States finally get their due

The nine-judge Bench of the Supreme Court has rightly ruled that royalty payable on minerals is not a tax and that states have the legislative competence to impose taxes on mines, minerals and mineral-bearing land. The verdict would boost the finances of the states that are rich in mineral wealth, like Odisha and Jharkhand. It will help such states get their due. Besides, the ruling must prompt the Government of India to understand the importance of maintaining healthy Centre-state relations and respect the states’ right to levy taxes on minerals.

DVG Sankara Rao, Vizianagaram

SC ruling will boost states’ progress

With reference to the analysis of the apex court’s ruling in the editorial ‘Setback for Centre’; the verdict is more than just a setback for the Centre. It sheds light on the way the Union Government has long done an injustice to the states. India is a union of states. So, why should the states be deprived of their fair share? The ruling will go a long way in alleviating the fiscal plight of mineral-rich states, thereby boosting economic progress and prosperity.

PK Sharma, Barnala

The ball is in India’s court

The Games have begun, and Paris stands as a canvas on which players paint vibrant strokes with their sporting prowess. Football, archery, handball and rugby sevens — athletes in each discipline have a chance to prove their mettle. Yet, beyond the medals and cheers, several questions linger. Our athletes are full of raw talent and dedication. But they cannot sprint to victory solely because of that. The secret lies in the crucible of training — the alchemy of sweat, sacrifice and support. World-class facilities and top-tier coaching are the forges through which champions are shaped. Are cash rewards and jobs for the medallists enough? Under all the glitz, systemic cracks persist. Reforms are the need of the hour. Let Paris not just ignite our athletes’ fire but also encourage the transformation of Indian sports.

Gurdev Singh, by mail

Unity in the times of division

The directives requiring eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route to display the owners’ names were a new low in the politics of polarisation. The diktats were aimed at hitting the livelihood of Muslim traders, perpetuating division and discrimination. Besides, the move was completely unnecessary. Luckily, the Supreme Court has stayed the orders. Further, some NDA allies have done well to express concern over the discriminatory steps. Moreover, it is the defiance shown by Muslim dhaba owner Choudhary Wahid Khan — who welcomed the kanwariyas with open arms — that truly showcases the spirit of inclusivity. We must reject divisive politics and work towards a more harmonious society. Everyone must be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of his or her religion.

Sargunpreet Kaur, Mohali

Lessons from Kargil War

The 25th anniversary of the Kargil War is a reminder of both the heroism of our armed forces that shone through during the conflict and the glaring intelligence failures. As India’s first televised war, it brought the harsh realities of battle into our homes. It also solidified the Line of Control as a de facto border, despite Pakistan’s brazen incursions. Insightful analyses by military experts reveal the troubling levels of neglect on the part of successive governments that have failed our soldiers. The government must draw lessons from the 1999 conflict and ensure that our troops do not end up as cannon fodder.

Chanchal S Mann, Una

US presidential campaign hots up

Apropos of ‘Quit to save democracy: Biden; Trump blasts Kamala as radical’; US President Joe Biden is right to say that he had to abandon his re-election bid to save democracy. Vice-President Kamala Harris, who is set to clinch the presidential nomination, already has the support of the Obamas, the Clintons and other prominent Democrats. She recently slammed Donald Trump over his felony convictions and the fraud judgments against his business, charitable foundation and private university. Clearly, her remarks have rattled the Republican contender, who has hit back by calling her a ‘radical left lunatic’.

Upendra Sharma, by mail

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