Articles and letters may be edited for the purposes of clarity and space. They are published in good faith with a view to enlightening all the stakeholders. However, the contents of these writings may not necessarily match the views of the newspaper.
Group insurance scheme
A notification was recently issued by finance department of Sindh government, stating that from July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2020, the government employees of grade 1 to 20 and above who died during or after retirement will be compensated under the group insurance scheme.
Under this scheme, the Sindh government has also increased compensation for government servants who have died on or after retirement from July 1, 2020.
On the other hand, it is surprising that such a unilateral decision of the Sindh government has frustrated and disappointed government servants who have retired from July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2020, because the PPP’s provincial government has announced compensation only for deceased government employees which is undoubtedly injustice to retired civil servants who are alive.
The group insurance must be granted to every retired government employee whether he or she dies during the services or is alive after retirement, because charges of group insurance scheme are deducted from salaries of all government employees every month.
The Sindh government’s decision to grant compensation to only deceased retired government employees is beyond understanding.
The retired civil servants have protested several times for induction in group insurance scheme yet PPP’s provincial government has failed to resolve this genuine matter.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah is requested to review group insurance scheme and also grant compensation under this scheme to retired government servants.
IMTIAZ JUNEJO
Hyderabad
Child abuse
Everyday, we see news of child being abused in many parts of the country. A study has revealed that male minors who are under the age of 10 years are in great danger of becoming victims of sexual abuse.
Study of reported cases has revealed that children particularly who are in the age bracket of 6-10 years and 11-15 years are most vulnerable to sexual abuse as compared to girls. Girls in age group of 3-5 and 16-18 years are in great danger to become victim of sexual abuse.
There are many reasons for not reporting of these cases, one is we have culture that we should remain silent as our family reputation will be tarnished. Second is lack of awareness of law.
It is not easy to control this menace in a blink of an eye. But some solutions can be adapted. As to tackle down this issue, public debates on the issue and policy implementation is need the hour.
Awareness of law regarding child abuse should be made. Children must know that no any place is safe for them and if any wrong happened they must inform the parents.
Government must play a role to stop this menace by strictly implementing laws regarding child abuse.
MUJEEB-UR-RAHMAN
Karachi
Soaring
steel prices
The construction industry saw a massive boom during last two years, however this prodigious construction activity also resulted in steep increase in price of construction material in particular steel prices.
This is a common phenomena in Pakistan whenever any sector shows progressive growth the prices jump.
Rather providing relief to masses to contribute to its growth. Experts associate a number of factors with this increase like depreciation of rupee against dollar, decrease in import, coupled with massive demand at national level and increasing prices of steel in global market.
A real estate expert in an interview on a private TV channel gave good suggestion that if you are constructing house on a budget, it would be advisable to halt projects temporarily as government is self-regulating the sector and results seem to be coming in shortly. Another way is to allow import of steel with zero duty to stabilise local prices.
ADNAN ALI MUGHAL
Islamabad
Hazards for women
Pakistan is a country where a woman is respected and where dignity of women is considered to be foremost.
A place where security of women is tremendously important is now seemed to be losing its credentials. Women are no longer safe in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. It is now becoming a state where safety and security of women is at stake.
Steep rise in cases of rape, domestic violence, harassment and sexual abuse are reported daily. It is an alarming situation that needs to be highlighted and curbed with an iron hand.Moreover, victims have to bear the brunt that has altered their whole world.
In spite of being innocent, women have to suffer the assault for the rest of their lives and pay a heavy price.
On the other hand, society, regardless of knowing the truth, starts cursing the victims as if they are responsible for the whole anecdote.
They criticise and blame the victims by saying, things like ‘she got raped because she was wearing jeans’, ‘she wore a skirt and had makeup on, hence got raped’ and so forth.
NEHA ALI DHAREJO
Larkana, Sindh
Never lose hope
Every person goes through many ups and downs in life. Some people think of quitting because they lose hope. They think they cannot do it.
Failing once does not mean there is nothing left in life. There’s always a chance waiting for you. Whether you are a school going kid or a business owner never lose hope, you can work towards your betterment by regaining your motivation.
You can get motivation through listening to motivational speakers, by reading positive quotes and then learn to tackle challenges one by one.
Motivation will help you give your best during every situation of life. It helps you focus on your goal based on values and skills.
HUSSNA ANSARI
Lahore
