The editorial ‘Low gear’ (June 11) largely discusses policy framework for global electric car manufacturers and various constraints related to it. Despite climatic action imperatives, abundant availability of electric cars in all segments and even cost effective operation of EVs, the key factor discouraging potential buyers is the lack of facilities for installation of EV chargers. Several societies don’t permit the installation of chargers, while the local electricity department place several technical barriers in installation of higher load meters for EV chargers. These issue have to be addressed if EV manufacturing and sales are go grow.

Vinod Johri

Delhi

Curbing plastic waste

This refers to ‘Plastics pollution can no longer be ignored’ (June 11). Statistics on per capita discharge of plastic waste into the sea are alarming. The worst affected are small island-countries and nations that thrive mainly on seafood. In India, the Centre had introduced Single Use Plastic (SUP) Regulation Bill 2024 aimed at the complete elimination of plastic waste by 2050. Promoting sustainable alternatives to SUP through research can help eliminate plastics to a large extent.

RV Baskaran

Pune

Poverty estimates

India lacks an official estimate of poverty and it is imperative to incorporate income or expenditure metrics in poverty measurement. According to the World Bank, a person should earn $3 per day to be free from extreme poverty. India can get the income data and expenditure details of every household in the country and arrive at the correct poverty figure. It is undoubtedly a time-consuming exercise. But then, it is needed for planning our socio-economic programmes and, thereby, eradicating poverty. With the cooperation of States and local governments, the Centre can get this done.

S Ramakrishnasayee

Chennai

Construction workers

This refers to ‘Centre working on welfare plan for construction workers’ (June 11). Construction workers generally work under unfavourable conditions. Their lives should, therefore, be adequately insured by the employers as well as the government so that in case of any untoward incident, their families can get compensation. They should be brought under government insurance/medical schemes like Ayushman Bharat, Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, Atal Pension Yojana and the National Pension System. The employers should apprise the workers about the various schemes and ensure that they are adequately insured.

Veena Shenoy

Thane

Published on June 11, 2025