Safeguarding the voter

Rectifications, revisions and reforms are a sine qua non for every dynamic society. But in making such revisions, the sovereignty of the nation must take precedence over the interests of the ruling regime. The quintessence of democracy lies in listening to and giving voice to every eligible citizen. It was with this aim that the Magna Carta was sealed at Runnymede in 1215. “Vox populi, vox Dei” — I heard this in my childhood. Today, I understand how the meanings of populi and Dei have shrunk to refer to partisan voters and political rulers. Moreover, exclusionary exercises can never lead to cohesive societies; inclusive ones can. When lakhs of eligible voters risk being arbitrarily denied their right to vote, amid concerns about possible wrongful exclusions and alleged mala fide actions, a miscarriage of justice calls for urgent corrective measures (Editorial page, October 9). The entire Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise should be halted until these concerns are adequately addressed. The nation’s anxieties must be allayed through cordial and focused debates. Developing a framework is our task. Caution is the watchword.

Rakesh Mohan Sharma,

Pathankot, Punjab

Jeffrey Archer

Jeffrey Archer’s human drama reminds us what narrative truly demands: pulse, grit, and visceral friction. His handwritten drafts and lived tensions demonstrate that polished algorithms can never duplicate the raw, erratic heartbeat of genuine craft.

Harsh Pawaria,

Rohtak, Haryana

A destination for talent

The reported suspension of green-card filings in the U.S. is a reminder that professional success abroad does not always guarantee long-term security. Skilled workers deserve clear rules and predictable processes. India, meanwhile, must strengthen its research institutions, workplaces and career opportunities so that returning home becomes a genuine choice, not a reluctant last resort.

K.R. Gagan,

Tumkuru, Karnataka

The U.S. suspension of PERM applications for major Indian IT companies is a matter of concern for thousands of skilled professionals whose careers depend on employer-sponsored permanent residency. The U.S. has every right to enforce its immigration and labour laws, but allegations of misuse should be established through transparent investigation and due process rather than broad measures affecting genuine employers and workers.

Earlier concerns, including Elon Musk’s criticism of outsourcing firms allegedly exploiting the H-1B system, also highlight the need to distinguish abuse from legitimate recruitment of specialised talent.

Indian IT companies must ensure transparency in recruitment, wages, visa sponsorship and labour practices. They should reduce excessive dependence on overseas work permits by expanding high-value operations in India and investing in AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing and advanced engineering.

The Indian government should pursue sustained diplomatic engagement with Washington for predictable rules. India must also turn this uncertainty into an opportunity to create sophisticated technology jobs at home. A fair system should protect American workers while keeping the door open to genuine global talent.

A. Myilsami,

Coimbatore