Root cause
Sir — The Indian Institute of Science is apparently removing ceiling fans from its hostel rooms after four students allegedly died by suicide this year. But this move is akin to treating the symptom and not the disease. The core issue — poor mental health — remains unscrutinized in spite of the seeming concern for students’ lives. First, suicide prevention requires a robust system of mental health professionals that students from all walks of life can reach out to. Moreover, the links between the four reported suicides must be probed to get to the bottom of what is ailing students.
Akash Dutta,
Calcutta
Winner takes all
Sir — The Trinamul Congress should be lauded for winning 134 wards in the Calcutta Municipal Corporation elections, amassing over 72 per cent of the votes polled (“134-10: Trinamul Municipal Corporation”, Dec 22). It is shocking that Opposition parties attributed TMC’s sweep to booth rigging and intimidation. Social welfare schemes and developmental activities carried out in Calcutta by the TMC have yielded this massive victory. One expects more infrastructural development like the modernization of drainage and canal systems in the future. The Opposition in West Bengal should accept its shortcomings.
Jayanta Datta,
Hooghly
Sir — The landslide victory of the TMC in the civic polls under the aegis of Mamata Banerjee is a befitting reply to the Bharatiya Janata Party, which had aimed to topple the reigning party. The back-to-back victories of the TMC show the trust that the people of the state have in its capabilities and efficiency.
But there is room for improvement. The prolonged delay in bringing the dearness allowance of state government employees on a par with that of Central government employees demands immediate rectification. Other sectors that have not progressed as desired must be paid attention to as well.
Iftekhar Ahmed,
Calcutta
Stay safe
Sir — Omicron, the new variant of Covid-19, is apparently at least three times more transmissible than Delta. Omicron infections in India are increasing exponentially (“Omicron wave ‘imminent’”, Dec 22). Some of these patients have no history of travelling abroad. The government should thus take preventive measures immediately. Besides setting up containment zones, reintroducing night curfews and imposing partial lockdowns, fines should also be levied on those who violate Covid norms like wearing masks. Vaccinated people tend to take these norms lightly; they should be informed of their vulnerability to the new variant. Although Omicron infections are believed to be less severe, there is no room for complacency.
D.V.G. Sankararao,
Nellimarla, Andhra Pradesh
Sir — The Union health ministry has warned that the Omicron variant is three times more transmissible than Delta. Yet, few people are following safety measures, especially political parties — rallies and other mass gatherings should be prohibited. The number of daily Omicron infections in the United States of America and other countries is alarming. The Indian healthcare system should be prepared to deal with the worst. Local administrative bodies should be trained to provide proper care in case of a rapid surge.
Harshal Suresh Desale,
Pune
National pride
Sir — National Farmers’ Day is celebrated on December 23 each year on the occasion of the birth anniversary of the former prime minister, Chaudhary Charan Singh. It is believed that the Zamindari Abolition Act was passed in 1950 owing to his hard work.
Agriculture plays a crucial role in the Indian economy, making up for about 20 per cent of the country’s GDP and providing employment to many. It is the hard work of farmers that puts food on people’s plates. They are the nation’s pride.
Vishal Patidar,
Ujjain
