Research requires patience

With reference to ‘Research needs more funds, less red tape’; the quality of work in R&D of most Indian companies does not match the kind of work done in the developed world. Biotechnology and space exploration are two areas which require huge capital investment and the best talent. However, the creme de la creme prefer to migrate to other countries where monetary benefits are higher and work culture is of the highest standard. The uncertainty of returns from research-based projects deters the government from investing in them. Indians want instant and secure returns on every rupee they spend. This does not work in the field of research, where years may pass without any sign of tangible benefits.

Anthony Henriques, Mumbai

Nimisha needs urgent help

Apropos of ‘Save Nimisha’; the editorial rightly seeks urgent action to save Kerala nurse Nimisha Priya from execution in Yemen. Her tragic case marked by abuse, betrayal and desperation calls for swift humanitarian diplomacy. With legal options exhausted, India must promptly arrange blood money and pursue back-channel talks for her release. If we can rescue citizens from war zones, why not a nurse wronged abroad? A swift, morally resolute intervention is the only befitting response from a nation that prides itself on protecting its daughters.

Harbinder S Dhillon, Una

No compromise on safety

Apropos of ‘Unsafe infra’, the recurring collapse of bridges across the nation raises serious concerns about construction quality, inspection rigour and systemic accountability. Rushing projects to meet deadlines often results in substandard execution and compromised safety. The focus must shift from speed and optics to durability, safety and public welfare. Contracts must be awarded purely on merit, technical expertise, competence and integrity, without any favouritism or other considerations. Accountability must go beyond builders and engineers to include officials responsible for approvals and oversight.

K Kumar, Panchkula

Govt must take responsibility

Refer to ‘11 killed as 40-yr-old Vadodara bridge gives way’; another preventable tragedy has struck. Seemingly, the Gujarat Government and the local authorities have become no wiser since the 2022 Morbi suspension bridge collapse. Relying on decades-old infrastructure sans proper maintenance is a sign of criminal negligence. Apparently, the state government is flush with funds to dole out freebies. However, one wonders why it counts its pennies when it comes to the safety of its citizens. The government ought to take accountability for such mishaps.

Aanya Singhal, Noida

Ground vintage Jaguar aircraft

Apropos of ‘2 pilots dead as Jaguar crashes in Rajasthan’; Jaguar aircraft have outlived their safe flying life. The reluctance to do course correction is putting precious lives of pilots in peril. Without a second thought, the government should immediately ground and phase out the 1979-vintage Jaguar aircraft. A country like Nigeria, which is economically far behind India, put these aircraft in museums long ago for the sake of safety of its pilots. What are we waiting for? Are we still going to wait till 2027-28 to phase them out? How many more lives will we put at risk?

RS Narula, Patiala

Govt’s tall claims fall flat

Defence procurement deals have always been under the scanner. The IAF chief recently pointed out that projects don’t meet timelines. Several projects involving manufacture of fighter jets are in progress in the domestic arena. Political parties coming to power at the Centre from time to time make tall claims that defence procurement will be expedited in order to equip our armed forces in the best possible way. But, the actual picture is different. It is high time that defence deals meet the qualitative and quantitative requirements of the armed forces. Obsolete or ageing equipment must be phased out as soon as possible.

Ravi Bhushan, Kurukshetra

Letters to the Editor