A landmark decision

Apropos of ‘Senior citizens’ care’; the expansion of the PM-JAY scheme is a landmark decision. Some state governments should not politicise this move and deprive senior citizens of its benefits. Taxpayers and senior citizens used to complain that there were no welfare schemes for them. Providing a coverage of Rs 5 lakh to the elderly irrespective of their income by the PM-JAY is a great leap forward in public healthcare. For the proper execution of the scheme, two steps must be undertaken. First, the beneficiaries must be made aware of the nitty-gritty; second, there must be a check on hospitals so that they don’t inflate medical bills.

Vinay Kumar Malhotra, Ambala Cantt

Financial support for elderly

Refer to ‘Senior citizens’ care’; the most formidable challenge being faced by the ageing population is to cope with expensive medical treatment, which they have to undergo for age-related afflictions and chronic ailments. By providing health coverage of Rs 5 lakh to all elderly persons regardless of their income level under the PM-JAY, the government has given a new dimension to healthcare benefits. Senior citizens are regarded as a huge liability when their children have to bear the burden of their medical treatment. The wellbeing of people must not be affected by political squabbling. Measures aiming to promote public welfare should not be scuttled because of parochial political considerations.

Roshan Lal Goel, Ladwa

Set up care institutions

With reference to ‘Senior citizens’ care’; caring for the elderly is an inevitable responsibility of any government and society. In the present times, healthcare is one of the primary public issues due to rising expenses. Instead of playing into the hands of private healthcare institutions and insurance companies, the government should plan well-equipped care institutions in major cities and towns. The mohalla clinic model of Delhi can be considered for implementation all over the country.

AG Rajmohan, Ananatapur (AP)

Threat to defence goals

Refer to ‘Import dependency’; due to a significant delay in the delivery of F404 engines, India invoked the penalty clause against GE. Penalties are based on contractual obligations that take into account financial repercussions of missing delivery deadlines. The delay in engine supply has serious implications for India’s defence goals, particularly as tensions with neighbours persist. Although GE has committed to accelerating delivery and addressing supply chain issues, India’s excessive dependency on foreign suppliers in the defence sector can prove costly. Serious efforts should be made to augment indigenisation of defence technology.

Harbinder S Dhillon, Una

A test of political leadership

Apropos of ‘40 years later, lessons learnt & unlearnt’; a misplaced and misdirected response to the situation led to the denouement of October 31, 1984, just like the Partition. Both tested the sagacity of the Indian political leadership, the foundations of their vision and a clear understanding of the importance of Independence. The Indian ethos should guide the political leadership to respond to various challenges — both internal and external. The strengths of law-abiding citizens would go a long way in re-establishing harmonious conditions, without which a strong democracy cannot effectively face the challenges that are more potent than ever before.

Jagvinder Singh Brar, Patiala

No lessons learnt

With reference to ‘40 years later, lessons learnt & unlearnt’; it seems that we as a nation have not learnt anything, for we haven’t been able to ensure that history doesn’t repeat itself. Over the years, riots have taken place in many parts of the country — Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Manipur — and the same gory stories have come to the fore. The pattern is repeated because the perpetrators of these riots have no fear of the law and think they can get away with it. Thousands of Sikhs were killed in broad daylight in 1984, yet no culprit has been executed so far. Families of the victims are still awaiting justice. Alas, we have learnt no lessons.

Gurnoor Grewal, Chandigarh

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