China must tread carefully

Apropos of the editorial ‘Resolute response’ (June 18), the signs are evident. Beijing is turning up the heat on most of its neighbours, including Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Taiwan, even as it revoked Hong Kong’s autonomy. Beijing is in a race to establish itself as the undisputed leader of Asia through a display of brute power. In this situation, New Delhi must take stock of this new reality and frame a response accordingly. The ball is now in China’s court. If India joins the camp of those interested in a rules-based international order, it will be Beijing’s loss.

SANJAY CHOPRA, MOHALI

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Delayed plan of action

India’s political masters who have always been sluggish in taking decisions, especially against China, took too much time to decide their move against intrusion in the Hot Spring area. Delayed political decision led to this unprecedented scuffle, resulting in fatalities. Even though Chinese territorial claims do not stand any documented testimony, their expansionist policy stays on course. They are using the same tactics of intruding deep into the Indian territory, and retreating marginally after the talks. We have no option but to use the same tactics at places where our Army holds dominant positions.

COL KULDIP S GREWAL (RETD), Patiala

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Send strong signal

Refer to ‘India must stick to its guns’ (June 18); China must be taught a lesson by strengthening military deployment. Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families whose loved ones were martyred at the LAC. China has tried in vain to divert the international community, for it has already been condemned for spreading the novel coronavirus throughout the world. China should be taught a tough lesson. Boycotting Chinese goods, uninstalling Chinese apps and reducing imports will send a strong signal to that country.

Yugal Kishore Sharma, Faridabad

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Doctors’ salaries

Reference to ‘Ensure timely salary to docs: SC’ (June 18); it is indicative of a sorry state of affairs if the apex court has to issue directions to the government for timely payment of salaries to the doctors and healthcare workers fighting Covid-19. The SC has other important duties such as interpretation of the Constitution which involves national interest. Timely payment of salaries is an important issue, but it does not involve any constitutional interpretation. Such matters should be decided at the executive level, on a priority basis, so that the SC does not waste its time on issues like salaries. The executive is competent and efficient enough to recognise the urgency of the matter. Can a person with a disturbed mind do justice to his duties?

Faqir Singh, Dasuya

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Conduct JEE Mains

JEE Mains are conducted in January and April every year. IIT admissions are through JEE Advance, rescheduled to August 23. But the HRD Ministry is thinking of postponing JEE Mains again as some states and parents want it put off due to Covid. This year, over 9 lakh candidates have enrolled for this test. The government has already unlocked all services like trains, flights, buses, malls and offices. Why is it hesitating to conduct the exam? Moreover, AIIMS recently conducted PG admissions test on June 11, for which nearly 2 lakh candidates had appeared. If the exam is postponed, it would mean the risk of losing a year.

Kamaljeet Malwa, Patiala

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Another fuel price hike

Apropos of the editorial ‘At public expense’ (June 17), coronavirus is depriving millions of people of jobs and livelihoods. The economy has plummeted like never before. The government is also taking money out of people’s hands by imposing excise duty on prices of fuel on an almost daily basis. Retail prices of petrol and diesel have reached an all-time high with windfall gains to the government. Citizens do not get the benefit of unprecedented low oil prices worldwide. Considering the cascading effect on all items due to an increase in the price of fuel, the government should roll back the hike immediately.

SS Paul, Nadia

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Hike jewellery tax

Why is that governments do not think of other avenues for increasing revenue except for raising petrol and diesel prices? On top of that, petrol, used by common people for two-wheelers is more expensive than diesel. Luxury items like gold, platinum and diamond are taxed at the rate of only 3%. Jewellery-making charges are taxed at the rate of 5%. Why can’t they be taxed at least 12% and taxes on petroleum products be reduced proportionately?

Gurinder Singh Sethi, by mail

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