MyVoice: Views of our readers 6th August 2026

Be there for pensioners and retirees

Apropos your news report “Retired employees challenge mandatory 1.5% health scheme deduction”. A group of retired employees from Hanumakonda and a lab technician from Adilabad approached Telangana High Court seeking suspension of the orders that mandate 1.5% of basic pay/pension contribution to the health scheme. They have asked for a fair contribution model. Seeking cashless treatment is a long-standing demand of employees and pensioners. After several rounds of discussions with employees and pensioners associations’, the government has fixed 1.5 per cent of their monthly share for the new health scheme, which has since come to fruition. One must remember that many pensioners suffering from life threatening ailments could not afford quality treatment and lost their lives. At this stage, it is inadvisable for the beneficiaries to create inroads and stall the entire scheme, which is detrimental to their interest.

Dinanath Shenolikar, Hyderabad

Greater accountability in rice milling

This is further to the report that the Telangana government will conduct an audit of the custom milling rice system covering several years. This is a welcome step towards ensuring that public resources and food grains are handled responsibly. Rice procurement and milling involve farmers, millers and government agencies, making transparency important at every stage. Any delay, shortage or irregularity can ultimately affect farmers and the state’s finances. A detailed audit can help identify gaps in the existing system and prevent similar issues in the future. But then an audit should not stop with identifying irregularities. They should be pursued with stronger monitoring, timely action and better digital tracking of rice stocks and deliveries. The government must ensure that the system works efficiently while protecting the interests of farmers and the public.

M Nireekshita Pearl, Hyderabad

Put an end to adulteration in spices

This pertains to the report that 25 tonnes of spices with hazardous chemicals were seized in Hyderabad. Using industrial colours and fabric dyes in food is very dangerous and affects public health. I urge the food safety department to conduct strict inspections and punish the guilty. Meanwhile, as a precautionary measure, people should only buy from trusted shops.

Neha Yadav, Hyderabad

DDCA must probe flight plunge

Passengers on board Air India flight AI2379 from Phuket to Delhi had a miraculous escape on Tuesday after the Airbus A320 aircraft suddenly lost 300 feet in altitude due to severe mid-air turbulence. Eyewitness accounts are chilling. One lady passenger was thrown off her seat. There was blood on one male passenger, while many said that they had experienced death in the air and somehow survived. While the airline cited turbulence, this appears more like an engineering or technical failure. This incident requires an immediate and thorough investigation by DGCA. Passenger safety and aircraft maintenance standards of Air India must be reviewed on priority to prevent recurrence.

Ganti Venkata Sudhir, Secunderabad

Delays in infra projects causing hardship

I wish to express concern over the continued delays in the completion of the Kazipet flyover project. Infrastructure projects are undertaken to improve connectivity and ease traffic congestion, but prolonged delays can be counterproductive. Commuters are forced to endure traffic jams, longer travel times, and inconvenience due to unfinished construction work. Such delays not only affect productivity but also increase fuel consumption and pollution levels. The authorities must identify the reasons behind the delay and take immediate measures to expedite the project. Regular progress updates and greater accountability can help restore public confidence. Timely completion of public infrastructure projects is essential for urban development and the convenience of citizens.

Angel Chrysolite Borna, Hyderabad

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