Population policy

The population control measures to be enforced by the Uttar Pradesh CM have not come a day too soon, and in fact, should be implemented across the entire country, irrespective of caste, creed and religion (‘Population measures won’t be class-specific, says Yogi’). The country is bursting at the seams due to population explosion, which is the main cause of poverty, illiteracy and unemployment. To bring down the infant mortality rate and enhance life expectancy in the country, such curbs are mandatory. While tackling Covid-19 effectively, and quickly vaccinating everyone, India has had to cut a sorry figure only because of its sizeable population. In more populated states, the incidence of crime and violence is also more.

Sunil Chopra, Ludhiana

Incentivising policy

The Uttar Pradesh Population (Control, Stabilisation and Welfare) Bill makes it only the second BJP state, after Assam, to adopt a ‘two-child policy’. Population control is imperative for India, but the UP government’s approach of carrot and stick is not the right way to go about it. If passed, it would incentivise government employees who adhere to the policy. It will be a win-win situation for public servants as they will get additional increments, maternity or paternity leave of 12 months with full salary and allowances and 3% increase in employer’s contribution fund etc. Benefits also include a preferential seat for their child in IIMs and AIIMS, tax rebates and other attractive offers to those who undergo voluntary sterilisation. The objective is indubitably right but not the modus operandi.

Aniket Jaswal, Panchkula

Applicable to all

The UP government’s move to control the population in the state is a bold step in view of the fact that a massively increasing population adversely affects growth and development. The Bill also provides for disincentivising couples who do not follow the norm. Though it has been clarified that the norms will apply to all, without any discrimination on the basis of caste, creed or community, it needs to be ensured that no such discrimination takes place at the ground level. It must also be ensured that steps are taken simultaneously by the government to improve the health infrastructure in the state, so as to improve various health indices like the infant mortality and maternal mortality rates, besides reforms in the education sector and creation of job opportunities for educated unemployed youth.

Dinesh Kumar Verma, Panchkula

Chinese objective

Afghanistan is clearly ‘a place of interest’ for China. As far as China’s long-term planning is concerned, it seems to have got what it wanted — the US forces out of Afghanistan. This is something that both Beijing and Islamabad have wanted since 9/11. Beijing was equally involved, as Pakistan, Russia and Iran, in ensuring that the Taliban strengthens against the system of government Washington was trying to plant in the country. China will continue to operate and communicate through Pakistan, which remains the biggest stakeholder in Taliban’s success or failure. Irrespective of the impression from Islamabad that the security services are extremely nervous about Taliban presence, the Afghan militants remain Rawalpindi’s biggest asset. The Chinese Communist Party uses its influence to provide infrastructure loans to poorer countries in return for control over local resources, of which Afghanistan has plenty. Tapping into Afghanistan’s vast natural resources has been a long-standing goal of China.

N Sadhasiva Reddy, Bengaluru

The generous Raja

With the demise of Virbhadra Singh, Himachal Pradesh and India have lost a humble king. I had the chance to stay with him for two days at his official residence in Shimla. I was appointed the first principal of DAV College, Kotkhai — his constituency. He was popular in every nook and corner of the state. His palace and office had a basement where cots, charpoys, tables and chairs were laid for the people to stay and present their problems. People from all over the state used to visit him. Politely, he would try to resolve the issues. He was very keen to educate the local people and put his best foot forward for the welfare of the state, even in the remote areas of Dodra Kwar and Reckong Peo. I am beholden to him, for he proved a great help to me in the success of the college at a remote place like Kotkhai. I salute him for his generosity, hospitality and sagacity.

S Chaudhary, Mohali

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