Namegiri
Post-independence our great nation became a secular democratic republic country. The country has been ruled by the Congress for 70 years. Not only at the Centre, the Congress ruled over other States for a considerable period. During their tenure, a single family produced three Prime Ministers starting from Lt. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Lt. Indira Gandhi and Lt. Rajiv Gandhi. The interesting aspect about the trio is that all of them are crowned with country's highest civilian honour, Bharat Ratna. Apart from that many of the stadiums, bridges, roads, airports, educational institutions, museums, hospitals, sports and cultural awards are in the name of the single family. I shall be thankful and obliged if someone can spell out the exact numbers of national properties named after the trio. Thankfully, the Rashtrapati Bhavan and Sansad Bhawan have been spared!
Lanu Dutta Chowdhury,
Guwahati
Solution needed
Another round of talks over the farm laws is scheduled for December 09, a day after the Bharat bandh call given by the protesting farmers, Saturday's meeting between the Union ministers and farmer leaders, the third of the week and fifth overall, did raise hopes for a brief moment that a solution could be in sight. The PM's consultation with Cabinet colleagues hours before was seen as a pointer to a softening of the Centre's stand, especially since going back or having a relook at decisions it has projected as bold and revolutionary has not been the Modi Government's style. The farm leaders, for now, are refusing to budge over their core demand for repeal of the legislation. The agitation has been bolstered by a wave of popular support, exemplified by the daily announcements of eminent sportspersons, writers, and other people of repute returning national awards. Singers and artistes have lent an emotional chord, many have chosen to mark their presence at the protest sites. Rail services have remained paralysed in Punjab for the past over two months as part of the protests, but it took the march towards the national capital for New Delhi to take notice.
Chandan Kumar Nath,
Sorbhog.
Viral video of Mexican Ambassador
A video is going viral on WhatsApp showing Mexican Ambassador in India having an official three-wheeler rather than diplomatic car for official movements in Delhi. Video may be true or not but the message is very important for Central and State governments together with their public-sector-undertakings (PSUs) where especially ordered air conditioned three-wheelers may replace official cars for those entitled for official cars. Step will not result in big saving of fuel, but will also reduce purchase cost on vehicles and ever-increasing congestion on roads apart from checking pollution. Introduction of air conditioned three-wheelers will be popular amongst middle income small families to switch over from cars to three-wheelers.
Otherwise also all possible steps should be taken to discourage big and costlier cars. Cars costing net ex-showroom price of Rs 10 lakh and above should attract cess over normal GST, and must not be allowed to be financed. Such a step will effectively check production of big and costlier cars making car manufacturers concentrating on giving extra facilities in economical cars out of competition. Discouraging sale of big cars will provide extra space on roads and parking sites in the city. Costly and big cars should be allowed in government for use of President, Vice President, Prime Minister and foreign dignitaries only.
Madhu Agrawal,
Delhi.