However, I think somewhere the campaign only appears to be talking of ICDS as the solution for tackling the issue of malnutrition. Our depressing record in centrally managing such services fails to enthuse the general public. There are indeed no instant solutions to such chronic problems, but the “reputation” of having the highest number of malnourished children is reason enough for out-of-the-box thinking.

If the alliance engaged in dialogue with the people in areas where malnutrition is rampant, solutions could emerge locally — for example, community kitchens.

— Nidhi Prabha Tewari

Delhi

Still a men’s world

• When nearly 50 per cent of the population are women, then why did the women’s reservation bill take 12 years to be tabled in the Rajya Sabha, even after its introduction in the Lok Sabha? Because men are going to have the final word on reservations meant for women. The Samajwadi Party members’ behaviour in the Rajya Sabha during the introduction of the bill was shocking, to say the least. Now the RJD too is threatening to oppose the legislation.

— Bidyut K. Chatterjee

Faridabad