Proper consideration

The three Bills proposed by the BJP-led NDA government in the extended Budget session — to implement one-third reservation for women, expand legislative seats, and initiate fresh delimitation — have raised valid concerns among Opposition parties. While women’s reservation is a welcome and long-overdue reform, the framework surrounding delimitation warrants scrutiny. With a new Census reportedly underway, relying on outdated population data risks ignoring demographic changes and undermining equitable representation. Moreover, the redrawing of constituencies without adequate consultation raises questions about transparency. Decisions of such national importance must be based on consensus rather than unilateral action. The Union government should engage with Opposition parties to address these concerns and ensure a fair, credible, and widely accepted delimitation process.

M. Jeyaram

Tamil Nadu

Proud moment

Vaishali winning the Candidates in the women’s section in Cyprus is a proud moment for Indian chess (April 16, Sports page). Two Indians featuring in both the mens and women’s section of the FIDE championship finals is a reflection of the strong presence of Indians in world chess once dominated by east European nations. Ever since Viswanathan Anand started winning FIDE championships, Indian chess has progressed to great heights.

A.V. Narayanan

Chennai

On financial literacy

The editorial “Devious Menace” rightly exposes the coercive architecture of predatory loan apps that weaponise data and desperation. Regulatory tightening is necessary, but a deeper social corrective is overdue. India must cultivate a culture of part-time work among college students, on the lines of Western economies. Early engagement with work fosters financial independence, and a realistic understanding of credit. When young adults earn, budget, and save, they are less susceptible to the lure of instant, opaque borrowing. Financial literacy cannot remain abstract; it must be lived. Encouraging dignified student employment would be a durable antidote to the vulnerabilities these apps exploit.

Harsh Pawaria

Haryana