Humble request
This letter has a reference to a news item in many newspapers and TV channels about a courtesy call by State Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to former Axam Xahitya Xabha (AXX) president Dr Nagen Saikia at the latter's residence in Dibrugarh. The Chief Minister again showed his political maturity by discussing political issues with Dr Saikia. Very sadly, Dr Saikia was recently seen in a press conference organized by a new regional party named AJP. The stature of a person like Dr Saikia should be kept away from politics.
I being an ardent fan of Dr Saikia believe that the said press conference was organized without the knowledge of Dr Saikia. It's my humble request to the likes of Dr Saikia and others that they are our guardians isolating themselves completely from politics. The leaders of AJP are trying to score brownie points by involving the likes of Dr Saikia.
Joel Goyari,
Tangla.
Beharbari Outpost's laughter therapy
Beharbari Outpost, an Assamese sitcom of high repute has been entertaining the people of Assam since 2013. This show maintains its high standards and is swimming in TRP and rightfully so. Every actor (male and female) are well versed in their craft and should be lauded for their exemplary work. This show always tries to impart good messages to people. It is also a very good platform to reach each corner of our land. They have been using this platform to apprise the people of Assam about the COVID situation and also to take precautionary measures to defeat the virus. This show is the only good thing amidst all the bad that is happening in and around us. It is also helping the people forget about all the dreadful news and to put a smile on their faces, which reminds us of the saying 'This too shall pass'.
Noopur Baruah,
Tezpur.
Translocation of heritage trees
Transplantation or translocation of matured trees is being carried out in many parts of India. Be it mentioned that Gujarat, Karnataka, and undivided Andhra Pradesh are leading States in which trees are successfully translocated before the execution of a particular project. Although the process is slow even then the success rate is 80 per cent. Many firms have sprung up in recent time to carry out the translocation of trees. During the execution of the Hyderabad Metro Railway Project as many as 1000 matured trees were translocated and almost all of them are now thriving in the new locations. A few days ago, the PWD cut down the number of matured trees within the Dispur capital complex to carry out construction activities. The Supreme Court of India in February 2021 has assessed the value of a matured tree with 100 years of its life span remaining would be 72 lakh.
It appears that some obdurate people are still at the helm of the Assam PWD therefore they carried out such mischief. Last but certainly not least I would like to request the Government of Assam not to cut/chop off the tree indiscriminately while executing development projects.
Jayanta Deka
Rajapam, Mangaldoi Town.
Online sale
Multi-page super-costly advertisements are usually seen in leading newspapers offering extraordinary heavy discounts on popular branded electronics. Even extra heavy discount is added if items are purchased through credit cards issued by some specific banks.
Discussion with dealers investing hugely for the trade of these items revealed that companies sell all their obsolete models and returned items after claim lodged by consumers through such online sale. If it is so, then all such media publicity should be directed to compulsorily boldly mention such bitter reality. The Department of Consumer Affairs should make a proper study report on the aspect of extraordinary heavy discounts through online sale, and the logic behind banks giving extra discounts if such online purchase is made through their credit cards.
The main reason for the economic recession is a steep fall in wholesale and retail trade which contributes a maximum of 28 per cent to the Indian economy. The increasing trend of gimmick online sale has crushed wholesale and retail trade. In the interest of the economy and consumers, the online sale should be restricted to promote wholesale and retail trade. It will also tackle high unemployment in the private sector especially generated after the corona crisis.
Madhu Agrawal,
Delhi.
China's designs
China has been continuing its aggressive designs at LAC for many decades. Its stubborn behaviour and belligerent attitude are not likely to change ever. The deceitful Galwan clash has only increased the trust deficit. Not only in a tactical situation, but China has also been trying to dominate in many other fields in such a manner that India's interests are enormously harmed. India must have a firm long-term policy to counter Chinese designs which are obstructing India's development, especially in strategic and economic development.
Chandan Kumar Nath,
Sorbhog.