Demonetisation has been badly implemented

A reader says the demonetisation programme in India has been poorly executed. Other topics: #healthyliving, border control and cats

A reader says the demonetisation programme in India has been poorly executed. Narinder Nanu / AFP

About a week ago, the government of India issued fresh instructions seeking details from customers with bank deposits of more than 5,000 rupees.

These were dropped due to protests. There have been frequent changes and flip-flops concerning deposits of old currency since the directive was made on November 8. According to one Indian media report, there were 60 changes to the rules in 43 days.

As an ordinary citizen, I am weary and befuddled. The changes have confused bank staff, too.

At times, the Indian government gives the impression of not having rudimentary knowledge of economics or how the banking system operates.

I have never seen such mismanagement of the economy at the national level since independence. The emergency declared by Indira Gandhi between 1975 and 1977 may have thrown the country into turmoil, but the management of demonetisation by the current government is much worse and has upset lives in villages and towns across the country.

The prime minister, Narendra Modi, had sought 50 days to give us a New India. The clock is ticking and those 50 days of grace will end soon, but there is no relief in sight.

The sops for rural areas will not assuage the pain of those who have suffered immensely. Nothing can bring back the 70 people who died in bank queues.

Clearly the government is losing control of the agenda. Instead of focusing on growth, job creation, infrastructure and building smart cities, it is squandering national time on half- baked projects such as demonetisation which are hurting ordinary, honest citizens.

Rajendra Aneja, Dubai

Prepare now for the post-oil era

I agree with the sentiments in UAE Vice President works to ensure country is ready for the future and its challenges (December 23).

Everyone needs to be prepared to work hard, because the oil industry alone will not be able to sustain livelihoods and lifestyles.

Name withheld by request

Malls should be healthy places

I refer to your Scene & Heard blog post Make your way around The Dubai Mall for free in an electric car (December 21).

Promoting this contradicts your #healthyliving campaign and the stories you write about walking and other exercise.

Walking around a mall is good exercise. In two days I have walked 23 kilometres, so why would I take a car or any form of transport to get around a mall?

However, I suppose it is a good idea for older people, those with additional needs and some toddlers.

T Milbourne, Abu Dhabi

This is perfect for the intrinsically lazy people out there – as if they need another excuse. However, I see a trip to the mall as a chance to get in some much-needed ­exercise in a cool place.

Sara Smith, Dubai

Not everybody is healthy enough to walk for a long time. I love walking but I have some problems with my feet at times, so I welcome this initiative.

Sam Bay, Dubai

Border control can be excessive

I don't agree with the behaviour of the woman mentioned in Canadian tried to smuggle pet cat into New Zealand (December 22).

However, I was berated, held for hours and fined at an airport in New Zealand when my 10-year-old son had an apple in the bottom of his backpack that we had totally and innocently forgotten about. The border agent was off-the-scale rude and it was quite an ordeal over a forgotten apple.

I understand that they are tight on customs security, but when it’s an obvious accident they should just take the contraband and let us all move on.

Angela Brooks, Canada

As if you could get something like a cat through the borders of New Zealand. It’s hard enough even getting food through let alone a live animal.

Good on the New Zealand officials. The reason it's such a beautiful country is because it is so well preserved. Jasmine Shaw, Abu Dhabi

Most pets behave better than some children on flights. I’d rather have my quiet pet on board than a noisy, naughty child. I hope the Canadians don’t land in too much hot water.

Carla Both, US