The recent budget announced by the Indian finance minister, focusing mainly on farmers and the agricultural sector, was indirectly aimed at the 2019 general elections. Salaried people and the middle class class were not the priority. It is painful to note that while senior citizens receiving a pension were granted exemptions on interest for up to 50,000 rupees, those not receiving a pension and surviving on fixed deposits were completely ignored. As a senior citizen I am completely disappointed with this budget.
K Ragavan, India
It is time to take tough action against polluting lorries
In response to your article UAE needs 'toxicity tax' on high polluting vehicles, industry head says (January 29), I wonder if it might not be a good idea to start getting rid of all those old heavy lorries and buses that don't have any emission filters? Seeing the amount of black smoke coming out of their exhausts is shocking.
Bastian Feix, Dubai
An honest conversation is overdue about education
Please refer to your far-sighted editorial, Do universities have a responsibility to train students for the workplace? (February 1). Yes, the primary aim of a university education should be to train students for effective careers in the government, industry and manufacturing. Students need jobs after graduation. University education should be practice-oriented. Universities should try to get practising professionals as visiting faculty members, to give students a real-view of life. Case studies, which are widely used in American universities covering live business and economic issues, also bring realism to the classroom. A university education should enable a youngster to stand on his or her own feet after graduation.
Raju Aneja, Dubai
With reference to your story Head of UAE's biggest law firm says many graduates are not ready for the workplace (30 January). Having spent nine years working in the UAE's school improvement projects, I believe an honest conversation needs to take place, or else the deep and necessary changes will never happen. Essam Al Tamimi is right, and his honesty and overall assessment is refreshing.
Ali McDonald, Dubai
Human fragility is the root of addiction among us all
I refer to your story Stigma can cause addiction-related health issues to go unnoticed in UAE, say experts (January 30). This problem exists in all parts of the world. Even the UAE is not immune to it. This problem stems from human fragility. It is therefore better to combat it with education. The government should invest in and back media campaigns on the life-ruining effects of drugs.
Aysah Elisabeth Meel, Abu Dhabi
