The article “Why tobacco needs to be taxed more” by Nata Menabde (June 12) concludes that raising taxes is one of the strongest weapons to fight tobacco. But that is a flimsy battle. We need an effective mechanism to eradicate consumption of tobacco products..

Australia’s highest court has decided against the promotion of tobacco advertisement. Other countries should take a cue from this and ban tobacco products altogether. With so many deaths due to tobacco consumption and the amount of medical resources being spent, there is no rationale to manufacture, leave alone advertise and promote. Taxing more is no solution. Since the economic costs of tobacco-related diseases are staggering, the best option is to ban them altogether.

RS Raghavan

Bangalore Smart move

With captive beneficiaries across the State, after the initial success of Amma Kudineer and Amma Canteen, the Tamil Nadu government's Amma Salt is going to be an instant hit. Instead of doling out freebies in the name of people’s welfare, this is a wise move by the chief minister. Itserves a social purpose and takes advantage of a highly competitive market.

R Prabhu Raj

Chennai

Withdraw subsidies

With reference to the articles on renewable energy (June 12), the present scheme of Central and state subsidy is flawed. Only some people, who have the passion, fix rooftop solar panels, produce non-polluting power, don’t consume fossil fuels and give up comfort and convenience. The net metering scheme introduced by the state is a non-starter. In fact, the existence of subsidy schemes is a stumbling block . If they are withdrawn, the temptation to obtain them will vanish.

D Suresh

Chennai

Do your homework

Only after studying the report of the enquiry commission can we know the real reasons for the disaster (“Inhuman error” by Indira Balaji, June 12). This incident is an eye-opener for all concerned. The tours are meant for getting better exposure to the world. So, it’s important to get all the information about a place and also take the necessary precautions.

Sridhar Prasad

Chennai

Time to rethink

With reference to the editorial, “A laboured reform” (June 12), labour laws are seldom followed even by larger corporates. They suspend operations instead of laying off people. While flexibility in employment for corporates is welcome, the Government needs to pay attention to the social security net and equity of wages for those employed as temps or on contract.

Ravi

Online

We have to rise above vested interests. The existing labour laws have been designed and kept in such discouraging shape only to subserve vote bank lobbies. If there is no fresh investment, given our archaic and discouraging labour laws and other legal formalities, good days will not come. So, three cheers to the Vasundhara Raje government for its bold investor-friendly initiative.

Hans Raj

Udaipur

Spirit of tolerance

The report that a college principal and student editors were booked for presenting Narendra Modi’s face as one among the ‘negative faces’ in the college magazine was disquieting. In a free society, nobody can be coerced into erasing memories of gruesome past events and joining the general chorus of praise for a leader, no matter how pre-eminent the person may be.

Supporters of our leaders must be politically tolerant enough to take adverse perceptions in their stride and discourage the officials from exercising their powers arbitrarily to book citizens who hold contrary opinions without violating the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution. A wide diversity of opinion strengthens democracy.

G David Milton

Kanyakumari

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