Stop all freebies

Refer to ‘Fix Punjab’s finances’; the worsening financial situation is not new for the state government. One might recall a particularly sensible statement by former Punjab Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal, made during his tenure in the Badal government, when he argued that a government has the right to spend only when it generates revenue from its own resources — much to the displeasure of senior Badal. The Badal government, at the time, was also focused on lavish spending under the banner of welfare schemes. Freebies offered by the AAP government have led to a significant strain on the state’s finances. If the state government truly aims to restore its financial health, it should stop all freebies.

Ravinder Kumar Jain, Ludhiana

Address gang violence

Apropos of ‘Kaithal shooter among 3 held for Siddique murder’; the recent probe revealing the possible involvement of the Bishnoi gang in a contract killing is alarming and underscores the growing threat of organised crime in India. This case points to a troubling trend where gangs are allegedly involved in high-profile murders for financial gain and the consolidation of power. Such incidents highlight the urgent need for swift and decisive action by the law enforcement agencies to dismantle such criminal networks. Simply apprehending the perpetrators is not enough — there must be a concerted effort to address the root causes of gang violence, enhance intelligence-sharing and strengthen legal provisions to prevent such audacious crimes.

Kavneet Kaur, Ludhiana

Bring change through education

The article, ‘Not criminalising marital rape smacks of patriarchy’, presents a compelling argument. However, the fact remains that there is no universally accepted scientific definition of what constitutes rape or marital rape. Non-consensual sexual acts are generally treated as rape or marital rape, but in recent times, we’ve seen a rise in individuals coming forward to accuse someone of rape months or even years after the alleged incident. Taking such accusations at face value and punishing the accused seems to reflect society’s attempt to show sincerity towards women in general. While there is no doubt that patriarchy remains entrenched in society, we have made considerable progress towards gender equality. That said, much more remains to be done. However, it is through education, character development and adherence to cultural values that meaningful change can be brought about.

AG Rajmohan, Anantapur (AP)

Hegemony of male human species

Refer to ‘Not criminalising marital rape smacks of patriarchy’; there could be umpteen reasons for rapes. But the most critical and, perhaps, the most prevalent is the hegemony that the male human species would like to have over females. More than anything else, it has been used as a tool to demonstrate one’s physical superiority. Rape in a marriage is no different from rape outside this bond. Marriage should not be used as an excuse to indulge in an activity that is not consensual.

Deepak TAAK, Panchkula

Welfare schemes mere rhetoric

Refer to ‘Global Hunger Index-2024: India ranks under ‘serious’ category’; it is deplorable that as per the Global Hunger Index (GHI), India is ranked 105 amongst 127 countries across the world. It shows that the tall claims made by the BJP government at the Centre are only rhetorical as the benefit of government welfare schemes does not seem to be percolating down to the last man grappling with the problem of hunger and malnutrition. It is a bad reflection on the BJP’s much-hyped slogan ‘sabka sath sabka vikas’.

MD Sharma, Shimla

China no replacement for India

Apropos of ‘Muizzu in India’; with Muizzu’s visit to Delhi, it seems that India-Maldives ties are on the mend. The fact is that India will always remain Maldives’ closest neighbour in the Indian Ocean, and in any crisis, it will be the first one to respond. China simply can’t be a replacement here, given its geographical distance from the region. Therefore, Male has no option but to enhance cooperation with India, which also needs the Maldives for better strategic depth in the Indian Ocean Region.

Lajwant Singh, by mail

Letters to the Editor, typed in double space, should not exceed the 200-word limit. These should be cogently written and can be sent by e-mail to: Letters@tribunemail.com