As the nation celebrates Republic Day, we must take stock of our achievements as a republic and the myriad challenges we still face to create an egalitarian society with an inclusive outlook. The occasion needs to be leveraged to instil liberal values in the young. While the Constitution is the guiding force of Indian democracy, majoritarianism, vigilantism and intolerance have now reared their ugly heads. This is a matter of serious concern. The efficient functioning of democratic institutions abiding by the values and principles enshrined in our Constitution holds the key to true democracy.

M Jeyaram

Sholavadan, Tamil Nadu

Helping farmers

This refers to ‘What can the Budget do for agriculture?’ by Madan Sabnavis (January 26). We know that it is political compulsion that makes the Government say agriculture is its priority. In light of the party’s narrow victory in Gujarat, the BJP has no option but to think seriously about farmers. Neither pricing nor loan waivers help farmers beyond a point. What is needed is a wholesome, long-lasting and sustainable approach. Farmers need better crop science to improve quality, cold storage facilities, and access to global markets. Access to technology should not be restricted to rich and large farmers. From the local panchayat to the district administration everyone in the chain has a critical role to play in helping farmers.

Bal Govind

Noida, Uttar Pradesh

Disappointing drawback rates

The all industry revised drawback rates show only a marginal rise on 102 export items. The increase does not fully offset the taxes levied on raw materials, components, and consumables that go into export production. The Government should immediately look into further raising duty drawback to fully cover all the levies to make exports more competitive. With oil prices going up and the rupee appreciating, there is hardly any workable profit for export trade.

In line with ease of doing business, we need self-fixation of brand rates of drawback by exporters themselves. Duty drawback is refund of customs and IGST, where rates are not fixed. Exporters have to seek brand rate fixation which is tedious and time-consuming. Instead, exporters can self-calculate the duties that have gone into export production and straight away claim the brand rates similar to all-industry rates. This will also save time.

A Sathyanarayana

Delhi

Bandhs are a waste of time

Generally, bandhs accomplish nothing apart from causing a great deal of inconvenience to the public. Politically motivated bandhs are organised only to subserve political interests. The bandh highlighting the the demands of Karnataka regarding the Mahadayi or Mandovi river water dispute with neighbouring Goa has received the support of the State government. This is an admission of the administrative failure of the government. However, the CM has tried to draw mileage for the visit of BJP president Amit Shah. So it was more like a holiday given to attend the meeting. In the end, only public property gets destroyed during bandhs.

KV Seetharamaiah

Hassan, Karnataka

Good choice

The choice of R Vasudevan, the plastic man of India, for the Padma Shri is appropriate. A renowned professor of chemical engineering, he patented his pet project of making use of waste plastic, and would create havoc if untreated. In doing so, he deflected many corporate and business proposals from abroad as well as India. It is good that merit played a role in identification of certain awardees, this time round.

RK Raghavan

Bengaluru

Disturbing deaths

The discovery of two tiger carcasses and also that of a female elephant in the Hirikere forest area of Bandipur National Park comes as a rude shock. They perished probably after consuming poisonous substances left behind by poachers. Since April 2017, four tiger deaths have been reported and this is a matter of concern.

NJ Ravi Chander

Bengaluru

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