Letters to The EDITOR: Drought-like conditions in Assam

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Drought-like conditions in Assam

A majority of the agricultural areas in Assam are currently experiencing severe drought conditions. Due to the prolonged absence of rainfall, a large number of farmers across the state have been unable to carry out their cultivation activities. Those who have somehow managed to transplant paddy seedlings are now facing the risk of complete crop failure, as the seedlings are beginning to wither and burn under extreme heat.

In such a critical situation, farmers find themselves helpless, with no viable means to save their crops. These farmers, who contribute significantly to the rural economy and play a crucial role in ensuring food security for millions, are undergoing an extremely challenging period.

Given the gravity of the situation, it is essential that the concerned department initiates an urgent mission to provide relief and support to the affected farmers. Furthermore, the government should immediately convene a special cabinet meeting to formulate and implement effective measures to address the crisis. It is also the moral responsibility of society at large to stand in solidarity with the farming community. Collective efforts and timely intervention are the need of the hour to protect the backbone of our agricultural economy.

Kushal Jyoti Malakar

Rangamati, Kamrup

JJM in Assam: A grand failure

An assessment of the Public Health Engineering Department's Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) reveals significant operational deficiencies that lead to its grand failure in the state. Key contributing factors include pervasive corruption within its implementation framework, the deployment of inefficient technical and non-technical personnel, and a notable absence of robust supervisory vigilance. These systemic failures collectively impede the mission's intended progress, demonstrating a critical deviation from its objectives.

The substantial public funds allocated to this initiative are consequently yielding demonstrably dissatisfying outcomes, necessitating immediate strategic intervention. Options for rectification include the program's cessation or a comprehensive overhaul involving the appointment of proficient new personnel with requisite expertise. Furthermore, a critical review and potential reshuffling of long-serving bureaucratic leadership is imperative to enhance accountability and effective execution within the Mission.

Dr. Apurba Kr. Baruah

Sivasagar

India–UK Trade deal: What it means for us

India and the United Kingdom recently signed a landmark Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which is expected to double trade between the two countries in the next five years. This deal is a major move toward building stronger economic ties between the two nations.

 One of the biggest benefits of this trade agreement is that India’s exports, like textiles, footwear, gems & jewellery, marine products, engineering goods, and leather items, will now enjoy duty-free access in the UK. This will greatly help Indian manufacturers, especially MSMEs, which employ a large number of common people, including women and rural workers. In return, India has agreed to reduce import duties gradually on premium UK products like whisky and cars, which will become more affordable to Indian consumers over time. Though it may benefit urban middle-class buyers, it should be done carefully so that Indian industries don't suffer. This deal is also expected to boost job creation by encouraging investments and skill partnerships. Many Indian professionals, like teachers, chefs, yoga instructors, IT experts, etc., will now find it easier to work in the UK due to relaxed visa rules under this agreement. For the common people like us, this deal may not bring overnight changes. But over the next few years, we may see more job opportunities, cheaper products, and stronger exports, especially from eastern and northeastern states that are trying to grow industrially. Young entrepreneurs and small businesses may also find new export markets in the UK.

However, we must also remain alert. The government must ensure that foreign companies don’t take unfair advantage of India’s market and that our domestic industries get proper protection and support. There should be awareness programs and help desks to guide small Indian exporters to use this opportunity fully. Overall, this deal has the potential to create a win-win situation—but only if implemented with careful planning, monitoring, and a people-friendly focus.

Chandan Goswami

Kumaranichiga, Dibrugarh