This refers to ‘The real turnout’ (May 1). The record polling figures in recent Assembly elections deserve closer scrutiny. High percentages may suggest vibrant democracy, yet they partly reflect reduced voter rolls after the Special Intensive Revision. True participation must be measured by absolute votes, not percentages alone.

Electoral reforms should ensure that genuine voters are never excluded in the rush to update rolls. Credibility lies not in numbers but in inclusion, transparency, and trust in the process. The focus must shift from statistical triumphs to strengthening voter access and awareness.

Babu Krishna

Bengaluru

The rupee slide

The rupee has fallen significantly, hitting record lows against the US dollar. This depreciation, driven by global and domestic factors, has widespread implications for the economy, including higher import costs and inflationary pressures. Sectors like IT, pharma, textiles, and auto components, which earn in dollars, see higher rupee-denominated profits. NRIs gain more in rupee terms when sending money home, encouraging higher inflows. RBI interventions have managed to curb excess rupee volatility.

CR Krishnan

Ghaziabad, UP

Tech sovereignty

This refers to ‘Why India cannot afford to ignore tech sovereignty’ (May 1). When critical access depends entirely on the goodwill of a foreign service provider, sovereignty becomes conditional. India’s digital infrastructure has grown impressively, but its control over that infrastructure has not kept pace. The proposal for a National Technology Sovereignty Council is worth pursuing seriously. Coordinating disparate efforts under one permanent institution, with defined metrics and accountability, is far more practical than piecemeal responses.

Abbharna Barathi

Chennai

AI and lay-offs

This refers to ‘Is AI a mere cover to lay off staff?’ (May 1). When AI becomes the stated reason for restructuring that was already planned, it is not transformation — it is convenience with a technology label attached. The disclosure framework proposed here is practical and overdue. Routing AI-related lay-off disclosures through MCA and SEBI, on the same architecture already used for corporate filings, requires no new institution.

Mandatory advisory audits before large workforce reductions would separate genuine AI-driven productivity gains from earnings-call narratives.

Swathi Senthilkumar

Coimbatore

Published on May 1, 2026