Sir — Unemployment numbers in India have touched record highs in recent years. Globally, too, unemployment is on the rise. Unsurprisingly, those who have jobs are going out of their way to secure their positions by overworking. Long hours spent sitting, the pressure of deadlines and accumulated stress have taken a toll on the physical and mental health of workers. However, it seems that such burnout is not restricted just to humans. South Korea has witnessed the first-ever robot suicide. Apparently, the civil servant robot was stressed and thus killed itself in an incident that has gained attention throughout the world. This shows that even though bots might replace humans in the future, the fates of man and machine are not that different from each other.
Soumya Saroj, Delhi
Just freedom
Sir — Most of the time, lower courts do not abide by the principle, innocent until proven guilty, and mechanically deny bail to the plaintiffs. The apex court has made it clear, once again, that bail cannot be denied regardless of the severity of the alleged offence (“Bail a right in ‘serious’ cases: SC”, July 6). The courts have to bear in mind that accusations by the police are often exaggerated. Similarly, the prosecution’s objections to bail petitions should not be taken seriously without indisputable evidence. Unless the apex court’s advice is followed in letter and in spirit, justice will not be done.
Arun Gupta, Calcutta
Eat better
Sir — Misleading advertisements for food products high in sugar, fat and salt are on the rise in India owing to the presence of legal loopholes and inadequate monitoring (“Food regulator ‘falters on misleading ads’”, July 6). Several manufacturers deliberately conceal the list of ingredients used in edible products, violating food safety regulations. Moreover, marketing campaigns make unfair and baseless appeals to sell products. There should be an independent committee of medical experts who can suggest changes to the existing regulatory framework. Further, the different ministries of the government responsible for curbing this menace should work together. This includes a robust state-level monitoring system.
Deba Prasad Bhattacharya, Calcutta
Stark contrast
Sir — The article, “Highest chair” (July 6), by Sunanada K. Dutta-Ray rightly asserted that despite repeated claims by the Indian prime minister, Narendra Modi, it is Britain and not India that is hailed as the ‘Mother of Democracy’. In an ideal democracy, people have the last word. It is because of this that the likes of Boris Johnson and Liz Truss had to resign after their blunders. In contrast, Indian politicians continue to remain popular in spite of repeated mistakes.
As for Modi’s zealous claims of India being the ‘Mother of Democracy’, they remind us of the adage, ‘empty vessels make the most sound’.
Kajal Chatterjee, Calcutta
Set limits
Sir — After delaying the swearing-in of two newly-elected members of the legislative assembly from the Trinamool Congress, the governor of West Bengal, C.V. Ananda Bose, nominated the deputy Speaker, Asish Banerjee, to administer the oath. This is despite the fact that the Speaker, Biman Banerjee, was available to perform the ceremony. However, in the end, it was Biman Banerjee who administered the oath, leading the miffed governor to protest to the president about constitutional impropriety. It is time that governors realise that their post has limited powers.
Tharcius S. Fernando, Chennai
Rings hollow
Sir — The open criticism of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) by the party member and Kerala minister, T.M. Thomas Isaac, rings hollow because his actions have also contributed to people’s alienation from the Left. Isaac’s ill-conceived initiatives have wasted public money and undermined people’s trust in the Left Democratic Front. There is thus a stark disconnect between his actions and his words.
K.A. Solaman, Alappuzha, Kerala
Role model
Sir — More than 130 students of a government-run primary school in Telangana followed their teacher to the new school where he was transferred. At a time when reports of teachers being careless or harshly punishing students are common, this teacher is clearly a role model loved by his students.
M.C. Vijay Shankar, Chennai
Unprotected force
Sir — The number of policemen taking voluntary retirement because of health issues is on the rise. Cops are working extended hours without adequate rest. How can they ensure the safety of citizens under such immense physical and mental strain? Those who risk their lives for citizens every day have to cope with debilitating pressure owing to a shortage of police officers. The government must address this issue swiftly by recruiting more police officers at once. The schedules of police personnel should also be reworked to make sure they have enough rest and recreation.
Jakir Hussain, Kanpur
Seasonal woe
Sir — While bringing much-needed respite from the scorching heat of summer, the onset of monsoon in India also unveils the grim reality of the country’s deteriorating infrastructure. Not only are roads riddled with potholes but owing to the shoddy state of drainage systems in Indian cities they are also submerged in water. This poses a risk to life and property, especially for those riding two-wheelers. Efforts should be made to repair the roads at once.
Aqsa Anwar, Delhi
