Letters to Editor

If the idea of a less-cash society has to be realised, there must be no charges levied whatsoever on any form of cashless transaction (“No extra charge for card use at petrol pumps”, Jan.10). What is the point of nudging consumers to go cashless when banks and merchants are still levying kinds of transaction costs? I have been paying some sort of “POS Terminal Charge”, of ₹11.20, on every refill at petrol pumps. The shock of seeing these deductions was enough for me to get back to the cash-based method. There is no uniform policy across banks and petroleum companies on sharing different transaction costs. It is for merchants and bankers to sort this out without involving consumers.

A majority of those being acted upon are the one’s who have filed PILs against government projects and even conducted hartals. By branding them as financiers of political dissent, inciters of seditious activities, impediments in economic projects and promoters of religious conversions, the government seems to legitimising its actions. It is unfortunate that the social media is also being used to brand these groups and those involved with them as “anti-nationals”. There could be some groups involved in funnelling money to fund illegal activities, but to regulate these groups, we need an independent body, of government appointees and independent, leading members from civil-society groups. This is a task which cannot be delegated to bureaucrats.

The ‘Iron Lady’ of Manipur has sacrificed a lot in her life (Editorial, July 28). Though Irom Sharmila’s demand to abrogate AFSPA continues to linger, it is her non-violent struggle that has won her many hearts. Her fight has lessons for the Indian state. Our security forces must also strive to secure the love and respect of local people.

In a republic, it is the public which is supreme; all other organs of the state derive their authority from the citizenry. The Supreme Court must realise that it cannot forever stall much-needed reforms in the judicial appointment process. If it can’t accept the government’s draft memorandum, then it must take up the initiative of designing one which is acceptable to both the judiciary and the government. The grave mistrust the legal system has of the political class is odd. The deadlock must end or else it will deprive litigants of their fundamental right to constitutional remedies. Perhaps the President should ask the Cabinet and the collegium to meet and come to an acceptable solution.

Twenty-four persons have been convicted, but what about the organisations they belong to? The Gujarat massacre was an organised carnage led by members belonging to local Hindu extremist groups. The sad reality is that these groups still continue to exist all over the country. Also, no action has been taken against the district magistrates and superintendents of police who were in charge then. Extremist factions within organisations like the Bajrang Dal and Vishva Hindu Parishad must be banned. Any group involved in religious polarisation, spreading hatred, and inciting violence must be declared unlawful.

Following the atomic tests, ISRO was blacklisted by the U.S., and sensitive technologies such as cryogenic engine science were denied to it. It was the consistent hard work of our scientific community that enabled us to overcome this barrier. India has now become a world leader in cost-effective space launches and technologies. With the milestone of launching a heavier payload, we no longer have to depend on the European Ariane launchers. ISRO has proved, yet again, that technology has never been the repository of a few.

Large parts of rural India are still digitally unconnected; therefore, denying rations to those who do not have an Aadhaar card is both unjust and illegal. Without creating proper awareness and training, imposing a cumbersome identification procedure on the rural population can prove counterproductive. Going back to the use of ration cards is a viable alternative.

It is clear from the achievements by Sakshi Malik and P.V. Sindhu that India has plenty of latent talent. We have to hunt for these hidden jewels and nurture them from a young age. There has to be a renewed sporting policy and increased budgetary support. The Indian Olympic Association and other sporting bodies must be manned by experienced managers. Rather than doling out tax-payers’ money to individual medal winners, we can spend the amount to develop existing infrastructure.

Upholding democracy and maintaining constitutional propriety are the lessons the BJP has to learn from the Arunachal and Uttarakhand episodes (Editorial, July 18). Constitutionally sanctioned principles of a separation of powers and federalism are not the repository of the Central government to be tinkered with. Thanks to the Supreme Court’s intervention, the BJP government will now think twice about meddling in States. Opaque and politically-motivated gubernatorial appointments must be checked. The Governor must realise that he or she is not an elected head.

The back-to-back acquittals of actor Salman Khan in two poaching cases must shock the conscience of every right-thinking Indian (July 26). It gives credence to the perception that the Indian justice system is the repository of the rich and powerful. Though it is the duty of a lawyer to provide the best defence possible to his or her client, the way these particular cases have progressed in the form of ‘drama’ is akin to destroying the edifice of the criminal justice system. Credible criminal investigation agencies and prosecution wings are missing in India as investigative officers and evidence can be easily influenced through money and muscle power. Episodes like these call for better implementation of police and judicial reforms.

Pakistan’s attempts to fish in troubled waters is akin to challenging the legitimacy of the Indian state. There is clear and open defiance of the Indian Constitution by disgruntled elements. Why is the government silent? Local political parties seem to be hand in glove with separatist forces. Separatist leaders must be identified and held on charges of sedition and rebellion. A minority of radicalised individuals cannot hold an entire State to ransom.

The Supreme Court has once again proved its role as the guardian of constitutional norms. In its mission of a Congress- mukt Bharat, the BJP-led NDA has clearly gone astray. The President should have thwarted any attempt by the Centre to impose Article 356. It is unfortunate that the institutions of the President and the Governor stand exposed to the charge of politicking. In this sordid mess, the Congress is equally guilty as it should have kept its house in order. Rebellious MLAs must be held accountable and disciplinary action initiated against them under the anti-defection law. Moreover, there are allegations of the BJP being involved in ‘buying the loyalties of opposition MLAs’. These are serious charges and must be investigated by the Speaker.

India is turning into a nation of angry hate-mongers. “Atithi Devo Bhava” is just a mere slogan. There is intolerance and hate against even those from the Northeast. Those from the north are treated differently in the south and vice-versa. The attacks against African nationals will impact India’s global ambitions. For any foreign national, India is hardly considered a second home. Special training on handling racial attacks must be imparted to our police forces, and special officers must be appointed to check hate attacks. Intellectuals, local legislators and senior community members should come together to create an environment of tolerance and acceptance in their respective communities.

India must stop bullying its smaller neighbours especially when there is a power like China which never loses an opportunity to exploit the situation. We cannot be the “U.S.” of South Asia. Taking the India-Nepal issue to the European Union was clearly unwarranted. Chest thumping after a security operation in Myanmar was embarrassing. Incidents like these only hamper our strategic relations. We must remember that we can never change our neighbours. The strategic diplomatic ballgame must be left to seasoned diplomats to shape.

The media must realise that the freedom of speech and expression is not supreme. Every fundamental right comes under the purview of “reasonable restrictions”. The offence of defamation cannot be abrogated from the statute books altogether. The court is right in upholding the fundamental right of reputation which is an obvious requirement for one to lead a life of dignity. However, the criminal component could have been toned down and imprisonment removed from Section 500 of the IPC, with liability restricted to civil damages or paying a fine.

Would the doctors or officers mentioned in the article have let their wives and daughters be operated in this manner? A visit by a district official or doctor following mandatory medical protocol could have averted this tragedy. Why do we need to establish specific targets in government programmes when someone’s life is at stake? It is unfortunate that in India, those who are on “public duty” put themselves first — doctors are worried about their increments and administrative officials are worried about meeting their targets. What happened in Chhattisgarh is a clear case of dereliction of duty.

I am a native of Haryana, a State known for its lopsided sex ratio. Registration and tracking of a pregnancy, as Ms. Gandhi proposes, will not work because those craving for a boy child will not go to registered clinics for sex determination. It is illegal, unregistered clinics that perpetuate the practice of sex determination. Schemes like ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ are working in the right direction. The local district administration must also be strengthened by providing more funds for the implementation of existing schemes and the PCPNDT Act.

A resolution on the Siachen glacier may seem to be the need of the hour given the number of casualties faced by both India and Pakistan over the years. However, we must not get swayed. We cannot trust Pakistan, which is still a democratically unstable nation, to accept and honour any proposed settlement, nor can we be guided by the tragic loss of lives of our soldiers. Technological surveillance and reduced troop mobilisation are possible options, but a “total withdrawal” of troops seems far-fetched. It could prove too costly for India.

When will we ever learn our lessons? How many more terrorist attacks do we need to overcome the flaws in our intelligence architecture? As far as the Pathankot attack was concerned, there was credible intelligence of an imminent attack. However, it is unfathomable why the level of alert around the base was not increased. We must learn to prepare ourselves to prevent a terrorist attack and not resort to a “defensive strategy”.

It is ironic that India wants to become a “permanent member” of the UN Security Council when its own national security is constantly in jeopardy. How can it aspire to be a member of the top-most international security forum and discuss matters of international peace when its own borders are not secure? India’s so-called “right” is based on it being the largest democracy and one of the largest contributors to UN Peacekeeping Force. With constant cross-border terrorist attacks and ceasefire violations on both the eastern and western fronts, India does not look eligible to decide matters on international peace. We need to first improve our own “national security” and then project ourselves as a superpower.

Why do we always wait for a calamity to unfold before debating and evolving a strategy? What is the use of our weather-monitoring satellites if we can’t save our citizens from preventable deaths? A heat stroke is not a new phenomenon. The India of 2015 cannot afford to let its citizens die this way.

Just as officers in the armed forces follow a certain decorum and protocol with regard to their uniform and engagements, IAS officers holding important positions must show absolute respect and accord dignity to the office they hold (“Official glare on Collector for wearing sunglasses before PM,” May 16). The purpose of observing protocol and a code of conduct is to protect the sanctity of important administrative and constitutional positions, which is hard for today’s fashion-trendy youth to understand.

Why do we always need a terrorist attack or a sight of a beheaded soldier to wake us up from our slumber? The world calls Pakistan a failed state, but in reality, it is we who have failed ourselves (“For an iron fist in a velvet glove,” April 8). We have failed to keep separatist and pro-Pakistan lobbies in check, to improve our intelligence architecture, to upgrade our border management architecture and to modernise our security forces. The writer is right in saying that “The password is political will”. The sum total of all lives of soldiers and civilians we have lost to cross-border terrorism will be equivalent to that sustained in conventional war. The fact is that we are being made to bleed slowly.

If one reads the article, “Land swap: can a deal be clinched?” (March 26) correctly, the Land Boundary Agreement maintains that residents of ‘India’s Enclaves’ within Bangladesh will become ‘Bangladeshis’ and those in Bangladesh will become Indians. How can the government deprive its own people of Indian citizenship? How can officials sitting in Delhi decide the future of people who are legally Indian citizens? I am sure that these residents can seek legal remedy to address this gross violation of their fundamental rights. While the government can go ahead with the LBA, it should give the residents of Indian enclaves an opportunity to get back to India and also take up responsibility for their relocation and transportation. It is the duty of the Indian state to protect its citizens and not ship them to other countries.

The successful launch of Agni V has proved India’s competence in missile technology. India’s no first-use policy makes its imperative to develop a strong second-strike capability. By mounting it on our naval weapon-systems such as submarines and air-craft carriers, India can strike any place of its choosing. India is slowly achieving the much-needed nuclear-triad capability. However, we must not get swayed by these launches. It is ironical that even as we successfully produce inter-continental ballistic missiles, we fail to provide advance rifles and specialised defensive gear such as helmets and bulletproof jackets to our soldiers. Our defence forces need a holistic advancement of its weapons system.

The dispute over sharing water has taken a back seat; now it’s all about teaching the other side a lesson on regional superiority. Bengaluru has a lot of face-saving to do. Events like these vitiate growth and investment. Those on the streets destroying public property are not daily wage-earners, they are politically motivated fringe elements. The State administration could have easily anticipated the possible repercussions of the SC judgement. Their utter helplessness and failure of the State administration in preventing the destruction of public property is appalling.

The pay-scales of top management cadre of PSBs, PSUs and other commercial and regulatory entities of government are linked to the pay-scales of top secretary-level bureaucrats. Arguing that the salary of the chiefs of state-owned banks must be similar to those earned by executives of private banks is illogical and unfathomable. The whole of the civil services need performance-based salaries. We need experienced and talented minds in the top echelons of power. Government employees must understand that what they are doing is a service to the nation.

This refers to ‘Too cagey about sharing geospatial data’ by Priyanka Vyas (August 1). Under the garb of national security, we must not dilute the innovative research that is linked to and dependent upon geospatial data. The regressive provisions of the Bill such as heavy monetary damages must be toned down. Geospatial data and satellite imagery must not be the repository of government alone; it should be opened up to public and private enterprises. Those found presenting incorrect boundary details and information of security infrastructure on public maps must be given a warning before initiating legal action.

This refers to the editorial, ‘Making RCEP work’ (July 13). Regional economic and free trade blocks such as RCEP will define the global economic order of the future. It will provide impetus to revitalise India’s export sector. Engagement with the so-called ‘Asian Tigers’ of South-East Asia is vital for India’s export-oriented companies. Indian software, pharma and manufacturing industries will enjoy greater engagement under RCEP. India needs to increase its share of global trade, and export more finished goods to international markets. Moreover, under the Act East policy of the Indian government and RCEP, there is a unique opportunity to increase regional connectivity with the South East Asian and Pacific regions.

Suicidal attacks are hard to curb. To counter this extremist radicalisation, we have to build a counter narrative ideology. Islamic scholars and preachers have to come together to build this narrative. Madarsas have to be reformed. States harbouring terror groups must face international sanctions.

This refers to the editorial, ‘Protein plan’ (July 8). Pulses are the necessary provider of protein to the masses, especially to the vegetarians. Also, it is an essential constituent of a nutritious balanced diet. However, with its continuing high prices, it has become a luxury. It does not augur well for India, being a self-sufficient agricultural economy, to import pulses from foreign markets. Having all the technological know-how, India has the capacity to produce surplus. The Government must intervene and increase the MSP of pulses to make it more lucrative for farmers. Special agro-based loans can be provided exclusively for pulses farming.

PSUs are established in places earmarked as industrial areas. Developing an array of economic zones and housing projects in and around these industrial areas can revitalise infrastructure growth. Moreover, the revenue generated from auctioning can be utilised for the re-capitalisation of ailing PSUs. However, the independent functioning of PSUs must not be curtailed.

This refers to the editorial, ‘Tentative recovery’ (June 07). Banks are considered the ‘growth engines’ of a developing economy. For India to achieve double-digit growth, developed infrastructure is a necessity. We need $1 trillion to rekindle our lagging infrastructure. Banks are the major source of infrastructure funding. However, owing to the current health of infrastructure loans, many banks are shying away from financing big projects. They are still reeling under the pressure of NPAs. The Government must root out NPAs, and provide the impetus to restart a stable banking environment.

The National Food Security Act 2013 was passed hastily and without exhaustive research by the then UPA-II government in its last years. Targeting the poor, it was used as a political appeasement strategy by cleverly calling it the ‘Right to Food’. In States such as Tamil Nadu, the Act was in direct conflict with the existing, local, State-centric PDS system. The recommendations of the Shanta Kumar Committee on PDS reform must be implemented keeping local conditions in mind. The antecedents of BPL card-holders must be thoroughly re-checked and bogus entries rooted out. In the drought-hit regions of Bundelkhand, images of people eating rotis made of grass were widely published in the national media. Where was the so-called Right to Food then? It is a sad reality that even after 68 years of independence our people still lack basic nutrition.

Consolidating smaller niche banks into a one large bank would be counter-productive. Independent institutions working in niche areas are bound to develop faster and more productively. Smaller banks such as the Mahila Bank have a specific target base, and their schemes, services and management practices are meant to serve that base effectively. Merging these banks could affect the quality of services. However, if the Government goes ahead with the consolidation, it should give operations autonomy to the consolidating banks so that their expertise in catering to a particular consumer base is not affected.

Governor Rajan has definitely done a commendable job in keeping the inflation rates and fiscal deficit low (‘Reading the Rajan balance sheet’ by Raghuvir Srinivasan, May 30). However, arguing that he is the only economist or governor to have achieved such a feat is illogical and incorrect. There are many sane voices within the RBI. It is the Government’s prerogative to select the best man for the job. The debate on whether Rajan should be retained or not is unnecessary. The focus must be on insulating the institution of the RBI from political pressures and instilling growth in the economy. It doesn’t matter who holds the post as long as the job is well done.

With reference to your editorial, ‘Cause and effect’ (May 6), to tackle air pollution, it is the whole of NCR that we need to target. Delhi is the centre of the NCR, and without a serious check on its surrounding towns, the problem of pollution will never dissipate. The State governments of Haryana, UP and Delhi must sit together with the Centre to chalk out a long-term strategy. Banning diesel vehicles, the odd-even traffic scheme, etc are only good short-term measures. We need a major overhaul of the public transport system. All power generation plants and polluting industrial hubs must be shifted out of the NCR. Construction activities in Faridabad, Sonipat, Gurgaon, Dharuhera, Noida, etc need to be checked. Banning the livelihoods of thousands with a stroke of the pen is easy; the real test lies in providing viable long-term strategies.

With reference to your edit, ‘Deadly wait’ (August 12), the first responders to any disaster are the local rescue and relief agencies of the district administration comprising the police, firefighters, paramedics and disaster management personnel. The focus of the Centre must be to work with State government to develop and support these agencies rather than building a national infrastructure which responds late.

The civilian leadership must realise the seriousness of cross-border terrorism (‘Risk all to win all’ by Bidanda Chengappa, June 16). The casualties resulting from cross-border terrorism nearly equals the casualties suffered in a major war. In penetrative strikes on terrorist camps in POK, the aim must be to destabilise training infrastructure. The Security Council recognises cross-border strikes as a legitimate option to destabilise terror organisations. It’s high time India showed it was serious about defending its borders. However, we should avoid chest-thumping after every operation.

The National Air Quality Index is just a start, we have a long way to go in safeguarding our environment. The deteriorating air quality of our cities poses severe health risks for both present and future generations. The government can prevent further deterioration of air quality by increasing CNG-based public transport systems, diverting inter-state heavy vehicle traffic to the outer areas of cities, preventing construction of industrial townships near cities and encouraging people to use green fuel and public transport. The government must ensure that the Make in India initiative runs on the lines of sustainable development. It is our duty to ensure safer and healthier air for our future generations.

There is no denying the fact that India’s political parties lack transparency, and are usually given a free-hand when it comes to being accountable with different provisions of the tax law. The so-called ‘anonymous sources’ of donation to party accounts is actually a state-sponsored machine of converting black-money into white. Big accountants and tax-experts are on their pay-rolls to prepare their account books. The private lobby of builders, traders, businessman, etc, fund political campaigns of their chosen candidates by investing their ill-gotten money as different donations of small amounts, and in return, get political favours in their local area. What our secretaries and ministers are doing is entangling the common people in the web of legal jargon. While the revenue secretary says political parties are exempted, his minister says that their account books are open to scrutiny. Then came the PM’s rhetorical promise to discuss the toothless propositions of the EC. It seems as if an attempt is being made to somehow brush it under the carpet. On the one hand the government doesn’t think twice when enforcing demonetisation on common people, but on the other they are only making a ‘promise’ of discussing the issue of election funding. This is a clear double standard. We don’t need only a discussion, we need the same so-called ‘surgical strike’ on the black-money involved in election funding. If the PM is so in love with cashless transactions, why doesn’t he makes it mandatory that every donation to a political party must be done digitally. In that case, the amount can be easily tracked to its legitimate owner. The result would be a complete hundred percent transparency in political funding. The entry into our temples of democracy must not be laden with corruption and black-money.

Apropos of the editorial, “Deciphering Urjit Patel” (FE, Aug 22), Urjit Patel is taking over the leash of India’s central bank at a very critical juncture. His predecessor, Raghuram Rajan, has already institutionalised many reforms and stiff measures, for which he had to take-on a lot of heat from different circles. The new governor must carry forward this tradition of stiff control over inflation and monetary policy. The task of rooting out bad loans from ailing banks, and injecting growth into the market remains pending. Moreover, this is one of the few appointments of the present dispensation which is free of political considerations. Also, it is one of the few times when someone from in-house, i.e., from within RBI has been appointed, or rather promoted, to RBI governorship. For effective working of RBI, the government must not indulge in constant politicking and fist-fighting, and must provide a renewed environment free from any undue interference.

This refers to the editorial, “Unmake-in-India” (FE,Aug 19). One of the reasons why China’s manufacturing base is shrinking and exports slowing down is the drastic increase in per-capita income and minimum wages of labour class. As the standard of living improves in China, common people are expected to demand more wages and better working conditions, which in-turn will translate into higher labour costs. To be the next manufacturing capital of the world, the Indian state must provide cheap labour and high quality infrastructure at the minimum cost possible. Any drastic change in labour cost can inhibit manufacturing competitiveness and has the potential to stall GDP growth. Any increase in labour remunerations must be postponed until the establishment of a deep-seated manufacturing base. The government, by taking the initiative of training unskilled labour force and providing social-security schemes, can reduce the cost-to-the-company, and can help maintain cheap labour environment for some years.

Apropos of the editorial “Teflon Salman” (FE, July 26), the two back-to-back acquittals of Salman Khan has shocked the conscience of every right-thinking Indian. It gives credence to the perception that Indian justice system is at the disposal of the rich and powerful. It proves that justice can be bought, delayed and influenced. While the cases of innocent Muslim, Dalits and other marginalised sections continue to linger forever, a rich-Bollywood star can easily buy his way to freedom. It also indicts the profession of law which can no longer be regarded as a noble profession. It has turned into a money-making venture. Though it is the duty of a lawyer to provide best defence for her client, however, tinkering with investigation reports, presenting false evidences, harassing witnesses and indulging in court-room theatrics is akin to destroying the edifice of the criminal justice system. In this case, the defence easily managed to delay court hearings by employing procedural tactics and appealing to higher courts. This long delay helps in influencing witnesses and establishing new facts. There is a reason for which lawyers and judges wear a black robe. Establishing truth and providing justice is their duty, which they are willfully neglecting. Credible criminal investigation agencies and prosecution wings are missing in India. Investigative officers and evidences can be easily influenced through money and muscle power. Episodes like these calls for strict implementation of police and judicial reforms. Local investigation agencies must be insulated from the rich and powerful. The institution of district attorney must be strengthened and must be facilitated in supervising criminal investigations conducted by the police.

A transparent and inclusive body, overlooking our national cricket was long overdue. SC’s recommendations will revamp the BCCI, and will improve its credibility as a sporting body. Bearing our national flag on their jerseys, it was shameful for our players to indulge in match-fixing, spot-fixing and other malpractices. After proper implementation, the game of cricket will gain more trust and respect. The Board of Control for Cricket in India was working in an opaque and partisan manner. It had become a den of few elite individuals, having connections with politicians and private enterprises. There was no visible player representation. Rather than being a ‘sporting club’, it looked more of a ‘business venture’. Being the world’s richest cricket board, it’s no surprise that it was flocked by self-appointed politicians. A close scrutiny on its management practices and accounting methods was clearly warranted. BCCI’s character as a national cricket body is akin to a public function, therefore, it must be audited by CAG. It’s time to turn our attention to other sporting bodies. The ministry of sports must have some regulatory control over these sporting bodies.

Apropos of the editorial “How low can the bar be?” (FE, July 29). In the name of social inclusion and equality, we cannot degrade the quality of important institutions of the state. Judges, specialist doctors, administrative and police officers are critical positions, and must be manned by those who have the required level of intellect. The judiciary, therefore, has rightly scrapped petitions demanding lowering the cut-off rates for entrance into these professions. Inclusion of lower ranking candidates, just to fill-up the mandated seats would bereft the institution from meritorious intellect. Rather than dole out reserved seats, the state can invest in education and training of reserved candidates so that they can easily crack the examinations. Reservation has been going on since independence without any revision of any sorts. No nation-wide survey has been conducted to analyse the current state of social deprivation and discrimination of the backward classes. Reservation, certainly, cannot be unlimited and perpetual. It must be restricted to a certain limit, to give way to the constitutional ideals of merit and equality. Those who belong to well-to-do families, both from the economic and social standpoint, such as children of government’s Group A employees and those earning lakhs-per-month must be restricted from getting any reservation benefit. It is high time, as the judiciary said, to provide reservations to those, irrespective of their caste, who are really backward and discriminated in society such as the transgenders and economically poor section.

The world is reeling under the fear of ‘lone wolf’ attacks. In its effort to destabilise India, Pakistan is fomenting extremist passions in Kashmir. India must invoke the harshest security mechanisms to uproot jihadist ideology. There must be a crackdown on separatists, hate preachers and radical madarsas. Religious polarisation and bigotry must be checked.

This refers to the editorial “Adventurism indicted” (July 8). After the shocking damning by the Chilcot report, both the US and UK stands exposed. The disregard of international law and bodies, by the then UK government, in its joint invasion into Iraq with the US, is condemnable. The Iraq war has vitiated the geopolitical climate of West Asia. It gave the necessary impetus for the birth of ISIS and other warring factions. The report says that peaceful diplomacy and economic sanctions must be the primary options to undertake before initiating any armed invasion into a foreign land. The UK must stop being a global lieutenant of the US.

Apropos “Not right: PM on Swamy campaign” (June 28), with just one interview, PM Modi has set aside many aspersions against him and his government. Various issues, ranging from Pakistan, NSG, Rajan to black money, were adequately addressed. Answering like a seasoned statesman, he took the questions head-on and avoided any political mud-slinging. He said he remained wary of being misinterpreted by the media. However, the only solution to any misinterpretation is greater engagement with the media in clarifying issues. The public demands more transparency in the functioning of the government, especially the PMO. If Modi can hold monthly, if not weekly, press conferences, people will feel more connected to the Prime Minister.

Are we going backwards or forward? A democracy which restricts, bans, hinders and obstructs is definitely not going forward. An illiterate person with pending electricity bills is eligible to become the president or prime minister but ineligible to become a sarpanch or panch in the state of Haryana. The logic put forward is that the law would “force” people to get an education and be responsible citizens. This would, they say, result in Swacch and Educated Bharat. A person who has never gone to school, but has all the leadership skills, backed by years of experience, is certainly more qualified than a Harvard graduate with no political experience whatsoever. Amidst all this, a new realisation has dawned — the Supreme Court can be illogical too.

With reference to Archis Mohan’s report, “India to boycott SAARC meet, review MFN status to Pak” (September 28), the Narendra Modi government seems to be engaged in a full-scale diplomatic war trying to isolate Pakistan in the international arena. Boycotting the SAARC summit was a tough diplomatic manoeuvre. Now the derailment of the summit due to boycott by some other member countries, too, lends credence to India’s long-standing claim that Pakistan has nefarious designs on the internal affairs of its neighbours. The boycott sends a clear message: it’s not just India that is facing the brunt of cross-border terrorism from Pakistan. Pakistan is the only country that inhibits the South Asian region from achieving its true economic and political potential. It’s high time for SAARC member states to adopt a joint resolution condemning the activities of Pakistan. If Pakistan does not mend its ways, it must be stripped of its SAARC membership.

The struggle by our Olympians to win a single medal highlights the debilitating status of India as a sporting nation. As the seventh largest nation in terms of size, and with a population of over 1.2 billion, India deserves much better. However, we are still lagging far behind the likes of Cuba, Switzerland and the UK. India is the only major country of its size that is struggling to win even a single gold in the Olympics. It speaks volumes about the state of sporting policy and infrastructure in our country. India has a lot of talent, struggling to escape from the societal and economic clutches. We have to spot these hidden jewels and nurture them from a young age. We need a renewed sporting policy and increased monetary and budgetary support from both the Centre and the states. Private sector investment must be roped in for establishing world-class sporting infrastructure. The politico-bureaucratic nexus, however, is preventing any major overhaul of sporting clubs and federations. Given the current state of affairs, the managerial and administrative practices of these institutions are clearly in a shambles. The Indian Olympic Association and other sporting bodies must be manned by experienced managerial minds of the sporting world. Moreover, talented athletes from both India and foreign countries must be employed as coaches and trainers. To kick-start a sporting culture, medal winners can be roped in as ambassadors of their respective games. Rather than dole out crores of taxpayers’ money to medal winners, we can spend the amount for developing existing infrastructure.