The article, “Jobless growth becomes systemic” (Editorial page, July 12), raises an issue being overlooked. The fact that the female workforce is the one to suffer the most is expected in a country which is predominantly patriarchal. Women do face a doublewhammy: of exclusion from the workforce and, once in the system, discrimination of various forms. More importantly, as far as the agriculture sector is concerned and a major contributor to the GDP, the fall in farmer numbers is distressing. We must not forget that this sector is also a key employment sector for rural women.

Pinnenty Mrudula,

Bengaluru

The article needs to be read along with the Editorial, “Tread with caution” (July 12). The cold facts and figures of unemployment and the ills of diluting labour laws, euphemistically in the name of ease of doing business, do not augur well for the Indian working class. It will not be out of place to mention here a report, “State of Working India”, which shows that 92% women and 82% men in the unorganised sector earn less than ₹10,000 per month. The Global Wealth Report of the Credit Suisse Research Institute (2018) shows that the top 1% Indians hold 51.5% of the country’s wealth, the top 10% own 77.4% while 60% Indians fade away holding 4.7%. In the Budget speech, the Finance Minister described India Inc. as a creator of wealth, ignoring agriculturists and the rest — proof on whose side the government is. These disparities and income inequalities are bound to widen with the present government toeing the line of the affluent. Combined with a dilution of labour laws, one is sure to have a labour force facing a perennial threat of exploitation and retrenchment.

G.B. Sivanandam,

Coimbatore

The government appears to be a one-man led army, with a Utopian view of our country’s future. The biggest issue now is a shrinking of the labour force and growing unemployment. Unemployment is a problem in urban and rural India regardless of gender. Though education levels may be improving, job opportunities are scarce. Finally, does the labour force have the skills/awareness of opportunities in various job fields?

Keziah Mariam Jayan,

Bengaluru