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Govt fails to check tumbling rupee

This refers to the editorial ‘Pressure on rupee’ (June 12). The sharp decline in the value of Indian rupee is really a matter of great concern for every Indian. It clearly shows that the country’s economic growth is slowing, rather dipping, due to which the foreign institutional investors have started pulling out their money from the Indian share market. This has raised the demand for US dollar, making it almost Rs 59, which is an all-time high.

Barring exporters and NRIs, every businessman is going to suffer due to this unprecedented rupee depreciation. All the imports, including crude oil, gold and fertilizers, are going to be costlier, which would fuel inflation. All the sectors — manufacturing, electricity production, mining and capital goods — have shown negative growth. The new and unreasonable laws have made it very difficult to install a manufacturing unit in India. As the land is very costly, installing a new factory has become an unviable task. Electricity is also very expensive. With broken roads and dilapidated ports, how can we achieve the desired level of growth?

The RBI’s tight monetary policy has proved to be the last nail in the coffin of economic growth. The RBI should immediately reduce the repo rates so that the banks could lower the interest rates on industrial, housing, auto and construction loans. This step will provide the requisite boost to all sectors. Demand will increase for industrial goods, houses and cars. The wheel of economy will again start rolling. The GDP will increase as well as the confidence of investors will be restored in the economy. Above all, the rupee will gain strength.

ARVIND DHUMAL, Jalandhar

Plight of elderly patients at PGI This refers to Chandigarh Tribune’s news item ‘Plight of elderly patients at PGI’ (May 14). Though there is a provision of putting a special stamp (by registration staff) on the cards of patients aged above 70, no priority is given to them in consulting doctors. When they reach the department concerned, they, like other patients, are made to wait for hours, which is very tiresome for them. Moreover, it has also been observed that the cards are often mixed up and those who come before most of other patients have to wait till 3 pm. One can well imagine the undue harassment they have to face when they are called last. It is requested that all aged patients should be given the cards at the registration counters and given priority over other patients for the doctor’s consultation. PL KHANNA, Ambala City

Spiralling crime rate

Nowadays, the incidents of snatching, rape, murder, etc are increasing at an alarming rate. Many a time, crimes are committed in broad daylight and it seems there is no law and order in the country. Be it elderly persons, young or children, no one is safe. Most elderly folks fear moving out alone, particularly at night, or staying at home alone, which gives miscreants an open invitation to attack them.

More shocking is that even minor girls are being raped and murdered. Corruption is prevailing in every government department. The lax attitude of the police or police-criminal nexus is the major reason for the rising crime. On its part, the government is playing a mute spectator.

BINDIYA GOYAL, Ludhiana

Serena’s feat

Serena Williams has once again proved her superiority by winning the French Open for the second time and that too after 11 years of her first French Open victory. She has won 16 Grand Slam singles so far and is already a force to reckon with in the world of tennis. She has proved her physical fitness again by overpowering a much younger player, Maria Sharapova. Congratulations to her!

RANJIT K CHANDAN, Balachaur