letterstoeditor
GST, DEMONETISATION & ECONOMY SLOWDOWN
The initiatives taken by the Centre such as demonetisation and implementation of GST have drawn flak from various sections and resulted into a slowdown of economy and decline in GDP. The government is under severe criticism from the opposition and some of its own disgruntled party men. There is an atmosphere of despondency and fear persisting among the masses regarding future repercussions of prevailing economic conditions. The Opposition has gained big opportunity to secure some brownie points by criticising the Centre’s economic policies. However, it is premature to ascertain the facts and label the demo net is at ion and GST as regressive and faulty. Karan Singh Vinayak,
Chandigarh
II
As denouement of the Modi government is approaching fast, there is a plethora of anti-BJP messages on the social media these days. It seems demonetisation and G ST have provided opposition enough fodder to launch a ‘no holds barred’ attack on the present dispensation and get ready for another jamboree after five years. Although criticism has been a strong pillar of democracy, challenging the BJP’s decision to deport Rohingya immigrants does not seem to be based on ethics but as part of political expediency and lust for power even if it is “Pyrrhic victory”. Dr Abhinav Sharma,
Ludhiana
III
The current upward trend in fuel prices has caused a great concern among all sections of society, be it the traders, dealers and or consumers, who are the most affected. Finance minister Arun Jaitley has written to all state government-store-evaluate VAT and to include petroleum products in GST. Petroleum minister Dharmendra Pradhan has also appealed to all state governments to reduce VAT on petroleum products. As most of the states are ruled by the B JP and its allies, the Centre should enforce a uniform rate of VAT on petroleum products in the entire country.
Sushil Kaushal, Kurali
NGT ORDERS ON RALLIES AT JANTAR MANTAR
The NGT orders banning rallies anddh ar na sat Jan tar Man tar, in New Delhi isa laudable decision. Due to increase of population density in Con naught Place, with the increase of business activities, the pollution is on the higher side, which is a dangerous for environment point of view and adding to the miseries of residents of Connaught Place and other adjoining areas.
RL Bansal, Kurukshetra
AKAL TAKHT EDICT ON LANGAH
The Akal Takht’s edict against former Alali minister Sucha Singh Langah is a hasty, onesided decision. Since he was not afforded the opportunity of defending himself, this decision is also against the principles of natural Justice. It seems that the decision was taken under political pressure without application of mind. The Akal Takht should have waited for judicial pronoun cement in the case. The Ak al Takht will have an egg on its face if Langah gets acquitted.
Paramjit Singh, Patiala
BHU PROTEST
The protest in Banaras Hindu University by women students highlighting the weak security infrastructure, and which resulted in their harassment, is jarring. The development is not in line with the pledge taken by the Utt ar Pradesh government to prioritise women’s safety. The issue of women’ s safety at educational institutions and in the workplace forms the bedrock of the commitment towards women’s empowerment. BHUfinds a place in our history as a symbol of India’s advancement and this identity should not be diluted under any circumstances. The protestors just wanted a probe into an issue of rights.
Neelkanth, Jalandhar
DOKLAM ISSUE: DIPLOMACY NOT SOLUTION
Apropos“Troops in Do kl am normal ”’( Hindu stan Times, October 7), it appears Prime Minister Na rendra Mo di has lost his diplomatic ammunition to deal with China and Pakistan. The Do kl am standoff was magnified, forcing China to withdraw its troops from the disputed area. This proved to be futile. PM Modi is now using the service chiefs for diplomacy, which is unwise. Army chief Gen Bipin Rawat and Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa say the forces are ready to take on Pakistan and China simultaneously. The armed forces of the country are not fully equipped. The government is ignoring security issues and is only aiming at 2019 election. CaptAmar Jeet Kumar,
Mohali
ramesh.vinayak@hindustantimes.com