Sanchar Saathi app
The most secretive manner in which the government mandated the preloading of the Sanchar Saathi app in smartphones raises questions. It is stunning now that the Department of Telecommunications has withdrawn its directive after an uproar. Why this hanky- panky by the government?
It has become a habit of the government of the day to bring in such instruments that are detrimental to the privacy of the people and make a somersault once there is a hue and cry, which exposes the real intentions.
Tharcius S. Fernando,
Chennai
Kochi and pollution
I write this letter as a former Member of Parliament. Kochi, the commercial capital of Kerala, is increasingly being engulfed by a dangerous blanket of smog, triggering widespread respiratory ailments. No one will forget the Brahmapuram waste plant fire of 2023. It is imperative that the authorities consult experts in environmental management to identify the root causes behind this persistent smog. One of the likely contributors to Kochi’s worsening air quality is the burning of waste — including plastic — across various parts of the city. Reducing air pollution requires institutional action and civic responsibility.
Richard Hay,
Maradu, Kerala
Website issue
The Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System site (https://pgportal.gov.in/), the official platform for filing grievances against government departments, does not work. For several weeks now, the site has been unresponsive, the login (via OTP and password) does not work, and even the official support email address freezes. The government must ensure that the grievance system meant to serve the people works at all times.
Prakash N.,
Vellore, Tamil Nadu
Published – December 04, 2025 12:24 am IST
