Comments
This is with reference to the editorial, ‘Breaking new frontiers’ (June 27). ISRO’s success is due, in large measure, to its being practically free from a meddling bureaucracy. Scientists have repaid the trust of the nation, repeatedly. The PL480 era of a food-starved nation was redeemed by our agri scientists without babudom’s hegemony. The defence equipment research and manufacturing sector, on the other hand, had always been put down by the arms purchase lobbies.
The case for privatisation of many public sector engagements has long been argued, yet we’ve squandered opportunities regarding Air India. Private enterprise has put Indian IT on top. The Government must learn to keep away from research institutions so they can be groomed to be like ISRO.
R Narayanan
Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh
Fix responsibility
This refers to ‘For a nuanced policy on bad debts’ by S Adikesavan (June 27). Accountability for non-classification of NPAs should be fixed not only on the executives of banks but also on RBI nominees who occupied the boards of these banks. Regarding the importance of core sector financing advocated by the chairperson of SBI, it was a policy error to convert ICICI and IDBI to universal banks from their role of developmental banks. Resources and deployment of funds are different for developmental institutions. Instead of allowing the present set of commercial banks to fund infrastructure, we need to develop separate financial institutions for development financing.
S Kalyanasundaram
The term ‘bad loan is a misnomer. Ít’s the circumstances and policies that render a loan non-performing. The Chinese manipulation of prices hit the steel sector. The 2G scam made telecom sector suffer. The coal scam dislocated power sector. Banks had little role to play in these external risks.
What is today a performing asset is classified as NPA tomorrow and again as performing the day after. Bankers spend more energy and time on classification as any lapse is more punitive than actual non-recovery of NPA. The international norms of NPA classification do not suit our economy. Of course, Basle compliance is good for Indian banks, but we should not kill our industry as a result. Banks are here not only to finance for retail, they have to be in infrastructure also.
S Veeraraghavan
Coimbatore
Tank up on rainwater
In the context of anxiety about the progress of the monsoon in Mumbai and possible water scarcity, here is a suggestion. Most of the buildings in the city have overhead tanks on the terrace. During the monsoon period they may be kept open, playing the role of catchment areas. Besides storing water, this will help avoid water-logging and floods on roads. There will be a lower consumption of electricity for pumping water to the tank. It seems there’s some such system in the Maldives.
A Seshan
Mumbai
Less women
According to a study, in the last 10 years, the number of women in the workforce in India fell by 10 per cent. There is no denying that more working women means a better standard of living (in economic terms) for families. But women who do not join the labour force can raise their children well, take care of the family and enhance gross domestic happiness in society.
S Ramakrishnasayee
Ranipet, Tamil Nadu
Rights and responsibilities
The recent brouhaha over the certification of a movie raises broader issues. Those in the film industry need to appreciate that in India, they are working with a very powerful medium, given the demi-god status that many in the industry enjoy and the young people imitate the actions of heroes. On-screen smoking is mostly banned or needs to be accompanied by an appropriate warning. Obviously any issue of creative freedom has been rightly cast aside in the interest of common good. Players would do well to keep in mind their larger responsibilities. Freedom of expression may often have to give way to the larger good.
V Vijaykumar
Pune
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.
Comments
COMMENT NOW
Comments
Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide by our community guidelines for posting your comments.
We have migrated to a new commenting platform. If you are already a registered user of TheHindu Businessline and logged in, you may continue to engage with our articles. If you do not have an account please register and login to post comments. Users can access their older comments by logging into their accounts on Vuukle.