The Hindu Business Line : GDP growth

This with reference to the editorial "Heady, growth but." (Business Line, July 2). But mere GDP growth may not solve the problem of unemployment or improve the standard of living ofthe rural and urban poor. Perhaps it was the mistake committed by the previous NDA Government in projecting `India shining' and `feel good' factor on the basis of percentages and forex reserves. A correction to this approach is necessary.

Addressing the State Chief Ministers, the Prime Minister emphasised on decentralisation. And his visit to Andhra and meeting the distressed farmers had given him first hand information and boost to the farming community. His promises on education, drinking water, housing and especially minor irrigation tanks open the window to rural development. It is essential that funds should reach panchayats, they should have the power to tax to create further income and a proper structure is to be built up for the implementation.

A. Jacob Sahayam

Thiruvananthapuram

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