letters to editor
TIPS FOR BETTER GROWTH
India’ s GDP has fallen from 8% to 6.5% in four years, and may stumble further. It is largely due to the slump in manufacturing and the fall in the agriculture sector from 4.5% to 2.1%. The government must make agriculture more viable by providing farmers cheaper storage options to reduce their reliance on middlemen. It should also give a push to the manufacturing sector besides giving a boost to infrastructure. Labour laws should be relaxed for the growth of industry. The government will also do well to introduce a simplified tax structure. The income tax should be reduced by a minimum of 10%, but the tax net should be widened. The aim should be to promote compliance and abolish the raid raj. GST anomalies should be removed by introducing only two rates. Deepak Saraf,
Rampura Phul
TACKLE PAK STERNLY
Apropos the article ‘Why Pakistan could well become another Syria’ (HT, Jan 9), the problem with our neighbour is that the people and the government are not in sync when it comes to Indo-Pak relations. While people like to interact with us due to our common roots and culture, the Paki- stan government survives on raking up hate against India. That is why it brings up the Kashmir issue at every forum. It also has poor control over its military, and the ISI, which always make out India as their enemy No 1, to justify their existence. It is also responsible for fuel ling militancy in J&K, and terror attacks elsewhere in India. Pakistan is a rogue state, which exploits our goodness. We must deal with it sternly. Let the central government act tough and be decisive with a clear roadmap for J&K. Col RD Singh (retd),
Ambala Cantt
POWER OF A PRAYER
Apropos‘ Together in prayer, let’ s set an example ’( HT, Jan 9), Pri ya S Tandon has brought out the power of prayer. When a prayer is said in unison, it not only brings people together but also instils a sense of humility. My mother used to insist on a prayer before breakfast in our childhood. Whenever she felt that we had tricked her, she would send us back to the table to recite the prayer before we could start breakfast. Days passed and I ceased to find time for such prayers. A few months ago, my sister insisted that I recite our childhood prayer in this ripe old age. I agreed and was amazed to find that the prayer came to my lips effortlessly. Prayer also leads to self-confidence and em powers a person to lead a fulfilling life.
S Kumar, Panchkula
PUNJAB MUST PROTECT SENIORS
Apropos the report, ‘Punjab is the worst offender among four states in abuse of elderly, reveals study’ (HT, Dec 9), this is a matter of concern. It has also been mentioned that Punjab pays the lowest old age pension amounting to only Rs 750 a month. It should revise it to at least Rs 2,000 a month. Keeping in view the ever-increasing complaints, the state government should set up fast-track courts in all divisions of Punjab. All police stations should have a protection officer to redress the violence committed on senior citizens. It is a matter of concern that Punjab has only one state-sponsored old age home. It should set up one in every district. I hope the Punjab government will take immediate action to take care of its elders. RK Garg, Chandigarh
II
The article, ‘Punjab is the worst offender in elderly abuse’, reflects a distressing reality. Punjab, which has always been known for its heart-warming hospitality, should be ashamed of the rising abuse of the elderly. The culture of modern society violates the teachings of our gurus. We must teach our youngsters the important value of humanity if we want a promising future. Luveena Anand, Jalandhar
ALLAY AADHAAR FEARS
Apropos the editorial, ‘The trouble with Aadhaar’, though Aadhaar’s unique identity can’t be denied, its link with an increasing number of services is undermining its usefulness. Gaping holes in data security and unreliability of biometrics are putting a question mark on the project. The Centre’s UIDAI project is putting people at risk and it is the duty of the government to al lay people’ s apprehensions by strengthening cyber security. LJS Panesar, Amritsar
PATRIOTISM FROM THE HEART
Apropos the report ‘No need to play national anthem in cinemas: SC’ (HT, Jan 10), the Supreme Court has correctly observed that playing the national anthem in movie halls is not mandatory, and it is meaningless to play it at places of entertainment. A country becomes great not by its people standing for a minute in a cinema hall, but by fast-paced development in all sectors. Nationalism does not come with force, it comes from the heart. Hargunpreet Singh, Patiala
II
Kudos to the people who don’t believe in proving their love towards their country by standing during the national anthem in cinema halls. The Supreme Court has taken the right decision. My sympathy is with all those people who were compelled to stand in cinema halls. People will now be able to enjoy movies rather than bear the pressure of proving their patriotism. Ashum Khan, Baddi
III
Every citizen must understand the importance of the national anthem and give it the respect it deserves. Children are taught the anthem in schools, and it is played every day so that they understand its significance. Playing the anthem in cinema halls doesn’t have any relevance. Patriotism should be in our blood, we shouldn’t need to wear it on our sleeves. Sanjay Chopra, Mohali