Letters to the Editor: Treat bankers as frontline workers

Bankers, both from public and private sectors, have been diligently discharging their duties since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic by making available banking services. Having been categorized as an essential service, Indian bankers have been serving customers when many offices were shut. Alongside the health and sanitation workers and police who are ensuring the safety of the population, the bankers are also serving the citizens by keeping the wheels of the economy moving thereby taking care of their livelihood aspects. According to some estimates about 2000 bankers had already succumbed to Covid 19 infection since its advent.

Despite their critical role in the economy, the government has not yet acceded to their demand to classify bankers as Frontline Workers (FLWs) which would have entitled them to vaccination on a priority basis. As bank branches have to remain open it is only logical to strengthen their morale by taking care of their health concerns and safety needs. They should be treated at par with health workers and security personnel as they are also continually exposed to various sources of infections from sundry customers.

Another demand of the bankers is to reduce transaction hours in the context of fresh Omicron waves also merits attention from the government. In a nationalized bank in Jorhat, 14 bankers tested positive in the branch in a single day. Social media is abuzz with similar mass infections in branches across the country thereby highlighting risks lurking in branches.

Restrictions on the working hours of banks and the introduction of 50% attendance to break the transmission chain are practical suggestions because many branches are facing staff shortages. After all, several employees have tested positive. Alternate Delivery Channels like Cash Recyclers, Internet Banking and Mobile Banking like Unified Payment Interface (UPI) exist to provide banking services continuously even if restrictions are imposed on branch banking. It is high time the nation acknowledged the yeoman's service rendered by bankers during the pandemic by bestowing upon them the status of a Covid warrior.

Rajib Sarma,

Guwahati

Birth anniversary of Vivekananda

The main objective behind the celebration of the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda is to propagate his philosophy and the ideals for which he lived and worked and also promote rational thinking among the youth, believed to be the future of the country.

One of the most significant contributions of Swami Vivekananda to the modern world is his interpretation of religion as a universal experience of transcendent Reality, common to all humanity. According to him, 'Education means that process by which character is formed, the strength of mind is increased, and intellect is sharpened, as a result of which one can stand on one's own feet. The youth need (i) to pursue the integrated study of philosophy and activities of Swami Vivekananda in Indian as well as global reference, (ii) to undertake studies of different religions to spread the idea of harmony of religions, and (iii) to treat all work as worship and service to the man as service to the God.

Pinaki Nandy,

Guwahati

Free for all

With the announcement of election dates for the five states, namely UP, Punjab, Goa, Manipur and Uttarakhand, the election fever has reached its crescendo. UP is the heartland of the Hindi belt having the maximum number of MP seats which is so crucial for any political party or alliance to claim the power corridors of New Delhi. Naturally, it will be a do-or-die situation for all political parties contesting the poll as the next parliamentary election is in just two years' time. A healthy election is always welcome in democracy but very unfortunately it is not so as evidenced by the use of some unprintable language used by the candidates against each other as if it is a personal war. We are appalled to see in the leading national TV channels the unparliamentary, unprintable languages used by the candidates before the TV cameras which make all sensible electors hang their heads in shame. It is seen often some candidates even do not care to side with our enemy nation to appease a particular religious community at the cost of the nation's security and integrity quoting the principles of Secularism when our Bravehearts are shedding their blood to fight them. The security lapse of the PM of a nation in poll-bound Punjab is always alarming for the nation.

Sadly, today's politics has become the last resort of a few scoundrels and traitors.

Dr Ashim Chowdhury,

Guwahati

Overcrowded city buses

I like to bring it to your notice that the Covid protocol is still not followed in the city buses in Guwahati. Putting the safety of passengers at risk, private bus operators take overcrowded trips to various locations. The passengers in those buses hardly wear masks, making it easier for the deadly virus and its variants to spread. We are aware that the virus is spreading fast. So, to protect the masses, the government should make the Covid-19 regulations stricter. I request people also to be aware of the situation.

Jyotish Kumar Boro,

Department of Communication and Journalism,

Gauhati University

Humble request

We are all aware that as predicted the whole world is now under attack of the third wave of Covid. To make matters worse another dreaded virus, the mutant variant omicron has made its presence felt, endangering further the lives of all. The government is taking all measures to prevent the spread of the deadly virus by vaccination and issuing SOPs after SOPs. Along with the vaccination, wearing masks is very vital for all. But very interestingly our dearest CM who is leading from the battle from the front is never seen wearing a mask anywhere, anytime. He openly mingles with his dear 'BHAGINS' and common people as if he is protected by some divine powers unlike us.

A very humble request from yours truly to our beloved CM to wear a mask so that it does not send a wrong signal.

Lanu Dutta Chowdhury,

Guwahati

Relaxation for morningand evening walkers

Many citizens go for morning and/or evening walks to keep themselves fit, and healthy. However, walking briskly with masks is a big problem that walkers face, and this is unhealthy too. Given this, we request the authorities to allow morning and evening walkers to do their exercises, without a mask in non-crowdy places. This would be of great help. The authorities may fix designated timings like up to 9. 30 am in the mornings and from 4 pm onwards till curfew hours in the evenings.

D Bhutia,

RGB Road, Guwahati