The prices of essential commodities are being artificially increased by retailers. One of the ways to counter this is by passive resistance. The general public can help by either curtailing consumption or judiciously regulating consumption. Buying thriftily and buying only when required and only as much as required will greatly help reduce prices. Retailers take advantage of the fact that the public starts hoarding more out of panic rather than out of necessity.

PV Rajshekharan

Mumbai

Boost to bamboo

The amendment to the Indian Forest Act 1927 which exempts requirement of a permit for harvesting and transporting bamboo grown in non-forest areas is a relief for farmers. The move will help farmers increase their income and create additional jobs in the bamboo-growing areas of Tripura, Manipur, Assam, Kerala, etc. Bamboo handicrafts are regularly exported, and the trade is expected to double.

A Sathyanarayana

New Delhi

Everyone must learn

This refers to ‘Dealing with robots and other realities’ by S Chandramohan (November 27). The common man should be made familiar with the processes of new ideas which involve radical changes from existing practices. The people will have to make themselves familiar with the new innovations. Demonetisation was an example of this. A lot of basic changes were introduced in the currency movement and non-availability of currencies created a difficult situation for ordinary people. Ideas like digital transformation are no less different. The Government has to take prior steps to educate people on the new processes.

TR Anandan

Coimbatore

Be objective

The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code 2016 was heralded as a magic bullet to tackle the mounting NPA menace (Editorial, ‘Bankruptcies and revivals’, November 27). However the apprehension expressed by many from the beginning to the effect that defaulters would find a way to get around the apparently stringent provisions of the Code and that it would turn out to be ineffective just like the the earlier measures such as DRT and the Sarfaesi Act, appears to be coming true.

It is absurd to believe that the new ordinance would eliminate the possibility of defaulters buying back their assets at rock bottom prices for they can still operate through representatives who are beyond the bar imposed by the ordinance. What is needed is an objective yardstick for allowing haircuts and a law for seizing the personal assets of wilful defaulters. In many cases the industries have turned sick but the owners have become more prosperous.

Manohar Alembath

Kannur, Kerala

Suspicious government

Does a citizen of India have no right to live without a mobile phone, internet connection or bank account? Mobile and internet connections are a must for Aadhaar. Why can’t a citizen keep money in cash? Why keep it in a bank account and pay heavy service charges? Does the Government wish to oblige the internet and mobile services sector and manufacturers of mobiles have roaring business by making Aadhaar compulsory?

I-T returns cannot be filed without Aadhaar, making email and mobiles compulsory. Aadhaar is needed every step of the way. Is it justified?

The Government just does not trust its citizens; this kind of thinking is dangerous and detrimental to democracy. Moreover, Aadhaar violates fundamental right of privacy. Once a citizen is a victim of Aadhaar misuse his life will be ruined. But the Government is forcing it on the illogical basis of security and on saving government finances. The Supreme Court must strike down Aadhaar in toto.

M Kumar

New Delhi

Erratum

The credit line for ‘Dealing with robotics and other realities’ (November 27) wrongly identified the writer as CEO of TAFE. S Chandramohan is CFO of TAFE. The error is regretted.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Send your letters by email to bleditor@thehindu.co.in or by post to ‘Letters to the Editor’, The Hindu Business Line, Kasturi Buildings, 859-860, Anna Salai, Chennai 600002.

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