Take care

Sir — Caregiving for the elderly is not just about fulfilling healthcare needs. It is also about providing companionship. Given the increasingly shrinking urban family structure, the elderly face a grave threat of loneliness and caregivers can positively impact their health and well-being with their company. On the other hand, caring for another person — especially when it is a labour of love — can often be overwhelming. Working round the clock induces stress and affects the caregiver’s physical and mental health. One common problem is the guilt that comes with feeling exhausted, angry and frustrated owing to caregiving. This is normal and does not mean that there is an absence of love. It is important to sensitise people about the mental health of caregivers.

Bias Paul, Calcutta

Grave charges

Sir — The popular Punjabi rapper and Congress leader, Sidhu Moosewala, was shot dead by unidentified assailants in the Mansa district of Punjab (“Singer and Cong leader shot dead”, May 30). Moosewala was killed a day after the Aam Aadmi Party government withdrew his security cover in an effort to change the VIP culture in the state. The incident has, once again, highlighted the deteriorating law and order situation in the state. Gang rivalries and a burgeoning gun culture in Punjab have resulted in several acts of violence in recent years. The local music industry, too, is responsible for producing songs that glorify gun violence. The police must take stringent action against the criminals involved in this case and the government must take steps to end the violence.

Sandeep Rawat, Chandigarh

Sir — The murder of Sidhu Moosewala took place less than a week after the Punjab government, headed by the chief minister, Bhagwant Mann, shunted out the state health minister, Vijay Singla, over charges of corruption. It has barely been a month since clashes broke out over an anti-Khalistan march in Patiala and a grenade attack rocked the intelligence headquarters of the Punjab police in Mohali. These back-toback incidents reflect poorly on the AAP government in Punjab. More so since Moosewala was murdered right after his security detail was downgraded. The AAP dispensation must do what it takes to restore people’s faith in law and order.

S.S. Paul, Nadia

Power failure

Sir — An internal report of the ministry of power indicates that India is about to face a severe shortage of coal in the coming months. The Central government had urged states to import coal at about three times the domestic price. But it has now urged Coal India to import the fuel for the states (“Coal India told to bridge import gap”, May 30). This would be the first time since 2015 that Coal India has had to import coal. Had the Union power ministry implemented its enhanced coal production plan, the present crisis could have been avoided. The coal shortage has affected the common people severely. This is also an opportunity for the government to shift to renewable energy.

Sukhendu Bhattacharjee, Hooghly

Costly cure

Sir — Medicines account for the largest share of expenditure on healthcare in India (“Startling health bill disclosures”, May 30). Outpatient expenditures also eat up about 21 per cent of household incomes in the form of OPD visits and doctors’ consultation fees. Researchers have stressed the need to bring such expenses under insurance cover. This would come as a relief for the common people. While there are various government and private health insurance schemes, these cover in-patient services only. Treatments for several long-term diseases, which do not need hospitalisation but can be steeply priced, are unaffordable for most people. The authorities must take steps to bring these under insurance cover.

Kiran Agarwal, Calcutta

Turbulent ride

Sir — In a welcome move, the civil aviation regulator, Directorate General of Civil Aviation, has imposed a fine of Rs 5 lakh on the domestic carrier, IndiGo, for denying boarding to a specially-abled child at the Ranchi airport. When the boy was prohibited from boarding, his parents, too, decided not to board the plane. The airline staff did little to calm the child, who was ‘in panic’, and failed to rise to the challenge posed by the special circumstances. This is disconcerting. The DGCA must formulate rules to ensure that such untoward incidents do not recur.

Khokan Das, Calcutta

Remarkable win

Sir — It was a fairytale ending to this year’s Indian Premier League for the debutant team, the Gujarat Titans, when they were crowned champions (“Crown on debut for IPL Titans”, May 30). At the beginning of the tournament, few would have placed their bets on the Gujarat Titans. However, the team headed by Hardik Pandya overcame all hardships. Pandya’s impressive leadership outscored his abilities as an all-rounder. Reserving his best for the finals, Pandya bowled a brilliant spell of four overs, taking three wickets for 17 runs. This effectively broke the back of the Rajasthan Royals’ batting line-up. Such a feat would remind cricket lovers of the irrefutable M.S. Dhoni. The IPL not only helps unearth young talent but also provides a platform for young captains like Pandya to prove their mettle.

Ranganathan Sivakumar, Chennai

Sir — After having their chances of winning the IPL title in their debut season almost universally dismissed, the Gujarat Titans went on a thrillingly unexpected ride. The Titans found ways to maximise their strengths and work around their weaknesses. Hardik Pandya must be commended for his work, both with the bat and the ball; he also led the team excellently. David Miller deserves credit as well.

Rimjhim Ghorai, Calcutta