It is really unfortunate that an FIR was filed against a reporter from The Tribune for highlighting loopholes in the Aadhaar scheme (Editorial, ‘Aadhaar insecurities, January 10). On the one hand, Modi is pushing for Digital India, and on the other we are unable to protect sensitive data. The UIDAI must apologise and take back the FIR against the journalist, else it sends the wrong message to the people. In fact, the reporter should be thanked for highlighting the issue. Freedom of speech is non- negotiable.

Bal Govind

Noida, Uttar Pradesh

The response of the UIDAI and the Government has been cavalier, and the whistle-blower has been left unprotected. Despite all the problems with the project, the Government has gone ahead with implementation of Aadhaar to almost all financial transactions without resolving anything. The reasons given by the Government for its hurry are not convincing. Instead of being a facilitator of inclusion, Aadhaar seems to have become an instrument of exclusion. The apex court should put a full stop to this.

TSN Rao

Bheemavaram, Andhra Pradesh

Hardly a swachh idea

The directive of the Government to PSBs to build and maintain clean toilets for use by the public is without understanding the reality. As it is, PSBs are reeling under the the pressure of NPAs and eroded bottom lines. CSR activities cannot be an additional burden. Besides, opening the premises of banks to the public is a security threat.

The Swachh Bharat tax collected on all services is with the Government. There are separate ministries at the Centre and State level to implement and monitor the scheme.

S Veeraraghavan

Madurai

Rudderless AAP

This is with reference to ‘AAP has lost its moral edge’ by A Srinivas (From the Viewsroom, January 10). There is no doubt about Kejriwal’s sincerity of purpose and his firm stand on corruption. However he should realise that things cannot be changed overnight. AAP should prove its credentials by delivering good governance, acting against corrupt officials, creating job opportunities for youth and providing security to women. The infighting should be resolved amicably.

Veena Shenoy

Thane, Maharashtra

The AAP has become rudderless. It wants to stpread its influence to other States when, ironically, its own house is not in order. Is it not time for course correction?

HP Murali

Bengaluru

Money talk

This is with reference to ‘Economics or politics? It’s a toss-up for Jaitley’ by Richa Mishra (Budget Expectations, January 10). Problems will crop up when Jaitley has to speak about legacy issues like agricultural income tax or taxing the super-rich.

The media and analysts have remained largely silent when it comes to the pockets where money is getting accumulated, adding new billionaires and making the rich super-rich. At some stage, the FM will have to identify such pockets to make good the shortfalls and deficits.

MG Warrier

Mumbai

Tackling the fiscal deficit and at the same time giving a fillip to the rural economy is a daunting exercise. Ever since this government came to the Centre, Jaitley has been struggling to improve the hobbling economy. Rural economy needs a stronger boost like establishing infrastructure, opening up new business parks, and providing sops and incentives to manufacturers and corporate bodies to start business activities in rural areas.

Also, spending on education 3.5 per cent of GDP in the current year is less than an average of the world spending on education field. Education is a powerful weapon with which to fight social evils and boosting the economy. Hence Jaitley needs to ponder over this matter. At least 4.5 per cent of the GDP should be allocated for education. So far education has not been given importance in the Budget.

Jitendra G Kothari

Mumbai

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