Govts Should Inspire Confidence
In response to 'How I prove my Indian citizenship', Gaurav Badhwar of Rohtak argues that the true measure of a democracy is not how easily it questions the citizenship of its people, but how fairly it protects those who belong to it. Documents may establish identity, but citizenship is a constitutional relationship between the individual and the State. As India modernises its governance and strengthens national security, every citizenship verification exercise must be guided by legality, fairness and compassion. A system that inspires confidence rather than fear will best serve both the nation and its citizens.
EC Must Streamline SIR
Surinder Pal of New Chandigarh comments on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, noting that it places an unfair burden on ordinary citizens to prove their citizenship. He urges the Election Commission to frame a standard operating procedure (SOP) for SIR so that the landless, illiterate and underprivileged do not have to run from pillar to post to get their citizenship validated. A system should be put in place allowing them to get credentials verified from local elected representatives in the absence of hard copies of relevant documents.
Make Passport a Strong Document
K Kumar of Panchkula writes that a low passport ranking reflects the limited confidence many countries have in India's migration management and international credibility, creating a mismatch with its aspirations of global leadership. He suggests the government must negotiate more reciprocal visa-free agreements, strengthen border and identity management, curb illegal migration through effective enforcement, and ensure faster repatriation of foreigners who overstay. Equally important are sustained economic reforms, greater diplomatic engagement and improved governance that inspire international trust.
Mookerjee Stood by His Word
Col SS Chauhan (retd) of Zirakpur refers to 'Mookerjee, a lamp that still burns bright', noting that the leader was not only the founder of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh but also a distinguished educationist and a statesman of rare courage and conviction. His resignation from Jawaharlal Nehru's Cabinet, when he found himself unable to support policies that conflicted with his principles, reflected his unwavering integrity. Even as a civilian, he embodied the timeless military credo: the safety, honour and welfare of the nation come first, always and every time, and service before self.
Be Responsible Citizens
Vinny Narula of Ferozepur comments on '18-year-old who ran over Ludhiana woman was filming social media reel', calling it a disturbing reminder of the growing reckless behaviour of youngsters. The obsession with social media and online validation of risky stunts encourages irresponsible conduct. It is the duty of the public, administration, parents and educational institutions to be alert at all times regarding the behaviour of the youth. The administration should be the final authority in hauling them in case of any anomalous behaviour. Those responsible for causing serious harm must be dealt with firmly in accordance with the law, irrespective of their age.
Good Civic Behaviour Needed
Ravinder Mittal of Ludhiana refers to 'NGT panel exposes Kullu's waste disaster', noting that the problem of unsystematic and unscientific disposal of domestic and other waste is growing daily. However, the solution lies not in management alone but in reuse and recycling. The citizenry needs to be motivated to recycle waste, and the ways and means to do so should be publicised. About 95% of all trash consisting of paper, cardboard, polythene, water bottles, aluminium, etc. can be recycled. The public should dispose of them in a manner that waste collectors can sort out different kinds of wastes easily. Such civic behaviour should be encouraged through persuasion and enforcement.
