Dog’s life
Sir — Pet abandonment is a growing crisis the world over. In France, as many as 60,000 animals are surreptitiously dumped near shelters every summer as careless owners go off on holidays. In India, where shelter facilities are few and there are no legal consequences for leaving pets behind, there is no official data on the number of abandoned pets. Stricter laws against animal cruelty and better facilities for taking care of animals while their owners are travelling are urgently needed. Animal-friendly tourism may also eliminate the need to abandon a beloved dog or a fussy cat that needs constant care.
Sujata Dey, Siliguri
Unfree space
Sir — The resignation of two faculty members, Sabyasachi Das and Pulapre Balakrishnan, from the economics department of Ashoka University is concerning (“Ashoka economics professor speaks up”, Aug 18). Das’ paper, “Democratic Backsliding in the World’s Largest Democracy”, which closely studied the 2019 Lok Sabha election, came under the glare of the university administration. Subsequently, Das resigned from the university, sparking a debate in academic circles. Ashoka University also released a statement claiming that the stance taken by the staff and the students does not reflect the university’s sentiment.
Teachers and students all over the country have rightly demanded that Das and Balakrishnan — the latter resigned in solidarity — be reinstated and further interference in academic research be stopped immediately.
Sukhendu Bhattacharjee, Hooghly
Violent scene
Sir — The burning of churches and the vandalism of homes in Jaranwala, Pakistan, are grim reminders of unchecked communal extremism in that country. The incident took place over an alleged desecration of the Quran. Pakistan is quick to raise its voice against cases of religious violence in India. But the Pakistan government must first ensure that such intolerance is not allowed to go unpunished in its own country.
Gregory Fernandes, Mumbai
Help at hand
Sir — The Centre recently approved Rs 13,000 crore for the PM Vishwakarma scheme to address the lack of adequate incentives for traditional artisans and craftspeople. It covers around 18 traditional trades, including those of boat-makers, blacksmiths, locksmiths, goldsmiths and potters, and aims to support almost 30 lakh artisans. The scheme will provide skill upgradation, toolkits, incentives for digital transactions and marketing support. As mass-produced items replace handmade ones, financial assistance for struggling artists can secure the future of traditional crafts.
Vijay Singh Adhikari, Almora, Uttarakhand
Rightful demands
Sir — The decision of trade unions in Goa to organise a mass rally of workers later this month to protest against the minimum wage stipulated by the government is laudable. The government recently increased the basic minimum wage by a mere
Rs 100. This undermines the labour of daily-wage earners and does not take into account the high cost of living in Goa and the current inflation. This has ignited a debate over fair wages and labour rights in Goa.
C.K. Subramaniam, Navi Mumbai
Wrong treatment
Sir — Dishearteningly, many doctors continue to ignore the 2002 regulation that mandates them to prescribe drugs only by their generic names. The National Medical Commission had formulated the regulation to ensure fairness. But the failure to implement it forced the Supreme Court to seek a response from the Centre, states and Union territories regarding this matter (“SC notice on generic drugs”, Aug 19).
Shyamal Thakur, East Burdwan
