CM MUST INTERVENE TO END BEST STRIKE

BMC chief Ajoy Mehta is justified in saying that the deployment of private buses will minimise the impact of the BEST bus strike (Meet between unions, state panel fails to end best strike, January 13). Despite the HC ruling to BEST unions to initiate talks, concerned parties have only hardened their stance. Invoking MESMA has not brought any relief to commuters either. Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray and state chief secretary DK Jain also failed to break the ice. So CM Devendra Fadnavis must now intervene. With buses off the road, 25 lakh commuters continue to face the ordeal. It is a pitiful sight to see senior citizens, women and students wait for long queues for rickshaws or walk to their destinations. Taxis and autos have fleece commuters. Diligent financial planning is the hour of need. DEEPAK CHIKRAMANE

ONLINE PERMISSIONS MUST BE ENCOURAGED

The news of liquor permits being issued within 24 hours of an online plea is a welcome stop and should be emulated by the municipal corporation and other authorities

(Liquor permits in Maha to be issued within 24 hours if

RISE IN LEPROSY CASES SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN LIGHTLY

The 11% rise in leprosy cases is very worrisome. (11% increase in leprosy cases; survey reveals more patients, January 13). As people do not know much about the symptoms, authorities must campaign about the disease