Avoid too many PF withdrawals
With reference to ‘PF a swipe away’; on the face of it, the provision to make withdrawals from Provident Fund (PF) through ATMs may seem to be subscriber-friendly, but easy withdrawals may prove counterproductive. The provident fund is meant to provide savings for post-retirement needs or other legitimate expenses. It is heartening to note that a provision capping withdrawals at 50% of balance in PF is proposed to be made, but an individual may keep withdrawing on flimsy grounds till he/she hits the 50 per cent cap. Perhaps, there is a need to relook at this provision.
WG CDR CL SEHGAL (RETD), JALANDHAR
Reform EPFO pension scheme
Refer to ‘PF a swipe away’; the Labour Ministry’s move to enable easy withdrawal of PF up to 50% via online platforms is a commendable step. Previously, workers often relied on middlemen or cyber cafes, incurring high fees to access their hard-earned savings. This initiative enhances transparency and accessibility for the workforce, who frequently change jobs and need financial support. However, the government should also address the issue of low pensions. Many private school teachers receive pensions below Rs 5,000, while their government counterparts receive over 10 times more, highlighting the need for reforms in the EPFO pension scheme.
Vijay Kumar Katyal, Panchkula
Social security for gig workers
Apropos of ‘PF a swipe away’; the Labour Ministry’s initiative of enabling EPFO subscribers to withdraw their funds from ATM from the ensuing year is praiseworthy. But these initiatives centre on the employees of the organised sector. There is big chunk of casual or contractual employees in the country that are not covered under the EPFO or any other social security schemes The fact that a policy for providing benefits like pension and health services to gig and platform workers is also being contemplated is laudable.
KR Bharti, Shimla
Judge’s remarks biased
Apropos of ‘Dishonourable’; the remarks made by the Allahabad High Court Judge, Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav, at a VHP event are disturbing as they reek of prejudice and hatred against the minority community. No Muslim can expect to get justice if his/her case is heard by him. The SC has rightly taken note of his remarks and sought a report on it. It should take strict action against him as he has lowered the credibility of the entire judiciary.
Gregory Fernandes, Mumbai
Majoritarian view dangerous
Refer to ‘Dishonourable’, the assertion by an Allahabad High Court judge at a VHP event that a country’s laws should align with the majority’s wishes, coupled with his unwarranted comments on the Uniform Civil Code, reflect a dangerous majoritarian bias that contravenes the principles of justice and the secular ethos of our Constitution. Such statements, bordering on hate speech, are unbecoming of a judge. Any deviation from constitutional values by those entrusted with interpreting the law must be addressed decisively.
Balbir Singh Kakkar, Jalandhar
Maintain secular character
With reference to ‘SC stays surveys, final orders on suits over religious structures’; the recent trend of lower courts seeking surveys of mosques has raised concerns as these can disrupt communal harmony and create unnecessary tensions. A former SC judge, Justice RF Nariman, has emphasised the importance of enforcing the 1991 Places of Worship Act, which highlights the need to maintain the secular fabric of the country.
Capt Amar Jeet (Retd), Kharar
An opportunity for India
Apropos of ‘The weakening Chinese economy needs a stimulus’; due to increased state intervention in its economy, China’s productivity is declining. This is having a cascading effect. The depreciation of the Chinese currency creates volatility in the market, which has a limited effect on India. India can capitalise on this crisis in China by implementing policies that strengthen its service-based exports, especially in the ASEAN region, where China has narrow stakes, This would also address India’s trade deficit and enhance its economic prospects.
Vaibhav Goyal, Chandigarh
