Solar security

This refers to ‘Realising solar power’s potential for energy security’ (March 23). The solar energy scheme, PM Suryaghar Muft Bijali Yojana, despite being cost-effective for the beneficiaries, is not attractive, due to bureaucratic lethargy and lack of public awareness.

The infrastructure to establish the panels and their accessories remains unutilised or underutilised. The beneficiaries need to be motivated and provided with the necessary support to establish the panels for the generation of solar power from their rooftop.

There should be more awareness programmes to push the scheme. Timely payment of the subsidy must be ensured.

VSK Pillai

Changanacherry

It is with reference to the news article ‘Realising solar power’s potential for energy security’ (March 23). Solar energy is crucial, sustainable and increasingly cost-effective energy source.

It provides long-term price stability, acting as a hedge against rising unpredictable costs of fossil fuels. While solar energy generation is limited to daylight hours and affected by weather conditions, the advanced battery technologies enable us its use, 24/7 making it a reliable long-term solution.

By generating more solar power, India could reduce its reliance on imported coal, oil and gas and insulate itself from supply disruptions caused by geopolitical factors. Solar energy is an inexhaustible domestic resource that adds diversity to the energy mix.

P Victor Selvaraj

Palayamkottai (TN)

Blessings in disguise

This refers to the article ‘Trump, Netanyahu and the stag hunt’ (March 23). The example of the hunt for the rabbit and deer is apt. The concluding para about the possibility of positive externality of an adverse event turning out a blessing in disguise also stands to logic.

A country that could evade responsibility for Hiroshima to Venezuela will have to face trial in the humanity’s court sooner than all of us think. There are no escape routes left.

MG Warrier

Mumbai

Futile move

Apropos “Demographic fixation” (March 23); the draft policy in Andhra Pradesh reflects a troubling cycle of demographic engineering. Incentives for larger families may appear supportive, yet they echo earlier coercive measures that undermined women’s autonomy and health. International experience shows that financial inducements rarely succeed in raising fertility, while structural inequities remain unaddressed.

The real challenge lies not in manipulating birth rates but in creating conditions where families feel secure. Strengthening healthcare, education, and employment opportunities would empower citizens far more than pronatalist schemes. Labour shortages can be met through migration and better workforce planning.

K. Chidanand Kumar

Bengaluru

Published on March 23, 2026