This refers to ‘Rural digital push’ (June 24). The Centre’s initiative on allocation of ₹150 crore for promoting digital agriculture is commendable. Of the key factors responsible for its proliferation, digital infrastructure, device affordability and digital literacy play vital roles. While there is no dearth of infrastructure as of now, which has reached almost every rural pocket, affordability of smartphones by all and possessing basic digital literacy among rural masses influence the plan of digital push. The Centre can plan in bringing out a low cost model of smartphones with basic features. The Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan, which was discontinued by the Centre two years ago, has to be revived to help improve digital literacy among rural masses, especially among women.

RV Baskaran

Pune

Improving TN’s finances

This refers to the editorial ‘Troubled finances’ (June 24). At a time when revenues from various sources are declining, the Tamil Nadu government is right in focussing on revenue reforms. However, fiscal prudence can be achieved only if unproductive expenditures are contained. Most importantly, the government must prevent its debt burden from ballooning. By investing more aggressively in industrial infrastructure and creating a conducive environment for investment, the State government can stimulate growth, expand its revenue base, and gradually reduce the disproportionate burden of interest payments relative to capital expenditure. For the next five years, the biggest challenge will be to fulfil its poll promises while ensuring that its debt remains within sustainable limits.

S Lakshminarayanan

Ko-Puvanur, Vriddhachalam Taluk, TN

Margin trading

This refers to ‘RBI’s timely move on margin trade’ (June 24). The concern is well-placed. Margin trading expanding to retail investors is not inherently problematic, but the risk concentrates quickly when the margin book grows faster than the quality of collateral backing it. Bank lending to capital markets crossing ₹2.81 lakh crore deserves regulatory attention, not reassurance. SEBI and RBI need better real-time coordination on broker exposure data before the next bout of market volatility tests the system seriously.

SM Jeeva

Chennai

El Nino contingency plans

Apropos ‘Crops in 111 districts most vulnerable to monsoon deficit, says Govt’ (June 24). Plantation crops need a specific and foolproof plan in view of its annual/biannual cropping culture. With reservoir levels at its lowest, groundwater depleted, water for human and livestock getting priority, the government must immediately implement plans to supply treated water from urban localities so as to save delicate plantation crops, which cannot be revived once they wither.

Rajiv Magal

Halekere Village, Karnataka

Published on June 24, 2026