Faith in the players by the board is paramount as well. These are noteworthy for a strong comeback.

Tushar Anand, Patna

Dealing with pollution

Air pollution has been troubling us for years, but this year it is alarmingly high. Delhi and the NCR cities are on the top of this scourge. It is a big health hazard and the people are suffering. Hospitals are full of patients with breathing problems. We must encourage electric vehicles and cycles, generate electricity through solar energy rather than coal-firing thermal power stations and stop paddy stubble burning. Stubble can be collected and transported to factories using stubble as raw material. Startups can be encouraged in this regard.

K Lakshman Rao, Gurugram

Look for solutions

Pollution is all around us, in the air, water and land, but we always put the onus on others. Farmers are blamed the most for air pollution. Recently, the Supreme Court expressed its views that farmers alone are not responsible for pollution. Air and other types of pollution are due to many man-made activities. The government, instead of indulging in farmer-bashing on air pollution, must come up with some innovative pollution control strategies. People also will have to sacrifice their comforts for pollution control. The major culprits are construction activity, industry, transport, power and vehicular traffic, apart from stubble burning in some parts. The court has asked the Centre to call for an emergency meeting to take measures like stopping non-essential construction and implementing work from home.

SS verma, Longowal

Curse of overpopulation

Refer to ‘A thought for the balloon boy’; these days childhood has lost the sheen of innocence and is bereft of the basic requirements of basic amenities of food, education and medical facilities. Children are suffering from malnutrition, hunger and diseases. Families below the BPL are mainly responsible for this. They need more hands to earn livelihood, so they have many children who they cannot bring up properly. Educated families are more aware and have small families. The government should take steps to educate the lower strata to have fewer children. Population should be brought under control so that benefits of government schemes yield results for the needy. Overpopulation is eating into development activities.

Surinder Kumar Mahna, Karnal

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