In response to the article 'Subsidy alert on the fertiliser front', a letter from Rajesh Goyal of Chandigarh highlights that no political party has learned from past oil crises. During the 1973 global oil crisis, inflation rose to roughly 30% under Indira Gandhi's government. The Janata Party government faced a similar situation in 1979, and Manmohan Singh's government also suffered politically due to oil-price turbulence between 2011 and 2013. Despite measures such as ethanol blending, renewable energy, local fertiliser manufacturing, and creating fuel reserves, these steps are insufficient to absorb global oil shocks.
Vijay Kumar Katial of Panchkula writes regarding 'Train teachers to raise the bar', emphasising that training should focus on practical needs rather than superfluous programmes that add to teachers' workloads. Greater emphasis must be placed on making students aware of disaster management, first aid, counselling, communication, and social skills. In the wake of the NEET paper leak and CBSE's erroneous evaluation systems, there is a greater need for education that nurtures critical thinking, emotional resilience, and character. While AI can assist learning, experienced teachers remain the cornerstone of meaningful education.
Abhyam Sharma of Pathankot comments on 'Custodial torture', stating that it is like the process becoming the punishment. It negates the inherent spirit that holds the scales of justice in balance. The custodian of the law stands in an advantageous position, while the accused stands helpless. Investigative agencies have not been able to grow out of their old ways of torture to extract the truth.
Gaurav Badhwar of Rohtak refers to 'Custodial torture', noting that physical torment is not merely an abuse of power; it is an attack on the very foundations of democracy. A society committed to justice cannot tolerate violation of human dignity by those entrusted with enforcing the law. While measures like CCTV surveillance and judicial oversight are important, lasting reforms within law enforcement agencies require transparency. Ensuring the protection of constitutional rights in custody is essential for preserving public faith in the justice system.
Col SS Chauhan (retd) of Mohali writes apropos of 'Erosion of empathy amid policing pressures', stating that while one cannot ignore the immense pressures under which police personnel function, insensitive behaviour towards victims and their families cannot be justified. It undermines confidence in public policing. The need for meaningful police reforms has been discussed for decades, yet tangible improvements remain limited. Empathy in policing is not a weakness; it is a vital component of effective and credible law enforcement.
Vinay Kumar Malhotra of Ambala refers to 'Govt shunts out CBSE Chairman, Secy; forms panel to probe OSM', noting that Gen Z is proactively emerging as a major force, with the Cockroach Janta Party playing a crucial role in giving it a voice. Senior officers remain confined to their ivory towers and ignore ground realities. The 17-year-old student Sarthak Sidhant's presentation before the parliamentary standing committee on education proves that the young generation is quite vigilant, intelligent, and intolerant of administrative lapses.
