Golden eggs

This is with reference to ‘PSUs that investors would love to own’ by Aarati Krishnan (July 13). Despite being maligned, many of the PSUs have done fairly well. Besides generating profits, they are providing employment to large numbers. Continuous negative news has resulted in their low public perception. The impending disinvestment of these golden geese will help the Government raise funds and give citizens the option to own them. However, whether this will improve these institutions remains to be seen.

Rahul J Gautam

Bengaluru

It is not fair to call all PSUs capital-guzzling ‘white elephants’. Many give handsome returns to the Government. Earning profits alone should not be the goal of PSUs. They should provide service to the public especially when private companies target handsome profits at the cost of public convenience. There are many more areas where PSUs can open units.

TR Anandan

Coimbatore

Government should not be in the business of business. Having said that, the large amounts collected from share / stake sale after disinvestment should be utilised for projects that will benefit large sections of society, especially those who cannot access expensive services. These funds should make privatisation meaningful.

K George Varghese

Kochi

The writer has rightly pointed out that there are many PSUs making good profits. In fact PSUs are in a better position to do well because of government support and policy. Whatever loss-making PSUs there are is because of mismanagement, corruption and political interference. The biggest advantage PSUs have is their huge land bank in prime areas. No wonder investors want their shares.

K Ashok Kumar

Kolkata

It is a thought-provoking article. Clearly not all PSUs can be brushed with the same tar. It is gratifying that PSUs such as HAL, IRCTC and others have performed well. The railways are going places, and the Tejas LCA is a feather in HAL’s cap. Divestment should not be effected at the drop of a hat

RK Sridharan

Chennai

Unique opportunity

This refers to the editorial, ‘Making RCEP work’ (July 13). Regional economic and free trade blocks such as RCEP will define the global economic order of the future.It will provide impetus to revitalise India’s export sector. Engagement with the so-called ‘Asian Tigers’ of South-East Asia is vital for India’s export-oriented companies. Indian software, pharma and manufacturing industries will enjoy greater engagement under RCEP. India needs to increase its share of global trade, and export more finished goods to international markets. Moreover, under the Act East policy of the Indian government and RCEP, there is a unique opportunity to increase regional connectivity with the South East Asian and Pacific regions.

Gaurav Singhal

Rewari, Haryana

Helmet diplomacy

The move in Kerala and Kolkata to refuse petrol if a two-wheeler rider doesn’t wear a helmet is welcome. In Kolkata, traffic police have put up a picture of a tortoise with the legend: “Even the slowest animal knows how important a helmet is.” The problem is even if wearing a helmet is made compulsory, people buy cheap quality helmets and this defeats the purpose. Many hang their helmets on the rear-view mirror as if the mirror needs protection. Riders should desist from speaking on mobile phones while wearing the helme.

TS Karthik

Chennai

Consider the common man

The chief statistician’s contention that the GDP estimate is accurate and can be justified by providing back series data from previous years may be true but one has to consider practical realities. Back series data may appease the politician with the promise of growth but it will never address the common man’s issues. Growth needs to be consistent every day in line with the projection. 

Vikram Sundaramurthy

Chennai

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