Novel idea: Letter to THE EDITOR

Novel idea

After a lull, heartthrob Zubin Garg is seen to be active with the CAA protests. Last year at this time, the music maestro launched a stringent protest against the government in regards to the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill. We vividly remember the rallies organized by some of his artistes friends along with the top office bearers of the All Assam Students' Union (AASU) at AEI field, Chandmari where he uttered some 'unparliamentary' and 'unprintable' words in front of massive gathering. This led to immense criticism from the public. Now, that is history. This time Zubin Garg has suggested a novel idea of using digital platform to voice people's resentment against the CAA. Certainly it's a welcome move as hitting the streets for agitations bring immense hardship to masses. The moot point is to make the discomfort voice heard in the corridors of power without disturbing the general public. Now, a few sycophants are raising objections to superstar's suggestion. It is well understood why these sycophants want to bring the protest movement to streets.

Dr. Ashim Chowdhury,

Ambari, Guwahati.

Commendable step by Government of India

The Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India, in consultation with the NCRT, has recently issued a directive that no student up to the second (2nd) class of the Country's schools can be given homework (home study/work). The government has already sent a directive to all the State government and the Union territories. Even this Directive clearly states the weight of the student's school bag for which class. At present most of the schools don't comply with this rule and as a result, elder students are always required to carry an overweight school bag. The Government of India has issued this Directive emphasizing on the harmful effects of particles on the body of students. The guidelines issued by the Government of India, especially on home work, are particularly important. Various research studies have found that students are deprived of the amount of hours they need to sleep in order to do their homework. The pressure on their brains also increases. On the other hand, rest is essential both mentally and physically. Their minds need to be kept away from school and textbooks for a certain period of time. However, some countries, such as Finland, have banned homework for school children. Some schools in the America (United States) offer students extra time tuition instead of homework. This allows students to study, play do various creative activities or think at home and go to bed on time. These are essential for all children or students, although we think of extra curriculum as actually such programmes are healthy for children. Children also need time to spend with family members. But now most of the students are busy with reading, homework, work etc. from morning till nightfall. Of course, the need for home study and work has been recognized by all educationists. Therefore, two hours of home study and work are offered at home for all elder students. Various studies have found that those who do their homework from seventh (7th) class to twelfth (12th) class can achieve greater success in school. Psychologist-Educationist research and studies have shown that such a system helps in enhancing the study habit, inquisitive mindset, problem-solving mindset. Of course, teachers need to know much work they need to give to each class of students. Most of the teachers have been accused of working long hours without proper thinking on the issue. These need to be discussed regularly between educationist and teachers. As a citizen of India, I sincerely respect and cherish this adorable system as a way to give some leeway as directed by the government.

Heramba Nath,

Kamrup.

Undermining Parliament

With the recent decision of the Central government not to convene the winter session of Parliament, it seems the government is unwilling to listen to both the public and their representatives. It is ironical that in the world's largest democracy, this representative system of governance itself is coming under pressure. But there are many important issues such as COVID-19, security scenario, farmers' agitation and the slowdown of economy which need to be discussed. Undermining the legitimacy of institutions and norms across the board to confuse the public is a tactical move to undermine democracy.

Chandan Kumar Nath,

Sorbhog.

Why only upper Assam?

The two new political parties – AJP and Raijor Dol – have been formed riding in the wave of last anti-CAA movement. The then leaders who spearheaded the movement are involved with these new equations. The AJP was officially launched in historic Boarding Fields of Sivasagar and as per latest news Raijor Dol would also be launched somewhere in upper Assam. Both the parties talk big about safety and security of the Asomiya language, culture and rights of indigenous masses. They would be much more appreciated if they could hold similar rallies in the districts of Barpeta, Goalpara, Dhubri, Morigaon, Goalpara, etc and voice their concerns about the original Bhumiputra/Bhumiputris and clear their objectives and measures to be taken to protect and safeguard the rights of the khilonjias living in this part of Assam. Newly elected AJP president Lurinjyoti Gogoi is merely fooling the public to serve his own personal ambitions. Already we have been cheated by the AGP in the name of safeguarding the indigenous by opening the fields and lands to illegal Bangladeshi Muslims, thus reducing the original inhabitants to minority status. Now, Lurinjyoti Gogoi and company are trying to show those infiltrators as true sons/daughters of the soil.

Chotu Nath Boro,

Baghbor, Barpeta.

Budget suggestions

Union Finance Minister is nowadays holding consultations with various stakeholders for the forthcoming Union Budget for fiscal-year 2021-22. Senior citizens should be given special attention to ease out their problems. The Central Government and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) should jointly introduce a special long-term investment-scheme with interest payable monthly for senior citizens replacing existing Senior Citizens Savings Scheme (SCSS) available at public-sector banks and post-offices, and Pradhan Mantri Vya Vandana Yojna (PMVVY) through LIC of India with maximum investment-limit for both schemes being Rs 15 lakh each.

Suggested scheme should have a combined maximum investment-limit of Rs 50 lakh instead of present total 30 (15 plus 15) lakhs in two separate schemes – SCSS and PMVVY. It is necessary in view of fall in interest-rates in government schemes and fixed-deposits. Interest should be paid monthly rather than quarterly like at present in SCSS. Provision of (Tax-Deducted-at-Source) TDS must not be for savings schemes specially meant for senior citizens.

For others, different banks have Fixed-Deposit (FD) schemes for different durations but with interest-rates being fixed by different banks including public-sector banks causing utter confusion for those desiring safe investment with government-schemes or in public-sector banks. Presently lesser known PNB Housing Limited, a subsidiary of public-sector Punjab National Bank offers most lucrative interest-rate which is higher than interest-rate of Fixed Deposit offered by any Bank including even Punjab National Bank.

Subhash Chandra Agrawal,

DELHI 110006