Missed deal
Sir — Many of us demand outrageous discounts at most stores. However, recent attempts to obtain an extra discount at the Kolkata International Book Fair were thwarted. Several publishing houses offer a discount over and above the usual 10% to
members of certain social media readers’ groups as a promotional perk. This is coveted by bookworms who find it difficult to keep up with the rising prices of books. Since publishing houses do not have a problem offering such discounts, authorities organising the fair should not raise objections to it either.
Srimati Sen, Calcutta
Poor data
Sir — The NITI Aayog’s findings on multidimensional poverty in India have been criticised by economists who have questioned the methodology used for the survey (“Huge poverty relief claim”, Jan 16). The NITI Aayog’s projections are based on past trends and are not established by data. It also added that India is likely to achieve its sustainable development goal of reducing poverty before 2030. However, with the government handing out massive subsidies, the claim of alleviating poverty seems to hold no water.
Sukhendu Bhattacharjee, Hooghly
Sir — The editorial, “Too good”, was logical (Jan 19). The NITI Aayog report has claimed that the Bharatiya Janata Party government has lifted many Indians out of poverty. However, if this is indeed the case, then it is surprising that the BJP continues to dole out rewdis, especially before elections. Ground realities are very different from the rosy picture painted by the report.
K. Nehru Patnaik, Visakhapatnam
Sir — If the claims made by the NITI Aayog about Indians being lifted out of multidimensional poverty are true, why is the government distributing free ration to nearly 80 crore people? India’s rank slipped to 111 out of 125 countries on the Global Hunger Index of 2023. The GHI is a comprehensive measure of poverty and its impact. Instead of denying such reports that reflect negatively on the Centre, the authorities must tackle the twin challenges of hunger and poverty in India.
H.N. Ramakrishna, Bengaluru
Sir — It is heartening to learn that the Centre has been working steadily towards decreasing poverty in India. Despite having the largest population in the world, India has been able to maintain its economic growth. The government has clearly taken concerted steps to improve the living conditions of people by formulating productive policies and making nutrition and healthcare more accessible.
Kirti Wadhawan, Kanpur
Just move
Sir — The Supreme Court has rightly dismissed the plea made by the 11 convicts in the Bilkis Bano gang-rape case for extending their time to surrender. The rapists do not deserve leniency. The apex court has described their crimes as grotesque and driven by communal hatred. In spite of this, the convicts had been released by the Bharatiya Janata Party government in Gujarat prematurely. They were also warmly welcomed by members of the Vishva Hindu Parishad. The recent ruling has reinforced people’s faith in the judiciary.
Zakir Hussain, Kazipet, Telangana
Weather vane
Sir — On its 150th foundation day, the India Meteorological Department launched the latest version of its Mausam mobile app that will provide easy access to weather forecasts in multiple languages for any location in the country (“Any-site weather update app”, Jan 16). The IMD must be thanked for introducing this useful feature in its app.
Sourish Misra, Calcutta
