Create a balanced tax framework

Refer to the editorial ‘GST Council meet’; the editorial rightly highlights the problem with the delay in reduction on 18 per cent GST on health insurance and life cover premiums. The high tax rate makes policies less affordable for a large swathe of people, making it harder for them to secure their future. The formation of a Group of Ministers to review the issue within a time frame of 50 days is a step in the right direction. Any further delay will be unwarranted. Lowering the GST will ease the burden on policyholders and encourage wider insurance adoption. The exemption on R&D grants and reduced GST on cancer drugs are also welcome. However, a comprehensive restructuring of the GST system is needed to make it simpler and fairer. Policymakers must prioritise the needs of the people over revenue targets to create a balanced tax framework.

Amarjeet Mann, Una

Doctors must call off stir

Apropos of the editorial ‘Enough is enough’; it does not behove medical professionals to continue striking work. Their legitimate demand for justice cannot be used as an excuse to paralyse the healthcare services. Poor patients are bearing the brunt of the enduring protests. The doctors’ refusal to comply with the SC order is not acceptable. They must heed the apex court’s directive and immediately call off the stir. The government cannot let the healthcare workers cripple essential services for long. After all, there are many precious lives at stake. Besides, by refusing to resume work in defiance of the SC order, the medical professionals are risking the ire of the masses.

Roshan Lal Goel, Ladwa

Healthcare system under strain

The recent protests by doctors over the horrific rape and murder of a young doctor in Kolkata are valid. The health workers’ concerns about their safety are genuine. However, as the Supreme Court has rightly pointed out, the doctors cannot hold agitations at the cost of patient care. The healthcare system is already under great strain. Widespread protests are only adding to the plight of the patients who don’t have the wherewithal to access medical services at expensive private facilities. Ensuring the safety and security of medical professionals is necessary, but so is serving those in need.

Vishal, Jalandhar

Doing a disservice to their patients

With reference to the editorial ‘Enough is enough’; the doctors taking to the streets to call for justice in the Kolkata rape-murder case are on the right side of history. But they must also act responsibly and feel a sense of duty towards their patients. For long, healthcare workers have been hailed and celebrated as selfless heroes. They must not do a disservice to their patients and profession. The agitating doctors must appreciate the apex court’s advice and return to work.

Ramandeep, Jalandhar

Trump, Kamala neck and neck

It was interesting to watch Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and Kamala Harris square off in their first debate. All that the last presidential debate — the one held between Joe Biden and Trump in June — did was amplify the incumbent President’s frailty. But the televised face-off between Trump and Harris carried substance. The two presidential contenders sparred over the economy, abortion, immigration and the ongoing wars. The Republican nominee seems to have lost the momentum that he had gained in the last couple of months. But both candidates remain neck and neck for now. It remains to be seen how the debate will influence the outcome of the elections.

DVG Sankara Rao, Vizianagaram

Kukis, Meiteis must hold talks

Refer to the news report ‘Manipur on edge, curfew clamped in 2 districts, Net suspended for 5 days’; the situation in the northeastern state is deeply concerning. The imposition of curfews and Internet restrictions, while necessary to maintain order, is a stark reminder of the fragile situation on the ground. Now more than ever before, all sides should be brought to the negotiation table. Prioritising dialogue between the Kuki and Meitei communities to ensure a peaceful resolution to the conflict is the need of the hour.

Nitika Bansal, Zirakpur

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