Indian poll bill will cost people dearly

India heads to the polls in the most expensive election yet. Readers ponder the implications of that and the prospects of the Aam Aadmi Party. Other topics: child car seats, UAE aid in Pakistan, newborn health screening and Dubai rents.

The anti-corruption Aam Aadmi Party will field candidates in India’s elections in April and May. AP Photo / Rafiq Maqbool

Your story, India's election campaign spending could touch $5bn (March 11), was an interesting read but alarming for the future economy of India.

Parties that spend huge amounts of money to retain their positions will seek to get back their investment, which means the people might not get good governance.

I believe all parties should be monitored so they only spend on essential items.

K Ragavan, India

It is not at all right to say the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in India was launched as a platform to fulfill Arvind Kejriwal’s political aspirations.

Every Indian knows Mr Kejriwal entered politics with no experience, and that in itself proved that he was going to have a tough time with mainstream political parties.

Corruption is a common scenario in politics in many parts of the world, and there was hardly anyone to spearhead a movement similar to that of Mr Kejriwal in India.

It was unfortunate that his movement failed to get enough backing from those parties that did have practical experience.

The AAP’s unexpected win in the Delhi Assembly elections created confidence for party workers that if they try, changes can be made.  However, it is difficult for parties in opposition to recognise such victories of a newcomer.

I believe that change is imminent and should happen. The forthcoming election should show this.

Ramachandran Nair, Oman

Child car seats will save lives, so why wait until 2015?

With regard to your story, Children's car seats 'may be law next year' (March 13), what I want to know is whether it is really going to be enforced?

How many times have we seen dangerous drivers who weave through traffic and drive on the hard shoulder and the police fail to intervene?

It was said more than two years ago that car seats should be compulsory. It was also said that children should not sit in the front on their parents’ knees, yet how many very young children do we see on even drivers’ knees or in the front on the passenger’s knee hanging out of an open window?

It is a matter of education. Let’s not forget that 30 years ago or less it was the same in European countries but through a combination of education and enforcement of laws, there were repercussions for those who did not comply.

No matter what country it is, without enforcement no law will be followed. And since this is a matter of safety, why should this wait until next year? It should become law immediately.

Tracy Ann Bishop, Abu Dhabi

UAE aid in Pakistan is heartwarming

With regard to your story, UAE food parcels for needy Pakistani families (March 13), about relief supplies going to 20,000 families in a famine-stricken district, it is heartbreaking to witness the plight of my fellow countrymen.

It is terrible to hear of children dying due to hunger, famine and poverty. The efforts of the UAE government are commendable.

It is due to this generosity and kindness that people in this particular region will be able to survive.

I sincerely hope that their misery will soon come to an end and I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the UAE rulers for helping the nation in such crucial times.

Fatima Suhail, Sharjah

Turning a tragedy into a better world

The story about the Dubai couple who set up a foundation to provide screening for newborn babies is amazing (Baby's death led to Foundation to help thousands of others, March 11).

I love it when people take personal tragedy and focus it as a force for good to help those less fortunate.

I wish them the best of luck with their venture. They’re changing the world and they’re part of what makes this a good place to live.

Kate Bell, Dubai

Dubai rent rises: a landlord’s view

In reference to your article, Landlord wants Palm Jumeirah tenants paying 50% below market rate to leave (March 13), I would like to contribute a landlord's alternative view.

You have the law, of which I have no intention of breaking. I am not a greedy landlord, just one that wants a fair rent. As Dubai grows, the city will become divided into good and bad locations and that’s why the very good Rera rent index reflects that.

But it is only for guidance purposes, so landlords cannot increase their rent to the index for their location, if you are 50 per cent under the index, and can only raise it by 20 per cent, you will never catch up.

Perhaps we need a reset day, where we can shift up to the lowest rent on the Rera index.

Alan Godfrey, Dubai