M A I L B A G

Throwaway economy won’t suit us

I endorse Lester Brown’s views in his article “Throwaway economy won’t work for India” (Jan 7). As stated by him in the new book Plan B 2.0: Rescuing a planet under stress and civilization in trouble, the throwaway economy won’t work for India.

China and India, the two super powers in this continent, face similar problems. Both are overpopulated, but China has taken logical steps in controlling its population. We must check our birth rate on priority.

The government must streamline its policies to check poverty, provide jobs, improve health care and improve the standard of living. Optimal use of natural resources without disturbing the ecological balance is a must.

India should aim at establishing hydro and wind-based power plants to generate electricity rather than going for nuclear power. It will be sensible if the overheads are cut to minimum. See how Japan has become a super industrial power. It cares for its ecology and environment.

In India too, the Centre and the states should follow Lester Brown’s plan. Most countries in Western Europe and the US have already started following the blueprint. Common citizens should also take this initiative forward by using conventional resources of energy like solar energy, wind energy etc. They should avoid excessive use of automobiles, paper etc. to help preserve the environment. This is the legacy that can be passed on to the future generations.

Dr SUNIL KUMAR BARIA, Head, Commerce Dept, SMDRSD College, Pathankot

Enforce timings

Some leading private schools in Ludhiana do not follow the school timings as laid down by the Deputy Commissioner. These schools open at 8.30 a.m. and close at 3 p.m. In the name of extra classes for some subjects, the students of 10+1 are being forced to come to school in biting cold. This is unfair. The district authorities must enforce the new school timings in the winter season.

PAARTH ASHOK NARANG, Ludhiana

Agribusiness info hubs I refer to Sunit Dhawan’s write-up “Reaching out to farmers” (Education Page, Jan 10). The farmer community appreciates the move to set up agribusiness info hubs at Haryana’s Anaj Mandis. The technical support and efforts by the Haryana State Agriculture Marketing Board in collaboration with the Agriculture Department attract the attention of farmers. Info hubs set up at the block, tehsil and district level will help educate the aspiring farmers on the latest trends in agriculture-related R&D. Moreover, the state government would be able to formulate comprehensive agribusiness plans for encouraging crop diversification. The newly developed variants of seeds will now be available at touch-screen kiosks set up at grain markets. Such information sharing policies will motivate farmers to develop interest in the scientific handling of their produce. YUGAL KISHORE SHARMA, Khambi (Faridabad)

Help teachers too

The Haryana government has decided to observe this year as the Year of the Girl Child. The Chief Minister has announced 50 per cent concession in bus fares to the girl students who travel by Haryana Roadways buses. He has also announced free bus travel concession to Thalassaemia patients, freedom fighters, National Youth awardees, Bhim awardees, Arjun awardees etc. in state-owned buses.

However, National state awardee teachers do not figure in the list of the beneficiaries. They too deserve recognition and honour from the state government.

DEVRAJ DHINGRA, Karnal

NRI marriages

This refers to the news-item, “Haryana to make NRI marriage registration mandatory” (Jan 7). The move deserves appreciation but why not make registration mandatory for all marriages? If we encourage social marriages and ceremonies side by side, we can check the increasing cases of exploitation and abuse of women in the name of marriage.

G.R. SHARMA, Kurukshetra

Small savings prizes

Like Haryana’s Small Savings Prizes Scheme, the Punjab government should also convert prizes items of small savings schemes in cash to investors and agents. Some prizes are not suitable to some categories. There is need for fairplay and justice.

KRISHAN KHERA, Lohiankhas

For prohibition

Mahatma Gandhi said, “if I were to be appointed dictator of India for a day, the first thing I would do is to close all the wine shops without any compensation”. Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda has said that his government would be guided by the principles enunciated by Mahatma Gandhi. Hence, he should introduce total prohibition in the state. Wine is the root cause of violence and all evils.

CHAMAN SINGLA, Bhucho (Bathinda)