Diplomacy dilemma

The invitation extended to Pakistan to attend Narendra Modi’s swearing-in ceremony has taken many by surprise. Although unexpected, it is a good beginning. The criticism from political adversaries is not guided by conviction.

However, it has put Nawaz Sharif in a fix. Just as those in India have upbraided Modi for inviting Sharif, there are people in Pakistan who have criticised Sharif for wanting to attend the function. If Sharif attends he will face flak, if he does not, his talk of improving relations with India will sound hollow.

KV Seetharamaiah

Hassan, Karnataka

Those attacking Modi for inviting Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa to his swearing-in ceremony are barking up the wrong tree. Their agitation has more to do with playing to the gallery to curry favour with local Tamil sentiments, and is not backed by reason or justification. The Tamils’ problems and concerns in Sri Lanka can only be addressed and resolved by engaging with the Sri Lankan authorities and keeping the channels of communication open. CG Kuriakose

Kothamangalam, Kerala

Not the whole story

With reference to “Inclusive growth, an exaggerated claim” by Raghav Gaiha and others (May 23), the analysis has its limitations. A dispassionate observer will find that people eat, dress and live relatively better than in the past. Yes, new poor continue to get added.

Since the population is rising, pockets of poverty will continue to remain. It’s not that people do not require further support to improve their lot. But in recent years the number of people who have moved to an enlightened growth trajectory is increasing.

In fact, there are several cases of children from poor backgrounds taking to professional education. While the scope for improvement persists, the claim of improved inclusive growth is not totally wrong. Efforts at poverty alleviation should be multiplied as the nation moves on.

KU Mada

Mumbai

Quick action

As rightly pointed out in the editorial “Riding on hope” (May 23), much depends on how and how quickly the new government builds on the high business sentiments to which its victory has also contributed. The challenge is enormous as will be the cost of failure.

Meeting such high hopes needs a number of quick economic, fiscal and procedural measures aimed at removing investment bottlenecks and creating a demand-supply equilibrium. Some changes in the BJP’s earlier postures would be expected. The Goods & Services Tax would call for better Centre-State relations. Add to this the perception of Modi as an obstinate ruler. Therefore, Modi’s initial actions must reflect a friendly and accommodative approach in dealing with the states and the opposition parties.

YG Chouksey

Pune

Spare the bankers

This is with reference to “Bad loans, a problem of bank attitude” by Ramnath Pradeep (May 23). The priority performance parameter in any bank is NPA management, as it has multiple effects on the business as well as the bottomline performance of banks. It is not only banks that create NPAs, it is the system and the rules. Our laws are not punitive. They allow a business to become a non-performing asset but the businessman to be wealthy. A defaulter is rewarded with debt restructuring, interest concession and elongated repayment schedule, whereas a regular borrower is made to pay up to the last paisa. This encourages borrowers to allow their accounts to slip into NPA rather than try to plug the deficiencies.

PSBs are averse to taking risky and timely decisions, because of the vigilance machinery breathing down their necks. Fearing reprisals, there is a defensive attitude to rules, rather an a decisive one. The PSB bankers at lower levels are doing an excellent job which should not be undermined.

S Veeraraghavan

Madurai

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